New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- Indian stock market stayed higher for the fifth straight session on Wednesday, as expectations of a proposed cut in GST rates across key categories boosted hopes of a demand recovery in the economy, continuing to support the rally on Dalal Street even as the deadline for an additional 25% US tariff hike fast approaches.

The five-day rally also helped the Nifty 50 reclaim the psychological 25,000 mark, closing at 25,050, gaining 0.23% The index was last seen at this level on July 24, 2025. It first crossed the 25,000 mark in August 2024 and later scaled 26,000 to register an all-time high of 26,277.

The muted performance of India Inc. in the June quarter, which failed to justify expensive valuations, coupled with he...