MUMBAI: Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty edged up in subdued trade on Wednesday, as investors remained cautious ahead of crucial US inflation data that could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions.
The 30-share BSE Sensex gained 16.09 points, or 0.02 per cent, to close at 81,526.14, with 17 constituents declining and 13 advancing. Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty rose by 31.75 points, or 0.13 per cent, to settle at 24,641.80, breaking a three-day losing streak.
Gainers and losers
Among the Sensex components, Bajaj Finance, Nestle India, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints, UltraTech Cement, Infosys, Maruti, Bharti Airtel, and Hindustan Unilever were notable gainers. On the other hand, JSW Steel, Adani Ports, NTPC, State Bank of India, Reliance Industries, Tech Mahindra, Axis Bank, Titan, and HDFC Bank were the major laggards.
The Indian market exhibited subtle movements, reflecting mixed sentiments in global markets ahead of the US CPI inflation data release, which could influence the Fed’s policy,” said an expert.
Sectoral performance
Among sectoral indices, Consumer Durables rose 0.59 per cent, Industrials gained 0.40 per cent, and Auto advanced 0.37 per cent. IT and Teck climbed 0.35 per cent each, while FMCG edged up 0.34 per cent. However, Utilities, Bankex, Power, and Services indices ended lower.
PNC Infratech shares surged 12 per cent to close at Rs347.90 after the company announced the early completion of a highway project in Uttar Pradesh, with intraday gains peaking at 15 per cent to Rs357.15.
The food delivery giant Swiggy stock fell 4 per cent to Rs522.70 as investors booked profits after the one-month lock-in period for anchor investors expired.
On the BSE, 2,146 stocks advanced, 1,840 declined, and 110 remained unchanged. The total market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms increased by Rs91,110.2 crore to Rs4,60,46,637.96 crore (approximately $5.43 trillion).
Global markets
Asian markets closed mixed, with Tokyo, Shanghai, and Seoul gaining while Hong Kong declined. European markets showed mixed trends, and US markets closed in the red on Tuesday. Brent crude oil prices rose 0.98 per cent to USD72.90 per barrel.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers, purchasing equities worth Rs1,285.96 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.
