Indian equity benchmarks ended Thursday’s trading session on a flat and cautious note, with limited movement in either direction amid mixed global cues. The Sensex closed 78 points lower at 84,482, while the Nifty settled almost unchanged at around 25,816, as investors refrained from taking aggressive positions.
Markets opened on a subdued note after GIFT Nifty indicated a flat start, tracking weakness in US and Asian markets overnight. Sentiment remained fragile through the day, with global uncertainty and the absence of strong domestic triggers keeping indices range-bound.
Sector-wise performance was mixed. IT stocks emerged as the key gainers, lending support to the benchmarks as investors selectively bought large-cap technology names. Aviation and healthcare services stocks also traded higher. However, these gains were capped by selling pressure in pharma, auto, metal, oil and gas, media and capital goods stocks, which dragged on overall market performance.
On the stock-specific front, InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo), Max Healthcare, TCS, Infosys and Tech Mahindra were among the top gainers on the Nifty, supported by sector strength and defensive buying. In contrast, Sun Pharma, Power Grid Corporation, Tata Steel, Bajaj Auto and Asian Paints featured among the key losers, weighed down by profit booking and weak sector sentiment.
The broader market remained muted, with mid-cap and small-cap stocks showing mixed trends, highlighting a cautious risk appetite among investors. Market participants largely focused on selective buying rather than broad-based accumulation.
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