Indian Equity Markets End Flat Amid Cautious Trading Session
Domestic benchmark equity indices concluded Thursday's trading session with minimal movement, closing nearly flat as investors engaged in profit booking across select heavyweight stocks. The subdued performance occurred against a backdrop of mixed global cues and heightened caution ahead of significant economic data releases.
Closing Figures and Market Performance
At the closing bell, the 30-share BSE Sensex experienced a marginal decline of 27 points, equivalent to 0.03 percent, settling at 82,248.61. In contrast, the broader Nifty 50 index managed a slight gain of 14 points, or 0.06 percent, finishing the session at 25,496.55. This information was confirmed by news agency ANI.
The trading day began on a more optimistic note, with the Nifty 50 opening at 25,560.40, reflecting an increase of 77.90 points or 0.31 percent. Similarly, the Sensex commenced the session at 82,534.15, registering a gain of 258.08 points or 0.31 percent.
Top Performers and Underperformers
Nifty 50 Top Gainers:
- Tata Motors PV: Rs 391.55 (+2.55%)
- Eicher Motors: Rs 8,190 (+2.28%)
- BEL: Rs 449.05 (+2.22%)
- Max Healthcare: Rs 1,110 (+2.01%)
- Shriram Finance: Rs 1,105 (+1.73%)
Nifty 50 Top Losers:
- Trent: Rs 3,856 (-1.69%)
- Eternal: Rs 246.50 (-1.48%)
- Power Grid: Rs 303.25 (-1.31%)
- Coal India Ltd: Rs 433.50 (-1.17%)
- Tata Consumer: Rs 1,160 (-1.10%)
Sensex Top Gainers:
- BEL: Rs 449.05 (+2.22%)
- Adani Ports SEZ: Rs 1,551 (+1.44%)
- Sun Pharma: Rs 1,786 (+1.22%)
- Maruti Suzuki: Rs 15,213 (+0.95%)
- Bharti Airtel: Rs 1,930 (+0.85%)
Sensex Top Losers:
- Trent: Rs 3,856 (-1.69%)
- Eternal: Rs 246.50 (-1.48%)
- Power Grid: Rs 303.25 (-1.31%)
- HDFC Bank: Rs 898.60 (-1.00%)
- Asian Paints: Rs 2,395 (-0.89%)
Sectoral Performance and Market Analysis
Among sectoral indices, several sectors demonstrated strength during the session. PSU Banks, automotive, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, telecommunications, and metal stocks emerged as notable gainers, contributing to the market's resilience.
Vinod Nair, head of research at Geojit Investments Limited, provided insights into the market dynamics. He stated, "The domestic market surrendered its early gains amid mixed global cues and increased caution ahead of the US-Iran nuclear talks, as well as key data releases including US initial jobless claims and India's GDP print, which triggered profit booking."
Nair further elaborated, "As the session progressed, investors rotated towards non-cyclical pockets such as pharma and healthcare, while defence stocks gained on optimism over potential India-Israel tech-transfer initiatives."
He added, "Sentiment recovered in late trade following reports of meetings between Indian and US commerce officials, which rekindled hopes of progress in bilateral trade negotiations and made the market close flat."
Technical Perspective and Trading Patterns
Sudeep Shah, head of technical and derivatives research at SBI Securities, offered a technical analysis of the day's trading. He remarked, "The benchmark index Nifty traded within a narrow intraday band of 172 points, reflecting a day dominated by subdued volatility and cautious sentiment. For most of the session, the index hovered close to the day's low, indicating persistent pressure from the bears."
Shah continued, "However, during the final hour of trade, Nifty experienced a modest recovery, staging a mild pullback from lower levels. By the closing bell, the index ended virtually unchanged, forming a small-bodied candle with a pronounced lower shadow, suggesting buying interest emerging near support zones."
He further noted, "In today's session, within the Nifty constituents, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Eicher Motors emerged as the top performers, showcasing relative strength compared to the broader market. On the flip side, Trent and Eternal were the major laggards, dragging down the index. Sector-wise, Nifty Healthcare and Nifty Pharma led the gains, supported by renewed buying interest in defensives. Meanwhile, Nifty Media and Nifty FMCG underperformed, closing as the weakest sectoral indices for the day."
Currency Market Developments
On the currency front, Jateen Trivedi, VP research analyst for commodity and currency at LKP, commented on the rupee's performance. He stated, "Rupee traded with minor gains near 90.88 as market participants remained cautious amid uncertainty around US Iran talks. Any signs of rise in the conflict between Iran USA can result panic."
Trivedi added, "Rupee remains range-bound with support seen near 91.25 and resistance around 90.50, awaiting clearer direction from global trade developments, Geo-political issues and dollar index movement."
The trading session highlighted the market's sensitivity to global developments and domestic economic indicators, with investors adopting a wait-and-watch approach amid evolving geopolitical and economic scenarios.
