Markets End Lower Amid Selling Pressure and Cautious Sentiment
Domestic equities closed marginally lower today, weighed down by weakness in banking and other key sectors. After a flat opening, indices came under sustained selling pressure, particularly in PSU Banks, Realty, and Energy, leading to a 0.33% decline in the Nifty, which settled at 24,379.60. The Sensex dropped by 156 points, while the broader markets underperformed, falling over 2%.
A sharp 5% slide in the PSU Bank Index marked the dayโs steepest sectoral loss, as profit booking dominated. Except for auto, most sectors closed in the red.
Technical indicators point to continued weakness, with a bearish candle on daily charts and a lower top formation on intraday charts. The Nifty faces resistance near 24,500, and unless it decisively breaches this level, the sentiment is likely to remain subdued. Key support levels lie at 24,250 and 24,175, with potential downside extending to 24,000 if selling persists.
India VIX remains elevated, reflecting rising uncertainty amid geopolitical tensions and ahead of the US Fedโs interest rate decision. Given the current non-directional market structure, traders are advised to adopt a levels-based, stock-specific approach with a focus on risk management.
Equity benchmarks closed marginally lower on Monday amid broad-based selling and weak global cues. The Nifty ended 82 points lower at 24,379.60 (-0.33%), while the Sensex slipped 156 points, dragged primarily by weakness in banking, realty, and energy stocks.
Sectoral Performance:
Barring auto, all major sectoral indices ended in the red. The PSU Bank index plunged 5%, marking the steepest sectoral decline, followed by a 3% drop in Realty. Other sectors like pharma, consumer durables, media, oil & gas, and power also declined between 1-2%.
Broader Markets:
Selling pressure was more pronounced in the broader markets, with the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices falling 2% each, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors.
Key Losers on the Nifty:
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Adani Enterprises
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Eternal
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Jio Financial
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Trent
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HDFC Life
Top Gainers:
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Hero MotoCorp
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Tata Steel
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Bharti Airtel
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M&M
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HUL
Technical View:
The formation of a bearish candle on the daily chart and a lower top on intraday charts signal a continuation of weakness. Resistance is seen around 24,500, and unless breached, the trend may remain under pressure. On the downside, the index may retest 24,250, with a further drop toward 24,175 or even 24,000 if weakness persists.
Market Outlook:
With elevated India VIX levels and persistent geopolitical tensions, sentiment remains fragile. All eyes are now on the US Fed interest rate decision due Wednesday. Traders are advised to remain cautious and adopt a stock-specific, levels-based strategy with a strong focus on managing overnight risk.