Tag: SensexClosing

The markets ended lower on Monday, with the Sensex falling 383 points and the Nifty slipping below the 23,800 mark as investors remained cautious amid rising crude oil prices, heightened US-Iran tensions and concerns over US interest rates.

The BSE Sensex declined 382.63 points, or 0.50%, to close at 76,132.81, while the NSE Nifty50 fell 123.65 points, or 0.52%, to end at 23,779.15. The decline extended the market’s losing run, with global uncertainty continuing to overshadow positive domestic economic signals.

Selling was broad-based, although select stocks managed to buck the trend. Apollo Hospitals, Bharti Airtel, Larsen & Toubro, Coal India and Max Healthcare were among the notable gainers. Healthcare stocks were particularly resilient, helping the pharma and healthcare segments outperform the broader market.

At the other end, Infosys emerged as the biggest loser among the Nifty 50 stocks. Tech Mahindra, TCS and other IT counters also faced heavy selling. Infosys fell around 3.8%, while Tech Mahindra and TCS declined as investors worried that higher US borrowing costs could weigh on technology spending.

The IT sector was among the biggest drags on the market, falling more than 2%. The weakness came after stronger-than-expected US jobs data strengthened expectations that the US Federal Reserve may keep interest rates elevated for longer. Higher interest rates could reduce corporate technology spending in the US, an important market for Indian IT companies.

Rising crude oil prices added to the pressure. Brent crude climbed close to $97 a barrel as escalating tensions between the US and Iran raised concerns over potential disruptions to oil supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

For India, the oil price rise is particularly important because the country relies heavily on imports to meet its energy requirements. Expensive crude can increase the import bill, put pressure on inflation and raise costs for businesses, particularly airlines, paints, tyres and other fuel-sensitive industries.

The geopolitical situation also encouraged investors to adopt a defensive approach. The possibility of a prolonged US-Iran confrontation and uncertainty around energy supplies have increased volatility across global financial markets.

Foreign institutional investors remained another source of pressure. FIIs continued to withdraw money from Indian equities, limiting the market’s ability to recover despite domestic institutional buying. Foreign investors sold about Rs 3,112 crore worth of Indian equities, while domestic institutional investors provided some support.

Sectoral performance reflected the cautious mood. IT and media stocks were among the weakest performers, while insurance and several financial counters also came under pressure. Healthcare remained relatively stronger, while select auto, telecom and infrastructure stocks attracted buying interest.

Among individual stocks, Apollo Hospitals stood out on the gaining side, while Bharti Airtel, L&T and Coal India also showed resilience. The strength in these counters provided some support to the broader market but was not enough to offset losses in heavyweight IT and financial stocks.

Infosys led the list of major losers, followed by Tech Mahindra and other technology stocks. PVR INOX and Zee Entertainment also witnessed sharp declines amid company-specific developments, adding to the weakness in individual stocks.

The broader market was also subdued, with the Nifty Midcap index declining around 0.5%. Market breadth remained weak as selling pressure spread across several sectors and stocks.

Analysts are now watching the 23,800 level closely. A sustained move below this mark could keep the Nifty under pressure, while a recovery above 23,900-24,000 may be needed to signal a meaningful improvement in sentiment.

Monday’s session therefore offered little comfort to investors. While stocks such as Apollo Hospitals and Bharti Airtel demonstrated pockets of strength, sharp losses in Infosys, Tech Mahindra and other IT counters showed how quickly global concerns can influence Indian equities.

 

The markets finally managed to put an end to their four-session losing streak on Friday, although the recovery was not strong enough to erase concerns that have weighed on investors throughout the week.

The Sensex gained 362.57 points, or 0.48%, to close at 76,515.43, while the Nifty 50 added 24.25 points, or 0.10%, to settle at 23,897.70. The Nifty remained just short of the 23,900 mark, while the Sensex gave up a large portion of its early gains before the closing bell.

The session began on a much stronger note. The Sensex jumped more than 500 points in early trade and the Nifty briefly moved above 23,900, helped by positive global signals and buying in heavyweight stocks. As the day progressed, however, investors turned cautious, limiting the gains and keeping the broader market mood subdued.

Friday’s rebound was led largely by metal, insurance, oil and gas and selected financial stocks. The Nifty Metal index was among the strongest sectoral performers, rising more than 1%. Buying interest in Tata Steel and other metal counters provided an important lift to the benchmarks.

Insurance stocks were another bright spot. SBI Life Insurance emerged as the biggest Nifty 50 gainer, rising 3.50%. Tata Steel followed with a 2.49% gain, while HDFC Life Insurance advanced 2.42%. Reliance Industries gained 1.50%, Trent rose 1.33% and JSW Steel added 1.30%.

The gains, however, were offset by weakness in several large companies. HCL Technologies fell 1.94% to become the biggest Nifty 50 loser. Bharti Airtel declined 1.55%, while Maruti Suzuki slipped 1.27%. Bajaj Finserv lost 1.11%, Max Healthcare fell 1.02% and Tata Consumer Products declined 0.90%.

Pharmaceutical stocks remained under pressure, with the Nifty Pharma index falling around 0.68%. Auto, information technology, PSU banking and realty stocks also traded lower. The weakness in auto stocks has become a growing concern, with investors watching vehicle sales and demand trends closely.

