Indian markets remained largely subdued on Thursday as investors adopted a cautious approach amid geopolitical tensions, fluctuating crude oil prices and weak cues from Asian markets.
Selling in financial stocks limited gains, leaving the benchmark indices almost unchanged by the closing bell.
The Sensex edged up 1.44 points to settle at 77,186.87, while the Nifty slipped 5.75 points, or 0.02 per cent, to finish at 24,072.75.
During the session, the Sensex climbed as much as 394 points before surrendering most of its gains.
The Nifty also touched an intraday high of 24,186.50 before retreating amid late selling pressure.
Consumer-focused sectors delivered a strong performance despite the cautious market mood.
The Nifty Consumer Durables index emerged as the top gainer, rising 1.48 per cent. Nifty Chemicals advanced 1.41 per cent, while Media, IT and Auto indices also ended higher.
Financial shares, however, remained under pressure throughout the session.
The Nifty MidSmall Financial Services index fell 1.53 per cent, while the Financial Services Ex-Bank index declined 1.17 per cent. Realty, PSU Bank and Private Bank indices also closed in negative territory.
Among the Nifty 50 stocks, Eternal, SBI Life Insurance, Bajaj Finserv, Bharat Electronics, HDFC Bank, Shriram Finance, Cipla, Grasim Industries, NTPC and Apollo Hospitals ended as the biggest losers.
Market experts said investors remained cautious due to geopolitical uncertainty, volatile crude oil prices and weak regional trends. They noted that 24,200 remains the immediate resistance for the Nifty, while 24,000 continues to serve as a crucial support.
Investors will now monitor June quarter earnings, management commentary, inflation trends, monsoon progress and global developments for fresh market direction.
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