The market ended marginally higher on Monday as gains in select heavyweight stocks, including Titan and Bajaj Finance, helped offset losses in State Bank of India and Eternal. The cautious session reflected investor concerns over crude oil prices, global geopolitical tensions and upcoming inflation data.
The BSE Sensex closed 43.27 points, or 0.06 per cent, higher at 78,542.44, while the NSE Nifty 50 rose 13.15 points, or 0.05 per cent, to finish at 24,583.80. Both indices remained largely range-bound during the session after giving up much of their early gains.
The Sensex opened on a positive note, rising more than 100 points, while the Nifty moved above the 24,590 level. However, buying momentum weakened as investors remained cautious at higher levels. The benchmarks eventually settled with only modest gains.
Titan was among the biggest gainers on the Sensex, rising 2.57 per cent during the session. Bajaj Finance and Bajaj Finserv also ended among the stronger performers, while Tata Steel, Asian Paints and Infosys supported the benchmark. Infosys had gained around 1.67 per cent in early trade, while Tata Steel was up more than 1.5 per cent.
On the losing side, State Bank of India was among the notable laggards. Eternal, NTPC, ITC and Tata Consultancy Services also ended lower, limiting the broader market’s gains. The mixed performance highlighted the selective nature of buying in the market.
Beyond the benchmark indices, several individual stocks witnessed sharp movements following quarterly results and company-specific developments.
Vedanta Oil and Gas was one of the standout gainers, with its shares jumping more than 12 per cent during the session to around Rs 39.30 on the BSE. The stock had faced pressure following its first-quarter earnings but recovered strongly during Monday’s trade.
Paytm was another notable gainer, with its shares climbing more than 8 per cent following a favourable brokerage view. The sharp rise reflected renewed investor interest in the stock.
Power Finance Corporation, however, was among the prominent losers. Its shares fell around 5 per cent to a four-month low after its first-quarter earnings disappointed investors. Raymond Realty also came under pressure, declining about 10 per cent despite reporting a 37 per cent rise in total income to Rs 536 crore.
The sectoral picture remained mixed. Realty stocks attracted buying interest, while public sector bank stocks faced selling pressure. Information technology stocks also remained in focus, with investors watching earnings, valuations and foreign fund flows.
Market volatility increased during the session, with India VIX rising more than 2 per cent. The increase indicated that traders remained cautious despite the benchmark indices staying in positive territory.
Crude oil prices were another concern for investors. Brent crude rose 1.32 per cent to $84.65 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 1.04 per cent to $78.99. Market participants continued to monitor developments around the Strait of Hormuz and the risk of disruption to global oil supplies.
Higher crude prices remain a concern for India because the country depends heavily on imported oil. A sustained increase in energy costs could affect inflation, corporate margins and the country’s external balance.
Domestic economic data is expected to provide the next major trigger for Indian equities. Investors are awaiting India’s July consumer price inflation and wholesale price inflation figures, along with foreign exchange reserves data. The numbers could influence expectations around monetary policy and interest rates.
Global cues will also remain important. US inflation data due later this week is being closely watched for indications about the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate path. Expectations of a possible US rate cut have strengthened following weaker-than-expected US jobs data.
Foreign investor activity in the IT sector has offered some support. Foreign portfolio investors invested around Rs 3,358 crore in Indian IT stocks during July, marking their first net investment in the sector this year. The buying indicates renewed interest in IT stocks after their recent underperformance.
The Q1 FY27 earnings season remains another key driver for individual stocks. Investors are focusing on revenue growth, margins, management commentary and future guidance as more companies announce their quarterly results.
For the Nifty, the 24,500 level remains an important support zone. Analysts are also watching the 24,700-24,800 region as the next major resistance area. A sustained move above this range could improve sentiment and open the way towards 25,000, while a break below 24,500 could trigger further profit-taking.
For now, the market remains cautiously positive. Gains in Titan, Bajaj Finance and other select stocks are providing support, while losses in SBI, Eternal and other index heavyweights are keeping the broader advance in check.
Monday’s session therefore reflected a market waiting for stronger triggers. Investors are likely to track inflation data, crude prices, global markets, foreign fund flows and corporate earnings before taking larger positions.