The broader market delivered a mixed performance. While the Nifty Midcap index ended slightly lower, the Smallcap index gained around 0.2% and touched a fresh record high. More than 180 stocks recorded new 52-week highs during the session, showing that buying interest remained strong in selected pockets despite the cautious mood in the headline indices.

Several individual stocks also attracted attention. Capital-market companies gained after market regulator SEBI indicated that it would review the methodology used to determine derivative settlement prices. The move followed concerns over sharp volatility linked to the closing auction process. Shares of BSE, Angel One and other market-related companies saw buying interest.

Newly listed companies also had a strong debut. ESDS Software opened significantly above its issue price, while Priority Jewels also listed at a premium, reflecting continued investor appetite for select initial public offerings despite the uncertain market environment.

Global factors continued to remain important for Indian investors. Crude oil prices have climbed sharply amid renewed tensions involving the United States and Iran. Brent crude was trading close to $96 a barrel, raising concerns over India’s import bill and the potential impact on inflation. Higher oil prices are particularly important for India because the country relies heavily on imports to meet its energy requirements.

Global bond yields and expectations around US interest rates also influenced sentiment. US markets ended higher and Treasury yields eased, while Asian markets opened on a positive note. Investors are now closely watching upcoming US jobs data for clues about the Federal Reserve’s next move on interest rates.

Domestic institutional investors continued to provide some support to Indian equities. Foreign institutional investors remained sellers, while domestic institutions absorbed part of that selling pressure. This has helped prevent sharper declines even as global uncertainty continues to influence trading.

Despite Friday’s recovery, the weekly picture remained weak. Both the Sensex and Nifty recorded their fourth consecutive weekly decline, with the Sensex falling about 1% and the Nifty around 1.2% for the week. Rising crude prices, higher global bond yields and continued foreign selling have kept investors cautious.

Friday’s performance offered some relief but did not yet signal a decisive change in market direction. The ability of the Nifty to hold close to 23,900 will remain important in the near term. With global markets, crude oil and US economic data continuing to shape sentiment, traders are likely to remain selective rather than chase broad-based gains.

 

The markets gave up their early gains on Thursday as selling pressure returned in the final hours of trading. The BSE Sensex closed 417.49 points, or 0.55 per cent, lower at 76,152.86. The NSE Nifty50 declined 41 points, or 0.17 per cent, to settle at 23,873.45. The late decline came after both indices had traded higher during the first half of the session.

The market’s weakness was particularly visible during the new closing auction session (CAS). At around 3:15 pm, the Sensex was still close to the previous day’s level, but it subsequently lost more than 400 points by the final settlement. The Nifty also slipped below the important 23,900 mark.

The session had started on a more positive note. The Sensex jumped more than 200 points in early trade, while the Nifty moved above 23,950. Adani Ports and Power Grid were among the stocks supporting the initial recovery. GIFT Nifty had also indicated a positive start, pointing to gains of more than 100 points before the market opened.

However, the early optimism did not last. Investors remained concerned about the impact of elevated crude oil prices on inflation, corporate costs and economic growth. Renewed uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran conflict added another layer of risk, particularly because prolonged geopolitical tensions could disrupt energy supplies from the Middle East.

Oil prices remained a major focus for Dalal Street. Brent crude was trading around $95 a barrel during the session after prices had risen sharply in recent days. While crude eased at times on Thursday, investors continued to worry that further escalation in the Middle East could push energy prices higher.

Higher global bond yields also weighed on sentiment. Rising yields can make equities less attractive and increase concerns about financing costs and future interest-rate conditions. Investors were therefore watching global bond markets closely while also awaiting key US economic data that could influence expectations for the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy.

The selling was not uniform across the market. Banking and real estate stocks provided some support, helping limit the broader decline. The Nifty Realty index gained more than 2 per cent, while Nifty Media, Private Bank, PSU Bank and Nifty Bank also outperformed.

Broader markets were comparatively stronger. The Nifty MidCap 100 rose 0.37 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap 100 gained 1.20 per cent. The performance indicated that buying interest remained present in several mid- and small-cap stocks even as large-cap benchmarks ended lower.

Among individual stocks, Adani Ports and Axis Bank were among the notable gainers. Adani Ports benefited from positive company-specific developments, including strong cargo volumes, while banking stocks received support from improved liquidity conditions and renewed investor interest.

On the losing side, Bajaj Auto, Tech Mahindra and Trent were among the biggest drags on the Nifty50. Information technology and automobile stocks faced pressure, with the Nifty IT and Nifty Auto indices ending among the weaker sectoral performers. Healthcare and FMCG stocks also underperformed.

Swiggy remained another stock in focus. Its shares fell for a third consecutive session after MSCI announced changes to its index treatment. Swiggy is set to be removed from MSCI’s Global Standard Indexes from September 7 after the company’s foreign ownership limit was reduced to 49.5 per cent from 100 per cent. Such index changes can affect demand from global funds that track benchmark indices.

Several other stocks attracted attention during the trading session. SML Mahindra gained more than 8 per cent after reporting strong August sales, bucking the broader market weakness. Wakefit Innovations also rose after Nomura initiated coverage with a Buy rating.

