Stock Market Trim Losses But Close Slightly Lower; Nifty Ends Below 24,820

Market breadth remained negative, with 1,486 stocks advancing and 2,342 declining, while 131 remained unchanged.

Stock Market Today

Source : PTI

Indian stock markets ended on a subdued note on Wednesday, giving up early gains to finish marginally lower amid weakness in key sectors. The Nifty slipped below the 24,850 mark, while the Sensex also registered mild losses.

At the closing bell, the Sensex declined by 138.64 points or 0.17 per cent to settle at 81,444.66. The Nifty50 also lost ground, ending the day down 41.35 points or 0.17 per cent at 24,812.05. Market breadth remained negative, with 1,486 stocks advancing and 2,342 declining, while 131 remained unchanged.

On the Nifty, the top draggers included TCS, Adani Ports, JSW Steel, HUL, and Adani Enterprises. These stocks faced selling pressure throughout the day. On the other hand, gains were seen in IndusInd Bank, Trent, Titan Company, Maruti Suzuki, and M&M, providing some support to the index.

Sectoral Snapshot

Sectoral indices showed a mixed picture. While auto, private banking, and consumer durables managed to close in positive territory, most other sectors ended in the red. The IT, media, metal, oil & gas, and realty indices registered declines in the range of 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent.

Broader Market Trends

Broader markets also struggled to maintain momentum. Both the BSE midcap and smallcap indices edged lower by around 0.3 per cent, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid global uncertainties and stock-specific corrections.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments, noted, "The domestic market failed to maintain the opening gains as the continuing tensions in the Middle East & volatility in oil prices dragged the overall sentiment. However, auto & consumer discretionary gained in expectations of a demand revival. With the supportive base of the domestic macros, the long-term outlook remains intact, and investors are likely to be focused on high-quality large-cap stocks until greater clarity emerges. Investors will keep an eye on the U.S. Fed policy later today; the prospect of higher inflation due to the tariff threat may lead the FOMC to keep the rates unchanged."

Rupee Movement

Meanwhile, the Rupee ends 23 paise lower at 86.47/USD on Wednesday, down from 86.24 on Tuesday. Indian currency weakens slightly amid forex market fluctuations and ongoing geopolitical conflicts.