Sensex, Nifty End Flat Amid Sectoral Tug-of-War; IT Shines While Metal, Pharma Stocks Drag

 

In a day marked by cautious optimism and sectoral divergence, the Indian equity markets ended the session nearly flat. While the Sensex edged higher by 70.01 points to close at 80,288.38, the Nifty 50 managed a modest gain of 7.45 points, ending at 24,335.95, holding firm above the psychological 24,300 mark.

A Tug of War Between Gainers and Losers

The broader market remained in sync with the frontline indices, with the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices also ending on a flat note. Market activity was largely rangebound, reflecting indecision among investors amid mixed global cues and sector-specific triggers.

Reliance Industries emerged as a key market mover once again, continuing its upward momentum. The stock has added a significant ₹1.5 lakh crore in market capitalization, pushing it to a six-month high. Other major gainers on the Nifty included Bharat Electronics, Tech Mahindra, Eternal, and Trent, providing some support to the benchmark index.

On the flip side, Sun Pharma, ONGC, Coal India, UltraTech Cement, and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories weighed on market sentiment, dragging the index down.

Sectoral Performance: IT in the Limelight

The session saw a clear sectoral split:

• Gainers:

  • Information Technology (IT)

  • Capital Goods

  • Consumer Durables

  • Oil & Gas
    These sectors recorded gains in the range of 0.5% to 1%, with IT stocks outperforming on the back of renewed investor interest and earnings optimism.

• Laggards:

  • Metals

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Telecom

  • Power
    These segments saw a dip of 0.5% to 1%, as profit booking and global cues weighed on investor sentiment.

Global Market Snapshot

Globally, markets remained mixed. Overnight, the S&P 500 and Dow Jones in the U.S. ended slightly higher after a volatile session. Gold prices edged up as investors braced for key economic data and corporate earnings later in the week, while keeping a close eye on ongoing trade negotiations.

Outlook: Cautious Optimism Ahead

With Indian indices holding crucial support levels, analysts suggest that market participants are awaiting clearer signals—both from earnings announcements and global economic trends. Continued strength in heavyweights like Reliance and IT counters could provide some cushion, but pressure from pharma and metal stocks might limit upside in the near term.

As always, investors are advised to stay stock-specific and maintain a balanced portfolio approach, especially as the market navigates through earnings season and global uncertainties.