The rupee also strengthened during the session. The currency rose 67 paise to 94.30 against the US dollar in morning trade, reaching a two-month high, according to market updates. Strong foreign currency inflows and improved banking-system liquidity provided some support to financial markets.

India’s banking system was sitting on a liquidity surplus of ₹7.76 lakh crore, its highest level in more than four-and-a-half years. The increase followed substantial foreign-exchange inflows raised by banks through dedicated programmes, adding to liquidity in the domestic financial system.

Despite the day’s decline, analysts pointed to 23,800 as an important near-term support level for the Nifty. A decisive break below that zone could increase selling pressure towards 23,700-23,600, while the 24,000-24,150 range remains an important resistance area.

The market numbers are because of crude oil, geopolitical developments, global bond yields and overseas market trends. The contrasting performance of large-cap benchmarks and broader market indices also suggests that investors are becoming more selective rather than exiting equities across the board.

The September 3 trading session therefore ended with a mixed message. The Sensex and Nifty remained under pressure, but strength in banking, realty and smaller companies showed that domestic buying interest had not disappeared. With global risks still elevated, traders are likely to remain cautious and focus on stock-specific opportunities in the sessions ahead.

 

Indian equity markets extended their losing streak for a third straight session on Wednesday, as rising crude oil prices, escalating US-Iran tensions and a sell-off in global markets weighed heavily on investor sentiment.

The benchmark BSE Sensex fell 373.93 points, or 0.49 per cent, to close at 76,570.35. The NSE Nifty50 declined 141.35 points, or 0.59 per cent, and settled at 23,914.45, slipping below the closely watched 24,000 mark.

The session was considerably more volatile than the final numbers suggested. The Sensex opened nearly 682 points lower at 76,262, while the Nifty started the day 220 points down at 23,835.50. At one point, the Sensex dropped more than 800 points and the Nifty moved below 23,800 as investors reacted to growing concerns over the global economic outlook.

The biggest pressure came from the sharp rise in crude oil prices following renewed escalation in the US-Iran conflict. Brent crude moved towards $97 a barrel during the day, raising concerns for oil-importing economies such as India. Higher crude prices can increase the country’s import bill, put pressure on the rupee and make inflation management more difficult.

India imports a large share of its crude oil requirements, making the domestic economy particularly sensitive to sustained oil price increases. Investors are therefore closely watching developments in West Asia and their possible impact on energy supplies.

The oil shock has also changed expectations around interest rates. A prolonged increase in crude prices could keep inflation elevated, potentially limiting the room available to central banks to reduce borrowing costs. At the same time, higher US Treasury yields have made global investors more cautious about riskier assets such as emerging-market equities.

The pressure was visible across most sectors on the domestic market. The Nifty IT index was the worst-performing major sectoral index, falling around 2.5 per cent. Realty declined 2.14 per cent and the Auto index lost 1.88 per cent. Media, cement and financial services stocks also remained under pressure, while pharma, healthcare and PSU banks saw relatively smaller declines.

Auto stocks were particularly weak after August sales data and broader concerns about demand weighed on sentiment. Hero MotoCorp fell sharply, declining 4.6 per cent, while other automobile stocks also faced selling pressure. The Nifty Auto index ended among the weakest sectoral performers.

 

Information technology stocks also struggled as investors continued to worry about higher global bond yields and their impact on valuations. Wipro fell around 2.5 per cent, while HCL Technologies and Infosys also ended lower.

Despite the broad sell-off, a few large-cap stocks managed to buck the trend. Adani Ports emerged among the leading Sensex gainers, while Bajaj Finserv, Power Grid, NTPC and Titan also recorded gains. Reliance Industries and L&T were among the other stocks that showed resilience during the session.

On the losing side, Eicher Motors and Wipro were among the biggest drags on the benchmark. HDFC Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra and HCL Technologies also declined sharply. The weakness in heavyweight stocks added to the pressure on both the Sensex and Nifty.

The broader market did not escape the selling either. Mid-cap and small-cap stocks declined as investors reduced exposure to riskier assets. The Nifty Midcap 50 fell about 0.70 per cent, reflecting the cautious mood beyond the benchmark indices.

Global cues remained negative throughout the day. Asian markets fell sharply, with Japan’s Nikkei declining 1.6 per cent and South Korea’s Kospi dropping 2.87 per cent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and China’s Shanghai Composite also traded lower. The weakness followed losses on Wall Street, where investors were already concerned about inflation and rising oil prices.

The latest decline means Indian benchmark indices have now fallen for three consecutive sessions. According to market data, the Sensex and Nifty have lost roughly 5 per cent since the Iran conflict began more than six months ago.

The rupee, meanwhile, remained relatively stable despite the pressure from higher crude prices and US bond yields. The Indian currency closed at around ₹94.97 against the US dollar, compared with ₹94.95 in the previous session. Continued intervention by the Reserve Bank of India has helped limit volatility in the currency market.

Foreign and domestic institutional flows offered some support to the market. Foreign Institutional Investors were net buyers of around ₹1,143 crore, while Domestic Institutional Investors bought equities worth about ₹1,847 crore. However, these purchases were not enough to offset the broader risk-off sentiment created by global developments.

