Indian equity markets ended a volatile session on wednesday , where the Sensex declined by around 120 points, while the Nifty50 settled near the 23,900 mark after briefly touching the 24,000 level before slipping back under pressure from heavyweight stocks.
Markets remained range-bound as investors tracked global uncertainties, particularly escalating geopolitical tensions involving the US–Iran situation, which kept crude oil prices volatile. The Sensex moved between an intraday high near 24,000 and a low around 23,850, reflecting cautious sentiment and a lack of strong domestic triggers.
Sector-wise, performance was mixed. Buying interest in realty, metals, consumer durables, media, and select PSU stocks helped cushion the broader decline. Realty and metal stocks were among the top performers, supported by selective accumulation and steady domestic demand expectations. Marico also featured among notable gainers in the consumer space, adding strength to defensive buying.
On the other hand, pressure in heavyweight sectors dragged the indices lower. Coal India and ONGC were among the key laggards, tracking weakness in energy stocks amid crude oil volatility and global supply concerns. IT stocks also remained under pressure due to muted global demand outlook and cautious risk sentiment, while select financial stocks saw selling as well.
Global cues remained mixed. Asian markets traded with a positive bias in parts, while US futures stayed largely stable. However, broader sentiment remained cautious due to persistent geopolitical risks and fluctuations in oil prices, which continued to influence investor positioning across emerging markets.
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