Sensex, Nifty End Higher; Late Profit Booking Trims Gains

Indian benchmark equity indices closed marginally higher on Thursday after surrendering a large part of their earlier gains as investors booked profits in information technology, metal, oil and gas shares.

The Nifty rose 34.35 points, or 0.14 per cent, to settle at 24,056. The Sensex gained 109.25 points, or 0.14 per cent, to close at 77,100.47. Both indices traded considerably higher during the day before selling pressure reduced gains in the final hours of trade.

Weakness in several heavyweight sectors weighed on overall sentiment.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Power Grid Corporation of India and Hindalco Industries emerged among the biggest laggards on the Nifty index and pulled benchmarks lower during the latter part of the session.

The broader market also remained under pressure. The Nifty MidCap index declined 0.55 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index slipped 0.47 per cent, reflecting cautious participation beyond frontline stocks.

Sectoral performance remained mixed. The Nifty Metal index recorded the sharpest decline.

The Nifty IT and Nifty Oil and Gas indices also finished lower as traders locked in profits after recent gains.

Defensive and consumption-focused segments supported the market.

The Nifty Auto and Nifty FMCG indices outperformed most sectors and helped benchmarks maintain positive territory.

Market analysts said the substantial erosion of intraday gains highlighted a cautious undertone among investors. They noted that participants remained selective due to sector-specific weakness and profit-taking across broader markets.

Experts added that lower crude oil prices supported the rupee and offered limited relief. The support failed to sustain stronger upward momentum.

Analysts said investors will closely track the first-quarter earnings outlook and monsoon progress, as both factors could influence market direction in the coming weeks.

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