The market is now entering a period where global developments could continue to dictate short-term direction. Investors will closely track crude oil prices, developments in the US-Iran conflict, US Treasury yields and upcoming inflation and economic data.

The immediate concern is whether the rise in oil prices will prove temporary or become a sustained shock. A prolonged period of expensive crude could affect India’s inflation outlook, corporate margins and economic growth while increasing pressure on the country’s external finances.

Indian equity markets ended almost flat on Tuesday, September 1, as rising crude oil prices, higher global bond yields and renewed US-Iran tensions kept investors cautious. The benchmark indices recovered from sharper intraday losses but failed to hold on to early gains.

The BSE Sensex closed at 76,944.28, down 12.99 points, or 0.02%. The Nifty 50 ended at 24,055.80, declining 24.60 points, or 0.10%. The Nifty slipped below the important 24,100 mark and remained close to the 24,000 level through much of the session.

The market opened on a relatively positive note but quickly turned volatile as investors assessed the impact of higher oil prices and growing geopolitical uncertainty. Brent crude moved above $92 a barrel amid concerns over the latest escalation in the US-Iran conflict. For India, which depends heavily on imported crude, an extended rise in oil prices could increase the import bill, put pressure on the rupee and add to inflation risks.

The rise in global bond yields added to the pressure on equities. Higher yields can make emerging-market assets less attractive and may encourage foreign investors to move money towards relatively safer assets. Foreign institutional investor flows have therefore remained an important factor for the domestic market.

Banking and automobile stocks were among the biggest drags on the Nifty. The Nifty Bank index declined around 1.1%, while the Nifty Auto index fell nearly 1.2%. Pharmaceutical stocks also weakened, with the Nifty Pharma index falling around 1.6%.

Among the top Nifty losers, Shriram Finance fell 4.58%, while Maruti Suzuki declined 4.41%. Nestle India dropped 3.90%, Max Healthcare lost 3.75% and InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of IndiGo, slipped 3.48%.

Maruti Suzuki faced strong selling pressure after the company reported its August sales figures. Although annual sales growth remained positive, investors focused on the month-on-month movement and the stock’s elevated valuation. The decline made Maruti one of the biggest drags on the benchmark.

Other stocks also witnessed sharp losses. SBI fell 2.51%, while IndusInd Bank declined 2.36%. The weakness in financial stocks reflected broader caution around banks and other interest-rate-sensitive businesses.

The broader market was weaker than the headline indices suggested. The Nifty Midcap index declined about 1.4%, while the Nifty Smallcap index fell around 0.2%. Market breadth remained negative, indicating that selling extended beyond a handful of large-cap stocks.

However, several heavyweight stocks offered support to the benchmarks. ITC was among the strongest performers, gaining around 4%, while Reliance Industries rose about 2.5%. Adani Ports and Bharti Airtel were also among the prominent gainers.

Reliance Industries provided meaningful support to the Sensex and Nifty after a brokerage raised its price target for the company, citing expectations of stronger refining margins. The stock’s gains helped offset some of the weakness in banking and automobile counters.

Kotak Mahindra Bank was another notable gainer, rising around 1.3%-1.5%. The stock benefited from developments around the bank’s leadership and succession plans. Information technology and FMCG stocks also provided some stability, with both sectors gaining around 0.9%.

The day’s trading showed how closely Indian markets are currently responding to global developments. Investors are balancing India’s strong domestic growth outlook against concerns over oil prices, geopolitical tensions, foreign capital flows and global interest rates.

India’s economic data offered some reassurance. The economy expanded 7.8% year-on-year in the April-June quarter of 2026-27, highlighting the strength of domestic demand despite the challenging global backdrop. The strong growth number, however, was unable to completely overcome concerns about higher energy costs and global financial conditions.

The rupee also remained an important market indicator. The currency ended around ₹94.95 against the US dollar, strengthening from the previous close of ₹95.17. A sustained rise in crude prices could nevertheless put renewed pressure on the rupee because higher oil prices increase India’s dollar demand for energy imports.

Investors are now likely to track developments in the Middle East closely, particularly any further escalation involving the US and Iran. Any disruption to crude supplies or key shipping routes could push oil prices higher and increase pressure on inflation-sensitive economies such as India.

Domestic investors will also monitor foreign institutional investor activity, global bond yields and upcoming economic indicators. The performance of heavyweight stocks such as Reliance Industries, ITC, banks and technology companies could determine whether the Nifty is able to sustain the 24,000 level.

Tuesday’s session ultimately reflected a market caught between strong domestic fundamentals and a difficult global environment. The marginal decline in the Sensex masks broader weakness across several sectors, while the Nifty’s close below 24,100 shows that investors remain cautious.

With crude oil above $92 a barrel and geopolitical risks still elevated, volatility is likely to remain a key feature of Indian stock market trading in the near term.

 

The markets ended lower on Monday as rising crude oil prices, renewed US-Iran tensions and concerns over higher US interest rates weighed on investor sentiment. The benchmark Sensex fell 307.23 points, or 0.40%, to close at 76,957.27, while the Nifty 50 declined 95.25 points, or 0.39%, to settle at 24,080.40.

