Markets Close Flat; Healthcare & PSU Banking Shares Lead Gains

Indian market equity benchmarks concluded Thursday’s volatile trade on a divided footing. Defensive pockets outperformed, while consumption-linked counters lost ground.

The Nifty 50 edged up 0.06 per cent, adding 14.05 points to settle at 25,496.55. Conversely, the BSE Sensex slipped 27.46 points, or 0.03 per cent, to close at 82,248.61.

Market technicians indicated that a decisive close above 25,700 on robust volumes remains essential to materially shift momentum.

Until such confirmation emerges, analysts expect selective dip-buying, provided the 25,400 level sustains as structural support.

Within the 30-share benchmark pack, Trent declined 1.61 per cent and ranked as the weakest performer. Other laggards included HDFC Bank, Power Grid Corporation of India, Bajaj Finserv and Asian Paints.

On the advancing side, Bharat Electronics Limited led intraday gains.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, Maruti Suzuki India and Bharti Airtel also finished higher.

Broader indices displayed mixed undertones. The Nifty Midcap 100 retreated 0.58 per cent, reflecting selling pressure beyond frontline counters.

The Nifty Smallcap 100 ended nearly unchanged, down 0.01 per cent.

Healthcare counters outperformed the wider market. The Nifty Healthcare advanced 1.24 per cent, while the Nifty Pharma gained 1.08 per cent.

Public sector lenders also attracted buying interest, buoyed by selective accumulation. In contrast, media and fast-moving consumer goods shares faced headwinds.

The Nifty Media declined 0.68 per cent, and the Nifty FMCG eased 0.16 per cent.

Institutional flows lent support. Foreign institutional investors purchased equities worth ₹3,024.50 crore on 25 February. Domestic institutional investors added ₹3,639.97 crore during the same session.

Analysts noted that global cues from technology and metals buoyed sentiment at the open.

However, investors trimmed exposure at elevated levels rather than chase momentum.

As a result, the market remained range-bound with stock-specific action dominating trade.

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