The Indian stock markets wrapped up the week on a somber note, as both the Sensex and Nifty closed lower on Friday, weighed down by pressure across key sectors. The Sensex slipped 585.67 points or 0.72% to close at 80,599.91, while the Nifty failed to hold above the 24,600 mark, ending the session at 24,565.35, down 203 points or 0.82% amid widespread selling in largecaps. Banking stocks, too, ended in the red with the Nifty Bank index closing lower 0.62%, at 55,617.60.
“The Indian equity market extended its decline for a second day, pressured by renewed tariff threats and punitive duties that could undermine India’s global trade competitiveness. Investor sentiment weakened further as FIIs now hold the second-highest net short position in derivatives, reflecting elevated caution. Globally, markets turned negative amid rising U.S. inflation and trade tensions. While the sell-off was broad-based, FMCG stocks emerged as a defensive play, supported by attractive valuations, resilient demand, and relative immunity to external trade disruptions,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments.
Let’s take a look at the key highlights of today’s trading session-
Mixed moves on the street
One of the most talked-about moves of the day was Sun Pharma’s sharp fall. The stock plunged more than 5% after the company posted a 20% drop in net profit for the quarter, missing market estimates. Investor sentiment also took a hit due to fresh concerns around pricing pressure and uncertainty over proposed US tariffs on pharma exports.
PNB Housing Finance faced an even steeper fall, with its stock nosediving 17%. The resignation of its Managing Director and CEO, Girish Kousgi, rattled investors.
In contrast, Trent saw a surge in its share price today. The Tata Group retail play gained nearly 5% .
Surge in renewables and consumer stocks
While most sectors struggled, the gainers in today’s trade include – Suzlon surged 7% after Motilal Oswal initiated coverage with a bullish outlook, projecting a potential 34% upside over the next year.
Another renewable name, Waaree Energies, gained 4% after the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy released the first ALMM List-II for solar PV cells.
Consumer-focused sectors also managed to buck the trend. The electronics segment led the gains with over 1% rise in market cap, followed closely by paints and pigments, personal care, and food processing, each rising around 1% as well.
Gainers and losers
Among the Sensex 30 pack, stocks like Trent, Asian Paints, Hindustan Unilever, ITC and Kotak Bank ended higher. On the flip side, heavyweights such as Tata Steel, Infosys, Maruti, Adani Ports and Tata Motors lost ground, dragging the indices down.