The weak session reflected a cautious mood among investors as geopolitical uncertainty returned to the forefront. Fresh military action involving the United States and Iran pushed crude oil prices higher, raising concerns for oil-importing economies such as India. The country imports around 85% of its crude oil requirements, making a sustained rise in global oil prices a key risk for inflation, corporate margins and the rupee.

The market started the day on a weak note. The Sensex opened around 190 points lower, while the Nifty was down nearly 105 points. The Nifty slipped below the important 24,000 level during the session, touching an intraday low of 23,993.60. The Sensex also fell to an intraday low of 76,751.32 before recovering some ground towards the close.

Crude oil remained one of the biggest concerns for investors. Oil prices rose after US strikes on Iranian launch sites near the Strait of Hormuz were followed by Iranian attacks on American military bases in Jordan. Brent crude moved above $90 a barrel, reviving fears that higher energy costs could put additional pressure on India’s inflation outlook and increase input costs for several businesses.

The prospect of higher US interest rates added to the pressure. Recent comments from US Federal Reserve officials have increased expectations of a possible rate hike, prompting investors to reassess riskier assets. Higher US bond yields can also reduce the attractiveness of emerging-market equities and put pressure on capital flows into markets such as India.

Among individual stocks, Adani Enterprises and Adani Ports & SEZ were the biggest losers on the Nifty 50, falling 9.76% and 6.70%, respectively. ITC declined 3.95%, Bharti Airtel fell 3.75%, while Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles dropped 3.30%.

On the other side, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries was the top Nifty 50 gainer, rising 3.38%. Nestle India gained 2.88%, Axis Bank advanced 2.77%, Max Healthcare Institute rose 2.76% and Grasim Industries climbed 2.46%.

The broader market presented a mixed picture. While the Nifty Smallcap 100 declined 0.74%, the Nifty Midcap 100 managed to finish 0.24% higher. Aurobindo Pharma was among the notable mid-cap gainers, rising 4.36%, while Lenskart Solutions, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, One 97 Communications and Polycab India also posted gains.

Aurobindo Pharma gained after its US subsidiary launched generic versions of Advair Diskus in the American market. Lenskart rose 4.22%, FSN E-Commerce Ventures gained 4.14%, One 97 Communications advanced 4.01% and Polycab India increased 3.93%.

The small-cap segment, however, remained under pressure. Kaynes Technology India, Wockhardt, Jyoti CNC Automation, Nuvama Wealth Management and Chambal Fertilizers were among the major decliners. Ather Energy stood out among the gainers, climbing 6.27% and touching a 52-week high following its recent product launches.

Another important factor behind Monday’s volatility was the latest MSCI index rebalancing. The changes triggered substantial stock-specific buying and selling, particularly towards the market close. A new closing-auction mechanism for stocks with futures and options also faced its first major test during the reshuffle.

Reliance Industries fell 0.8% after its MSCI weighting was reduced, while Eternal recovered from an earlier decline after its index weight increased. Some mid-cap stocks, including Laurus Labs and Adani Energy Solutions, experienced sharper moves because index-related orders were large compared with their available trading liquidity.

HDFC Bank was another key stock in focus. Its shares fell around 1.6% after the private sector lender said CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan would not seek reappointment when his current term ends in October. Given the bank’s large weight in the benchmark indices, the decline also contributed to market weakness.

Sectorally, eight of the 16 major sectoral indices ended lower. Metal, IT, PSU Bank, Realty and Media stocks faced selling pressure, while pharmaceutical and selected financial stocks offered some support. The mixed performance showed that investors were not abandoning equities broadly but were becoming more selective amid rising global risks.

The Sensex and Nifty also ended August with monthly losses, reflecting the pressure created by global uncertainty and volatile capital flows. With September beginning against this unsettled backdrop, investors are likely to watch global cues closely before taking fresh positions.

Indian stock markets bounced back on Friday, with the Sensex gaining more than 330 points and the Nifty 50 reclaiming the 24,150 mark as investors returned to information technology stocks. The recovery ended a two-session decline and offered some relief after a volatile previous trading session.

The Sensex closed at 77,264.51, gaining 330.92 points, or 0.43%. The Nifty 50 settled at 24,175.65, rising 84.80 points, or 0.35%. The Nifty touched an intraday high of 24,188.30 before giving up part of its gains towards the close.

Despite Friday’s recovery, both benchmarks finished the week lower, extending their losing streak to a third consecutive week. The Sensex declined around 0.4% during the week, while the Nifty slipped about 0.3%.

IT stocks drive the rebound

Information technology stocks were the clear winners of Friday’s session.

The Nifty IT index rose around 3.5%, attracting strong buying interest as investors responded positively to the outlook for global technology spending and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

TCS emerged as the biggest Nifty 50 gainer, climbing more than 4%. Tech Mahindra and Infosys also posted strong gains, while Wipro and HCL Technologies advanced sharply.

The rally came as global technology stocks remained supported by optimism surrounding artificial intelligence. Continued investment in AI data centres, cloud computing and advanced digital infrastructure has strengthened expectations for technology spending, providing a positive backdrop for Indian IT companies.

