Sensex & Nifty End Slightly Lower, Midcap & Smallcap Shine

The Nifty 50 closed down 0.05 per cent at 22,932.90, and the Sensex ended the day with a 0.03 per cent dip at 75,939.18.

Market Update 3:30 PM: Indian equity markets concluded today's trading session with a mixed performance. Benchmark indices saw minor declines, while broader market indices registered notable gains. The Nifty 50 closed down 0.05 per cent at 22,932.90, and the Sensex ended the day with a 0.03 per cent dip at 75,939.18.

Broader market indices, however, demonstrated strong performance. The Nifty Midcap 150 rose by 1.46 per cent to 18,644.90, and the Nifty Smallcap 250 outperformed with a 2.25 per cent surge to close at 14,588.65.

Market volatility saw a decrease, with the India VIX down 1.56 per cent to 15.42.

Sectorally, a mixed bag was observed. Nifty Metal (1.25 per cent), Nifty Private Bank (1.13 per cent), and Nifty PSU Bank (1.33 per cent) emerged as the top sectoral gainers. On the other hand, Nifty IT (-1.30 per cent), Nifty Healthcare (-0.78 per cent), and Nifty FMCG (-0.23 per cent) were among the sectors that faced headwinds.

Within the Nifty 50, BEL, Hindalco, and Eicher Motors were the top performers. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, TCS, and Infosys were the major laggards.

Market breadth remained positive, with 2,145 advances and 716 declines, indicating prevailing positive market sentiment.

Market Update 12:30 PM: Indian equity markets continue their positive momentum in midday trade. Benchmark indices have strengthened their gains, with broader market indices witnessing a significant surge. The Nifty 50 is up 0.15 per cent at 22,979.10, and the Sensex has gained 0.21 per cent to reach 76,128.02.

Broader market indices are exhibiting robust performance. The Nifty Midcap 150 has increased by 1.34 per cent to 18,621.35, and the Nifty Smallcap 250 has risen by 2.21 per cent to 14,582.70.

Market volatility has slightly decreased, with the India VIX down 1.86 per cent to 15.37.

Sectorally, most indices are trading in positive territory. Nifty Realty (2.18 per cent), Nifty Media (1.52 per cent), and Nifty PSU Bank (1.49 per cent) are the top sectoral gainers. Conversely, Nifty IT (-0.69 per cent), Nifty Healthcare (-0.55 per cent), and Nifty FMCG (-0.01 per cent) are among the sectoral laggards.

Within the Nifty 50, BEL, LT, and Axis Bank are among the top performers. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, TCS, and Hindustan Unilever are the major draggers.

Market breadth is strongly positive, with 2,051 advances and 646 declines, reflecting a bullish sentiment among investors.

Market Update 9:55 AM: Indian equity markets are trading on a positive note in early-morning trade. Benchmark indices have opened in the green, and broader market indices are witnessing significant gains. The Nifty 50 is up 0.02 per cent at 22,948.90, and the Sensex has gained 0.03 per cent to reach 75,993.81.

Broader market indices are showing strong performance. The Nifty Midcap 150 has increased by 1.02 per cent to 18,563.05, and the Nifty Smallcap 250 has risen by 1.57 per cent to 14,492.65.

Market volatility has decreased slightly, with the India VIX down 1.11 per cent to 15.49.

Sectorally, most indices are showing positive movement. Nifty Realty (2.15 per cent), Nifty Media (1.51 per cent) and Nifty PSU Bank (1.26 per cent) are the leading sectoral gainers. Conversely, Nifty IT (-0.84 per cent), Nifty Healthcare (-1.17 per cent) and Nifty FMCG (-0.41 per cent) are among the sectoral laggards.

Within the Nifty 50, BEL, Trent and Tata Steel are among the top performers. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, TCS and M&M are the major draggers.

Market breadth is strongly positive, with 1,941 advances and 541 declines, indicating bullish sentiment prevailing among investors.

Market Update 8:15 AM: U.S. equities wrapped up Tuesday’s session with minor gains, as investors assessed earnings season developments, upcoming Federal Reserve meeting minutes, and ongoing geopolitical risks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up by 10.26 points or 0.02 per cent to settle at 44,556.34. The S&P 500 climbed 14.95 points or 0.24 per cent to close at 6,129.58, while the Nasdaq Composite inched up 14.49 points or 0.07 per cent to finish at 20,041.26.

Asian equities traded on a mixed note in early deals as geopolitical concerns and global trade tensions weighed on sentiment, despite gains in semiconductor stocks, which had helped propel the S&P 500 to a fresh record high.

GIFT Nifty indicated a lackluster to slightly positive opening for Indian equities. As of 07:10 AM IST, Nifty futures were trading at 22,962.5.

Indian benchmark indices ended slightly lower after a choppy session on February 18. The Sensex dipped by 29.47 points or 0.04 per cent to close at 75,967.39, while the Nifty 50 slipped 14.20 points or 0.06 per cent to finish at 22,945.30. The BSE Midcap index dropped 0.2 per cent but managed to recover from its intraday lows, whereas the Smallcap index extended losses, declining 1.7 per cent.

The yield on U.S. 10-year Treasuries edged up to 4.54 per cent, while the 2-year yield moved slightly higher to 4.29 per cent in early Wednesday trade.

The U.S. dollar gained strength, rising to 107.01, amid tariff-related concerns and intensifying Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Meanwhile, the New Zealand dollar held firm as traders braced for a sizable rate cut.

WTI crude oil prices advanced to approximately USD 72 per barrel on Wednesday, extending gains for the third consecutive session. The rise was driven by short-term supply risks after a drone attack on a pumping station in southern Russia disrupted Kazakh crude exports to the Black Sea. This incident could potentially reduce transit volumes by 30 per cent and may take up to two months to resolve. However, further upside in oil prices was limited due to easing geopolitical risks, with diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Russia aiming to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned net buyers after nine consecutive sessions of selling, purchasing equities worth Rs 4,786 crore on February 18. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) extended their buying streak for the tenth session, adding stocks worth Rs 3,072 crore on the same day.

Manappuram Finance and Deepak Nitrite remain under the F&O ban today.

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