The benchmark equity indices ended Wednesday’s trading session in the positive territory. The NSE Nifty 50 gained just 4.75 points or 0.02% to settle at 24,143.75, while the BSE Sensex jumped 149.86 points or 0.19% to 79,105.89.
The broader indices ended in mixed territory, with gain led by Large-cap stocks. IT and Auto stocks outperformed among the other sectoral indices while Metal and Media stocks shed.
Sectoral Index
Bank Nifty index ended lower by 104.55 points or 0.21% to settle at 49,727.30. The Nifty Midcap 100 fell by 334.45 points, or 0.59%, ending the day’s trading at 56,547.05. In the broader markets, small-cap and mid-cap stocks finished in the red.
Top Movers for the day
Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, and BPCL were the top gainers on the NSE Nifty 50, while the laggards includes Divis Labs, Hero MotoCorp, Coal India, Ultratech Cement, and Dr Reddy’s Lab
The Indian Volatility Index (India VIX) closed down by 4.40 % at 15.46.
Experts on Today’s Market Performance
“The domestic market traded within a narrow range; even as global markets saw a positive turnaround. Investors adopted a cautious stance due to weak domestic sentiment and the risks of earnings downgrades,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services
Nair also said that the decline in WPI inflation, driven by lower food prices, signals that the RBI is progressing towards its price stability target. The IT index edged up, reflecting optimism for improved US CPI data expected later today, which could increase the scope of a loose monetary policy from the Fed.
Commenting on the same Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking said that The markets remained lackluster and closed flat, taking a pause after Tuesday’s decline. Following a subdued start, the Nifty traded within a narrow range and ultimately ended at the 24,143 level. Sector-wise, metal and pharma stocks were the top losers, while resilience in the IT sector helped limit the overall decline for the second consecutive session. The broader indices also slipped, losing over half a percent each.
Mishra also added that With no major domestic triggers, participants are now looking to global markets for direction. An intermediate recovery in the US markets is providing some relief, but ongoing pressure in select heavyweight stocks across sectors is limiting the recovery. In light of the uncertain outlook, we recommend maintaining a cautious stance and adopting a hedged approach until there is more clarity on the market’s next move.
Bank Nifty
Commenting on the Bank Nifty today Hrishikesh Yedve, AVP Technical and Derivatives Research at Asit C. Mehta Investment Interrmediates said that The Bank Nifty index opened marginally negative and remained under pressure throughout the day, closing negatively at 49,727 levels. Technically, the index formed a red candle on the daily scale, indicating continued weakness. However, the index is finding support near the 49,650-49,660 levels. A sustained move below 49,650 could push the index toward the 49,000 level.