Top gainers and losers

Unlike yesterday’s closing results, among the top gainers, TCS led the Nifty pack, followed by Tech Mahindra and Infosys. Wipro and HCL Technologies were also among the stronger performers.

However, the market’s gains were limited by weakness in several heavyweight stocks.

Bharti Airtel, Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank were among the prominent laggards. Reliance Industries declined around 2%, while HDFC Bank also ended lower. Bharti Airtel faced selling pressure during the session. Asian Paints and ITC were among other notable losers.

Banking stocks fail to join rally

Banking stocks did not participate meaningfully in the recovery.

The Nifty Bank index remained largely flat, reflecting a lack of strong buying interest in financial stocks. Weakness in major banking counters also prevented the benchmark indices from gaining more ground.

The subdued performance of banks is important because financial stocks have a significant weight in both the Sensex and Nifty. A sustained market recovery is therefore likely to require participation from the banking sector alongside IT and other major sectors.

Mid- and small-caps edge higher

The recovery extended into the broader market, although gains remained moderate.

The BSE MidCap index rose around 0.16%, while the BSE SmallCap index gained about 0.33%.

Market breadth was relatively positive, with more stocks advancing than declining on the BSE. This suggested that buying was not restricted entirely to a handful of large-cap IT companies.

Still, investors continued to remain selective. Concerns over global interest rates, foreign fund flows and elevated valuations prevented a stronger risk-on move across the broader market.

Volatility follows expiry session

Friday’s trading followed a highly volatile Thursday session that coincided with the monthly derivatives expiry.

The previous session was particularly closely watched because it marked the first monthly expiry after the introduction of the Closing Auction Session on the BSE. Sharp movements towards the end of trading added to uncertainty among market participants.

The volatility eased on Friday, allowing investors to focus on global technology cues and sector-specific opportunities.

The India VIX, which tracks expected market volatility, also moderated, offering some stability after the previous day’s sharp price movements.

Global cues remain important

International developments continue to play a major role in determining the direction of Indian equities.

Investors were focused on the latest signals from the US Federal Reserve, particularly ahead of Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole speech. His comments on inflation and interest rates were expected to influence expectations for US monetary policy.

The outlook for US interest rates is particularly important for emerging markets. Higher-for-longer rates can strengthen the dollar, raise global bond yields and encourage foreign investors to move money towards US assets.

Rupee and crude oil watched

The Indian rupee strengthened against the US dollar, providing another modest positive for the domestic market.

The currency ended around ₹95.38 against the dollar, compared with the previous close near ₹95.54.

Crude oil prices were also in focus. Oil prices were heading towards a weekly decline, which could provide some relief for India because the country imports a large proportion of its crude requirements.

Investors remain cautious

Friday’s rebound was encouraging, but it did not completely change the market’s broader trend.

The Sensex and Nifty both recorded their third consecutive weekly decline, showing that investors remain cautious despite the day’s gains.

Market participants are likely to track US monetary policy, foreign institutional investor activity, crude oil prices, the rupee and developments in the domestic economy.

 

Indian equity markets came under renewed selling pressure on Thursday, with the Sensex falling more than 500 points and the Nifty 50 slipping below the 24,100 mark. The decline came despite a firm opening and positive cues from global markets, as weakness in heavyweight stocks and expiry-day volatility pulled the benchmarks lower.

The BSE Sensex fell 539.35 points, or 0.70%, to close at 76,933.59, while the NSE Nifty 50 declined 116.90 points, or 0.48%, to settle at 24,090.85. The market began the day on a stronger note, but gains faded as selling intensified through the session.

The Nifty initially moved above 24,200, while the Sensex gained more than 100 points in early trade. Investors took some comfort from easing crude oil prices and gains across several Asian markets. A positive outlook from US chipmaker Nvidia also lifted sentiment around technology and artificial intelligence stocks globally.

However, domestic factors soon took centre stage. Thursday also marked the monthly derivatives expiry, which added to intraday swings. Selling gathered pace in the second half of the session, leaving both benchmarks close to their day’s lower levels.

Among the top gainers, Adani Enterprises emerged as one of the strongest performers on the Nifty, while Kotak Mahindra Bank also advanced around 1.7%. Adani Ports, Bharat Electronics and Cipla were among other notable stocks that finished higher.

Adani Enterprises’ gain provided some support to the benchmark, but it was not enough to offset declines in several large-cap stocks. Kotak Mahindra Bank also stood out among financial stocks as investors picked up select banking counters despite broader weakness in the sector.

On the losing side, Hindalco Industries was among the biggest Nifty laggards. HDFC Bank also remained under pressure, falling around 2.2% and touching its lowest level in nearly two-and-a-half years. Mahindra & Mahindra, HCL Technologies and Shriram Finance were among the other prominent losers.

HDFC Bank’s decline became a major drag on the Sensex and Nifty because of the stock’s heavy index weight. The lender has been facing investor concerns following reports of a proposed US securities class-action lawsuit involving the bank and two senior executives over alleged illegal payments linked to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. HDFC Bank has rejected the allegations and said it would defend itself.

Uncertainty surrounding the future leadership of HDFC Bank has added to the pressure. Investors are also watching developments around CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, whose current term is scheduled to end in October. The combination of legal concerns and leadership uncertainty has made the bank a closely watched stock in recent sessions.

