The Indian market ended largely unchanged on Thursday, with the Sensex and Nifty struggling for direction after three consecutive sessions of losses. Despite early declines, gains in IT and financial stocks helped steady the market.
The S&P BSE Sensex slipped 78 points, or 0.09%, to close at 84,481.81, while the NSE Nifty 50 edged down 3 points, or 0.01%, to 25,815.55.
According to analysts, domestic equities navigated a volatile session amid subdued global cues, with large-cap stocks lagging behind mid-cap and small-cap counterparts. Value buying and a rupee recovery aided by central bank intervention supported early gains, but lingering uncertainty over a potential U.S.–India trade deal dampened sentiment, prompting profit-booking later in the day.
Sector-wise, IT and financial services attracted investor interest, while auto, oil & gas, chemicals, and pharma witnessed notable weakness. Looking ahead, markets will focus on U.S. core inflation and jobless claims data, alongside interest rate decisions from the BoE, ECB, and Bank of Japan, for clearer directional cues.
US markets climbed on Thursday as a soft inflation reading kept alive chances of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, while chipmaker Micron's blowout forecast assuaged some worries about tech sector valuations. European shares rose on Thursday as lower-than-expected U.S. inflation strengthened hopes for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in 2026 and the European Central Bank took a more positive view of the economy after keeping rates on hold.
The Nifty remains weak as the index failed to reclaim the 200-DMA on the hourly chart, with bears continuing to drag Indian equities lower. The momentum indicator RSI is in a bearish crossover and is also forming lower tops, indicating weakening momentum.
The most active stocks in terms of turnover were Swiggy, InterGlobe Aviation, HDFC Bank, BSE, Hindustan Copper, Shriram Finance, and Infosys. In volume terms, Vodafone Idea, Ola Electric Mobility, Reliance Power, Swiggy, JP Power, YES Bank, and Suzlon Energy were among the most actively traded stocks.
Shares of HBL Power, HDFC AMC, Reliance Power, Nippon Life AMC, Hindustan Copper, Reliance Infrastructure, and Motilal Oswal witnessed strong buying interest from market participants.
Over 95 stocks hit their 52-week highs, while 276 stocks slipped to their 52-week lows. Among the ones that hit their 52-week highs were Hindustan Zinc and Tata Motors CV.
Remember, this is a perspective, not a prediction. Do your own research and consider your own risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.
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