The equity benchmarks closed lower on Friday as BSE Sensex fell 296 points, while the Nifty 50 settled below the 25,350 level, snapping a brief recovery seen earlier in the session.
Selling pressure was seen across banking, auto and metal stocks, while selective buying supported FMCG and pharmaceutical shares. Weak global cues and a sharp fall in the rupee also weighed on market sentiment.
Among Sensex gainers, ITC, Sun Pharma, Nestlé India, HUL, and Power Grid ended higher, supported by defensive buying and stock-specific interest. FMCG stocks gained as investors moved towards safer pockets of the market.
On the losers’ side, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, JSW Steel, IndusInd Bank, and L&T declined, dragging the benchmarks lower. Auto and metal stocks faced selling pressure due to concerns over demand and global growth.
The broader market also remained weak, with midcap and smallcap indices closing in the red, reflecting cautious investor positioning. Sectorally, banking, auto and metals underperformed, while FMCG and pharma showed relative resilience.
The rupee slipped to a record closing low against the US dollar, adding to pressure on equities, especially import-dependent sectors. Market participants remained cautious ahead of upcoming economic data and policy developments.
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