The weakness was not limited to a few heavyweight companies. Market breadth remained negative, with more than 2,300 stocks ending lower against around 1,700 gainers. The Nifty Midcap and Smallcap indices also closed marginally lower, indicating that cautious sentiment extended beyond the large-cap segment.

Sector-wise, metals, automobiles, oil and gas, FMCG and parts of the financial sector faced selling. Hindalco’s decline weighed on the metal index, while Mahindra & Mahindra contributed to pressure on auto stocks. Technology shares such as HCL Technologies also ended lower.

Pharmaceutical and consumer durable stocks showed relatively better resilience, reflecting some movement towards defensive areas as investors became cautious.

Crude oil prices offered some relief to the domestic market. Brent crude remained around the $87-$88 a barrel range amid expectations that diplomatic efforts involving Iran could ease geopolitical tensions and eventually support the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Lower oil prices are generally favourable for India because the country imports a large share of its crude requirements.

Global markets were also largely supportive. Asian equities gained after Nvidia’s upbeat revenue outlook strengthened expectations of continued spending on artificial intelligence and semiconductors. US stock futures also remained positive. However, these cues could not sustain buying interest on Dalal Street.

The Indian rupee, meanwhile, weakened against the US dollar. It closed at ₹95.54 per dollar, compared with ₹95.41 in the previous session.

Foreign institutional investors had bought Indian equities worth ₹502 crore on August 26, while domestic institutional investors were much stronger buyers at ₹6,425 crore. Despite this institutional support, domestic selling pressure dominated Thursday’s session.

The latest decline has left investors watching the 24,000 level on the Nifty closely. A sustained move below that mark could increase selling pressure, while a recovery above 24,200 would be needed to improve near-term sentiment.

Thursday’s session also highlighted how quickly sentiment can change during a derivatives expiry. The market started with optimism but ended firmly in the red, leaving investors cautious about the next move in the Sensex and Nifty 50.

 

Indian benchmark indices ended lower on Wednesday, August 26, reversing their early gains as selling in IT, telecom and infrastructure stocks weighed on the market. The Sensex fell 183.16 points, or 0.24%, to close at 77,472.94, while the Nifty 50 declined 126.80 points, or 0.52%, to settle at 24,207.75. Both indices ended near their day’s lows.

The market had started on a positive note, with the Sensex gaining more than 300 points at one stage and the Nifty moving above 24,350. However, the momentum faded as investors turned cautious and selling intensified in the second half of the session. Weakness in IT stocks and heavyweights such as Reliance Industries added to the pressure.

Kotak Mahindra Bank emerged as the top Nifty gainer, rising 3.76% by the close. Axis Bank followed with a 1.62% gain, while JSW Steel climbed 1.57%. UltraTech Cement advanced 1.53% and HDFC Life Insurance gained 1.15%. The gains in banking and metal stocks offered some support to the broader market but were not enough to prevent the benchmark indices from closing in the red.

Among Sensex stocks, Kotak Mahindra Bank was also the standout performer, gaining around 3.7%. UltraTech Cement and Axis Bank were other major gainers. Financial stocks benefited from relatively positive sentiment, with private banks showing resilience even as investors remained cautious about the wider market direction.

On the other side, Bharti Airtel was the biggest Nifty loser, falling 2.31%. Power Grid Corporation declined 2.14%, while Infosys slipped 2.10%. Larsen & Toubro fell 1.96% and Nestle India dropped 1.86%. The weakness in these large-cap counters contributed significantly to the Nifty’s decline.

Infosys was also among the major drags on the Sensex, with the stock losing about 1.9%. The broader IT sector remained under pressure, with Tech Mahindra, TCS, HCLTech and other technology stocks also ending lower. Market participants continued to assess concerns around rising costs for Indian IT companies and the impact of changing US immigration policies.

Reliance Industries was another important drag on the market. The stock declined around 1.4%, adding to the pressure on the benchmark indices because of its significant weight in the Nifty and Sensex. The selling showed that investors were not willing to aggressively chase large-cap stocks despite the positive opening.

The broader market presented a more mixed picture. The Nifty Midcap 100 declined 0.10%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 gained 0.81%. This indicated that buying interest remained in selected smaller companies even as investors reduced exposure to some large-cap stocks.

In the midcap segment, Steel Authority of India was among the strongest performers, gaining 5.59%. GE Vernova T&D India rose 3.70%, while LIC Housing Finance advanced 3.64%. Motilal Oswal Financial Services and NMDC also recorded notable gains.

The small-cap space was stronger. IDBI Bank rose 7.86%, making it one of the biggest gainers in the segment. Capri Global Capital gained 6.60%, while Ola Electric Mobility advanced 5.14%. Data Patterns and Physicswallah also posted gains of more than 4%.

On the losing side of the midcap segment, Tata Communications fell 3.29%, Billionbrains Garage Ventures declined 3.24%, and Jubilant FoodWorks dropped 3.01%. Premier Energies and Vishal Mega Mart were also among the notable decliners.

