Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty extended their decline for a third consecutive session amid elevated crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions. The 30-share BSE Sensex closed 460.30 points or 0.62 per cent lower at 73,249.39. During the day, the benchmark hit a high of 73,720.83 and a low of 73,005.11, gyrating 715.72 points. Similarly, the 50-share NSE Nifty shed 123.70 points or 0.54 per cent to close at 22,687.65. Similarly, the broader market ended the session in the red. The BSE MidCap Select Index fell 126.26 points, or 0.74 per cent, while the BSE SmallCap Select Index fell 80.61 points, or 0.94 per cent.
Among sectoral indices, Nifty Pharma was the gainer, up 012 per cent, followed by Nifty PSU Bank, which gained 0.07 per cent. Meanwhile, Nifty FMCG and Nifty IT fell 1.41 per cent and 1.05 per cent respectively.
"The rupee reversed its recent trend, weakening steadily through the session, which weighed on investor sentiment. Although the benchmark indices attempted a recovery led by banking stocks, the move failed to sustain at higher levels. With domestic bond yields climbing back to recent highs, equity valuation premiums came under renewed scrutiny, and selling broadened across almost all sectors. Consequently, tracking negative global cues ahead of Japan’s inflation data, Indian equities ended lower after a volatile session, with mid- and small-cap segments underperforming large caps," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.
Top gainers and losers
Among the 30-Sensex firms, Bajaj Finance, UltraTech Cement, ICICI Bank, Sun Pharma and State Bank of India were the major gainers, with Bajaj Finance gaining 1.61 per cent today. On the flip side, Reliance, Eternal, HDFC Bank, Power Grid and Trent were among the laggards. Reliance shares fell 2.59 per cent today.
Today, shares of 11 out of 30 Sensex companies closed in the green, while the remaining 19 closed in the red. Meanwhile, 14 of 50 Nifty 50 companies also closed in the green, while the other 36 closed in the red.
Rupee traded weak
Meanwhile, the Indian rupee traded weak, declining around 30 paise to 94.81, as crude oil prices remained above USD 110 and weak sentiment in secondary markets weighed on the currency.
