Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, opened flat for the second consecutive session on Tuesday, as traders adopted a cautious approach ahead of key domestic and US inflation data due later in the week. Investors also turned their attention to commodity stocks, fueled by expectations of Chinese stimulus measures.


The Sensex rose by 197.66 points, or 0.24 per cent, to reach 81,706.12, while the Nifty gained 52.25 points, or 0.21 per cent, settling at 24,671.25. A total of 1,868 shares advanced, 1,314 shares declined, and 105 shares remained unchanged.


On the BSE Sensex, Airtel, M&M, Adani Ports, Tech Mahindra, and Reliance were the biggest losers. At the same time, Infosys, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, HCL Technologies, and Tata Motors emerged as the top gainers. 


On Monday, Indian benchmark indices fell for the second consecutive day, with FMCG and auto stocks driving the decline.


Meanwhile, in an unexpected move, Sanjay Malhotra was appointed the new Governor of the Reserve Bank of India on Monday. Domestic brokerage firm Emkay Global noted that the incoming Governor and the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will face a vastly different set of policy challenges and a changing macroeconomic and global landscape as they enter CY25, compared to the situation encountered by the Das-led administration at the beginning of CY24.


Rupee Movement


On Tuesday, the rupee gained 8 paise from its all-time low, rising to 84.78 against the US dollar in early trade. On Monday, the rupee depreciated by 8 paise, closing at 84.74 (provisional) against the US dollar, impacted by fresh foreign fund outflows and a subdued trend in domestic equities.


Around The World


US indices declined, with Nvidia's drop impacting tech stocks. Asian markets displayed mixed performance, bolstered by optimism over Chinese stimulus measures. The Hang Seng futures rose by 3.4 per cent, while Japan's Topix gained 0.4 per cent. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought shares worth Rs 724.27 crore, whereas Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) sold shares valued at Rs 1,648.07 crore.