The Indian equity benchmarks closed the week on a weak note, mirroring the global risk-off mood. The Sensex ended the day at 80,426.46, down 733 points or 0.90%, while the Nifty settled at 24,654.70, lower by 236 points or 0.95%. The Nifty Bank index also ended the session with losses of 1.08%.
Broader markets were no exception. The BSE Midcap index dropped 1.96%, and the BSE Smallcap index fell 2.05%, underperforming the frontline indices. Meanwhile, volatility rose sharply as the India VIX jumped 5.95%, signaling growing nervousness among investors.
Let’s take a look at the key highlights of today’s trading session –
Top gainers
Amid the overall market weakness, a few heavyweights managed to buck the trend. L&T gained around 3%, while Tata Motors, ITC, and Reliance also ended the day in positive territory, lending some support to the benchmarks.
Key laggards
On the flip side, several blue-chip names dragged the market lower. Sun Pharma slipped 2.6%, Asian Paints lost 2.6%, Tata Steel fell 2.8%, and Bajaj Finance declined 2.8%. Eternal was down 3%, while M&M was the worst hit among the Sensex pack, dropping 3.6%.
Sectoral indices end in the red
Selling pressure was broad-based as all major sectoral indices closed lower. Banking, capital goods, consumer durables, metals, IT, telecom, pharma, and PSU Bank segments slipped between 1% and 2%.
Top sectors in Friday’s trade
In sectoral movements on the bourses, the Tobacco segment rose by 0.89%, while REITs and InvITs saw a gain of 0.8%. Construction stocks were largely steady, moving up by 0.11%. On the other hand, the Petroleum sector slipped marginally, down 0.13% during the trading session.
Best and the worst performing groups in today’s trade
Among corporate groups, the Essar Group saw a notable uptick, rising 2.54% in market value, while the L&T Group increased 0.92%, Torrent Group gained 0.46% and Ambani group gained 0.25%. In contrast, several other groups faced declines. Vedanta Group dropped 3.46%, Nagarjuna Group fell 3.9%, Lakshmi Group Coimbatore lost 4%, and Adventz Group slipped 4.38% during the trading session.