The equity indices ended lower on Tuesday, snapping a four-session winning streak as investors booked profits in heavyweight stocks and remained cautious ahead of key global developments.
The BSE Sensex fell 104 points to close at 80,582, while the NSE Nifty 50 slipped below the 24,400 mark to settle at 24,379. The market opened on a firm note and traded in positive territory during the first half of the session before surrendering gains amid late selling in select blue-chip counters.
Shares of Trent, Reliance Industries, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank and Bajaj Finance were among the biggest drags on the benchmark indices, pulling the market lower in the final hours of trade. Profit booking in these heavyweight stocks weighed on overall investor sentiment.
On the other hand, Eternal (formerly Zomato), Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Hindalco Industries and NTPC emerged among the top gainers, supported by buying in metal and select energy stocks. Strength in the metal pack helped limit broader market losses despite weakness in financial and consumer-focused counters.
Market participants remained cautious as they awaited further clarity on global trade developments, the trajectory of interest rates and the upcoming corporate earnings season. Investors also monitored movements in crude oil prices and foreign institutional investor (FII) activity, both of which continue to influence domestic market sentiment.
Broader markets presented a mixed picture, with sectoral indices closing in varied territory. Metal stocks outperformed, while financial services and consumer discretionary stocks witnessed selling pressure.
Despite Tuesday’s decline, market experts believe investors are likely to remain focused on quarterly earnings, domestic economic data and global cues over the coming weeks. They advise investors to stay selective and maintain a long-term approach as markets navigate near-term volatility and shifting global sentiment.
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