Markets traded with high volatility on Wednesday, as the BSE Sensex swung between gains and losses through the session, while the Nifty 50 slipped below the crucial 25,750 mark, signalling cautious investor sentiment.
Selling pressure intensified as the session progressed, led by sharp losses in IT stocks. The Nifty IT index fell nearly 6%, making it the worst-performing sector of the day. Major IT stocks such as Infosys, TCS, Wipro and HCL Tech were among the top losers, hurt by weakness in US technology stocks and concerns over near-term demand outlook.
Auto and metal stocks also witnessed selling pressure, adding to the weakness in benchmarks. Stocks like Tata Motors, JSW Steel and Hindalco traded lower as investors stayed cautious on global growth prospects. Broader markets mirrored the weak sentiment, with mid-cap and small-cap indices trading in the red amid heightened volatility.
On the positive side, select FMCG and banking stocks helped limit deeper losses. Hindustan Unilever, ITC and Nestlé India were among the key gainers, supported by defensive buying. In the banking space, heavyweight stocks such as HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank showed mild gains, providing some stability to the indices.
Global cues remained mixed, with Asian markets trading unevenly after overnight weakness in US tech stocks. While optimism over recent international trade developments had lifted markets earlier, investors chose to book profits in the absence of fresh triggers. Ongoing uncertainty around global interest rates and geopolitical tensions also weighed on sentiment.
Investors are closely watching developments related to the Union Budget, corporate earnings announcements and global macro signals for further cues. Market experts said near-term movement is likely to remain range-bound, with stock-specific action and sector rotation driving trade.