Market Close: Sensex & Nifty End Flat With Losses, Midcap & Smallcap Indices Down Upto Half a Per Cent

The Nifty 50 closed marginally down by 0.03 per cent, settling at 22,547.55, while the Sensex decreased by 0.23 per cent, finishing at 74,625.36.

Market Update 3:30 PM: Indian equity markets witnessed a lackluster session, closing near the flatline with minor losses, as sectoral shifts dictated the day's trading. After an initial surge, the benchmark indices struggled to maintain momentum. The Nifty 50 closed marginally down by 0.03 per cent, settling at 22,547.55, while the Sensex decreased by 0.23 per cent, finishing at 74,625.36.

The broader market indices reflected a negative trend. The Nifty Midcap 150 declined by 0.51 per cent to 18,408.75, and the Nifty Smallcap 250 fell by 0.45 per cent to 14,441.70. Market volatility eased slightly, with the India VIX down by 5.03 per cent to 13.72.

Sectorally, the day saw a continuation of shifts. Nifty Media (0.84 per cent), Nifty Consumer Durables (0.54 per cent), and Nifty Auto (0.51 per cent) emerged as the top sectoral gainers. Conversely, Nifty Metal (-1.54 per cent), Nifty Realty (-1.31 per cent), and Nifty PSU Bank (-1.22 per cent) were the significant laggards.

Within the Nifty 50, Bharti Airtel, M&M, and Bajaj Finance topped the gainers' list, advancing by 2.32 per cent, 2.13 per cent, and 1.40 per cent, respectively. Conversely, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Hindalco Industries, and Trent were the biggest laggards, losing 3.10 per cent, 3.01 per cent, and 2.41 per cent, respectively.

The market breadth leaned towards the negative side, with 1,117 advances and 1,717 declines, indicating a cautious approach among investors.

Market Update 11:40 AM: Indian equity markets are displaying a subdued performance in mid-morning trade, with benchmark indices struggling to maintain early gains. While initial positivity faded, sectoral rotations are creating pockets of activity. The Nifty 50 is marginally up by 0.04 per cent, currently at 22,561.75, and the Sensex has increased by 0.23 per cent, reaching 74,625.36.

Broader market indices are showing mixed signals. The Nifty Midcap 150 has declined by 0.29 per cent to 18,450.45, and the Nifty Smallcap 250 is down by 0.12 per cent to 14,488.60. Market volatility has slightly decreased, with the India VIX down by 3.66 per cent to 13.91.

Sectorally, we see a shift from the morning's trend. Nifty Auto (0.78 per cent), Nifty Consumer Durables (0.75 per cent), and Nifty Media (0.55 per cent) are the leading sectoral gainers. Conversely, Nifty Metal (-1.19 per cent), Nifty Realty (-1.06 per cent), and Nifty PSU Bank (-0.88 per cent) are among the sectoral laggards.

Within the Nifty 50, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Finance, and Bharti Airtel are the top performers. Hindalco Industries, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, and Wipro are the major draggers.

Market breadth is tilting slightly negative, with 1,254 advances and 1,369 declines, suggesting a cautious sentiment among investors.

Market Update 9:45 AM: Indian equity markets are showing positive momentum in early-morning trade, recovering from initial dips. Benchmark indices have turned green, with broader market indices also witnessing gains. The Nifty 50 is up 0.21 per cent at 22,601.25, and the Sensex has gained 0.39 per cent to reach 74,741.52.

Broader market indices are reflecting positive performance. The Nifty Midcap 150 has increased by 0.22 per cent to 18,543.70, and the Nifty Smallcap 250 has risen by 0.49 per cent to 14,578.25.

Market volatility has decreased, with the India VIX down 2.73 per cent to 14.05.

Sectorally, most indices are showing positive movement. Nifty Media (1.24 per cent), Nifty Auto (0.67 per cent) and Nifty Consumer Durables (0.51 per cent) are leading sectoral gainers. Conversely, Nifty Metal (-0.39 per cent), Nifty Realty (-0.34 per cent) and Nifty IT (-0.18 per cent) are among the sectoral laggards.

Within the Nifty 50, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Finserv and Bajaj Finance are among the top performers. Hindalco Industries, Coal India and Larsen & Toubro are the major draggers.

Market breadth is heavily positive, with 1,719 advances and 668 declines, indicating positive sentiment prevailing among investors.

Market Update 8:15 AM: U.S. stocks had a mixed session on Monday, with the Nasdaq Composite taking a sharp hit due to a decline in major technology shares. Investors remained cautious about the demand for artificial intelligence-driven technology while anticipating Nvidia’s upcoming earnings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up by 33.19 points or 0.08 per cent to settle at 43,461.21. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 shed 29.88 points or 0.50 per cent to close at 5,983.25, and the Nasdaq Composite tumbled 237.08 points or 1.21 per cent to wrap up at 19,286.93.

Asian equities began Tuesday on a weaker note, as investor sentiment took a hit following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to restrict Chinese investments and proceed with tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

The GIFT Nifty was trading flat, signaling a subdued opening for Indian markets. As of 07:00 AM IST, Nifty futures stood at 22,587.5, reflecting a lack of clear directional momentum.

Benchmark indices extended their losing streak for the fifth straight session on February 24, pushing the Nifty 50 to its lowest level in eight months. The decline was led by selling pressure in IT, realty, and telecom sectors. At market close, the Sensex fell 856.65 points or 1.14 per cent to end at 74,454.41, while the Nifty tumbled 242.55 points or 1.06 per cent to finish at 22,553.35. Nifty Mid and Smallcap indices also slipped by 1 per cent each.

The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield dropped 57 basis points to 4.37 per cent, while the 2-year Treasury yield declined 50 basis points to 4.15 per cent, reflecting increased investor caution.

The U.S. dollar rebounded to 106.76 on Tuesday after touching a two-month low earlier in the week. The recovery was driven by safe-haven demand following Trump’s confirmation that tariffs on Mexico and Canada would proceed as planned.

Crude oil prices advanced, with WTI crude futures rising above 71 USD per barrel. This marked the second consecutive day of gains, as fresh U.S. sanctions on Iran’s oil trade raised concerns over tighter global supplies.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) continued to be net sellers for the fourth consecutive session on February 24, offloading equities worth Rs 6,286 crore. On the other hand, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) extended their buying streak to 14 sessions, accumulating stocks worth Rs 5,185 crore.

Chambal Fertilisers and Manappuram Finance are under the F&O trading ban today.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.