MUMBAI: The domestic equity market closed on a mixed note on February 25, with the Sensex snapping a five-day losing streak, while the Nifty 50 continued its downward trend for the sixth straight session.
Persistent concerns over global trade tensions, foreign fund outflows, and moderating macroeconomic indicators weighed on investor sentiment.
The Sensex gained 148 points, or 0.20 per cent, to settle at 74,602.12, buoyed by selective buying in index heavyweights. In contrast, the Nifty 50 ended marginally lower by 6 points, or 0.03 per cent, at 22,547.55.
Sectoral performance
Broader indices underperformed, with the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices falling 0.57 [er cent and 0.45 per cent, respectively, as concerns over high valuations persisted. Weak global cues, depreciation in the rupee, and selling pressure in mid and small-cap stocks contributed to the market’s cautious undertone.
Sectorally, performance was mixed. The Nifty Bank index edged lower by 0.09 per cent, while the Private Bank index closed flat with a marginal gain of 0.02 per cent. The Nifty PSU Bank index saw a more significant decline of 1.22 per cent.
Key gainers and losers
Among Nifty 50 constituents, Bharti Airtel (+2.32 per cent), Mahindra & Mahindra (+2.13 per cent), and Bajaj Finance (+1.40 per cent) emerged as the top gainers. On the losing side, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (-3.10 per cent), Hindalco (-3.01 per cent), and Trent (-2.41 per cent) were among the worst performers.
Shares of Reliance Industries, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) dragged the index lower. Analysts cited concerns over slowing economic growth and sustained foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows as key reasons for the ongoing correction in equities.
Market sentiment
Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, noted that market sentiment remains cautious due to continued pressure on the Indian rupee, FII outflows, and developments related to global trade tariffs. “Concerns over high valuations have led to a sustained decline in small and mid-cap stocks, which have underperformed in recent sessions,” he said.
Vodafone Idea led trading volumes with 20.21 crore shares changing hands, followed by YES Bank (4.91 crore shares), Zomato (4.85 crore shares), Easy Trip Planners (3.62 crore shares), and GTL Infrastructure (3.44 crore shares).
Going forward, analysts expect market volatility to persist, with investors closely monitoring global economic trends, rupee movements, and institutional fund flows.