Crude oil prices provided some relief to Indian markets. Brent crude fell below $86 a barrel, while WTI crude declined further. Lower oil prices are generally positive for India because the country imports a substantial portion of its crude requirements. Cheaper oil can ease pressure on the import bill, inflation and corporate costs.

However, the decline in crude was not enough to sustain the early rally. Investors remained focused on global developments, including US interest-rate expectations, geopolitical tensions and upcoming US economic data.

The Indian stock market is also watching the US Core Personal Consumption Expenditures inflation reading, an important indicator for the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook. A softer reading could support expectations of easier monetary policy and improve sentiment towards emerging markets, while stronger inflation could keep investors cautious.

Wednesday’s session therefore reflected a market caught between supportive domestic and global factors and renewed selling pressure in key sectors. Banking and metal stocks provided some stability, while IT, telecom and infrastructure counters pulled the benchmarks lower.

The immediate focus will be on whether the Nifty can recover the 24,250 level and whether buying returns to heavyweight stocks. With global cues, crude oil prices, foreign fund flows and US economic data continuing to influence sentiment, volatility is likely to remain elevated in the near term.

 

The market staged a strong recovery on Tuesday, August 25, after opening sharply lower, as easing crude oil prices and reduced concerns over the immediate impact of fresh US sanctions on Iran helped investors regain confidence. The Sensex gained nearly 287 points to close at 77,656.09, while the Nifty 50 added 115.50 points, or 0.48%, to end at 24,334.55.

One of the biggest factors supporting the rebound was crude oil. Brent crude had fallen more than 2% in the previous session and remained relatively subdued as traders assessed the latest US sanctions on Iran. Reuters reported that Brent fell about 3.2% to around $89.20 a barrel during Tuesday’s session. The market took some comfort from the fact that Washington’s latest move focused on economic sanctions rather than a fresh military escalation.

For India, lower crude prices are particularly important because the country depends heavily on imports to meet its energy requirements. A sustained fall in oil prices can reduce pressure on the import bill, inflation and the rupee, while also lowering input costs for several industries. Investors therefore treated the decline in crude as a positive signal despite continuing geopolitical risks.

The rupee also remained relatively stable. The Indian currency opened at around Rs 95.72 against the US dollar, compared with Monday’s close of Rs 95.74. Although the rupee remains under pressure from high oil prices and global uncertainty, the absence of another sharp fall provided some relief to equity investors.

The broader market picture was mixed. According to Reuters, 12 of the 16 major sectoral indices ended higher. Financial stocks and IT shares recovered in the final hour, gaining around 0.3% and 0.6%, respectively. The Nifty Midcap 100 gained about 0.5%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 slipped 0.1%, showing that buying interest was stronger in selected large and mid-cap stocks rather than across the entire market.

Among individual stocks, Vodafone Idea was one of the notable gainers, rising around 8% during the session. The stock continued to attract buying interest amid expectations around a potential SBI-led debt restructuring arrangement. Cyient also gained more than 7%, while fertiliser stocks remained strong, with Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore gaining more than 11% in market data during the session. Paradeep Phosphates and One97 Communications were also among the prominent gainers.

On the other hand, Hindustan Copper was among the biggest losers. Its shares fell more than 7% after the government announced an offer for sale of a 3% stake, with an option to sell another 3% if the issue is oversubscribed. The government offered the shares at a discount to the prevailing market price, putting immediate pressure on the stock.

Federal Bank and Jana Small Finance Bank also declined after reports that Jana’s promoter could sell its entire 16.9% stake to Federal Bank. Federal Bank later said there was no material event requiring disclosure in connection with the report.

Within the Nifty 50, Adani Enterprises was among the stronger performers during the day, while Apollo Hospitals, Max Healthcare, Adani Ports, Eternal and Shriram Finance also recorded gains during afternoon trading. On the losing side, Grasim, Cipla, Wipro, HCL Technologies and several metal stocks faced selling pressure earlier in the session.

Metal stocks remained a weak pocket for much of the day. Economic Times reported that metals underperformed in morning trade, while IT and auto stocks also faced pressure. However, the broader market recovered as the session progressed, helped by softer crude prices and improved risk appetite.

Tuesday’s trading session was also important because it marked the first monthly Nifty derivatives expiry under the new closing auction session (CAS) system. The new mechanism has already created differences between the regular market close and the final auction-determined prices, making the last hour more volatile. Analysts said expiry-related positioning contributed to sharper price movements on Tuesday.

The market’s recovery came despite mixed global signals. US stocks had closed lower on Monday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling 0.28% and 0.76%, respectively, as technology stocks weakened ahead of Nvidia’s earnings. Asian markets also opened largely lower. Investors remained cautious ahead of key US economic data and Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s upcoming speech at Jackson Hole.

Gold also remained strong as investors continued to seek safe-haven assets. Gold futures were trading around $4,714.19 an ounce, close to a three-month high, reflecting continued demand for protection against geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

For Dalal Street, the immediate focus is likely to remain on crude oil, developments surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, foreign investor flows and global interest-rate expectations. Analysts have identified the 24,150-24,100 zone as an important support area for the Nifty, while 24,300-24,400 remains a key resistance region. A sustained move above this range could improve market momentum, while renewed pressure on crude could quickly revive selling.