Sensex, Nifty End Lower As Earnings Pressure Weighs On Markets

Indian equity markets ended in the red on Monday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty slipping amid cautious global cues and selling pressure in select heavyweight stocks.

The decline was largely stock-specific, triggered by reactions to quarterly results from major companies such as Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank, which emerged as the biggest drags on the benchmarks.

At the close, the Sensex settled at 83,246.18, down 324.17 points or 0.39 per cent, while the Nifty ended at 25,585.5, lower by 108.85 points or 0.42 per cent.

The Nifty remained under bearish control throughout the session, sustaining below its 20-day exponential moving average (EMA).

An expert stated that immediate support lies at 25,494, which marked the day’s low, followed by a deeper support zone between 25,400 and 25,350.

“Intra-day action reflects profit booking and underlying weakness, leaving Nifty vulnerable to further downside unless a sharp rebound emerges above the 25,600–25,700 zone,” as per the analyst.

Global sentiment remained weak after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose taxes on several European countries.

The warning followed opposition from some European nations to his bid to acquire Greenland, adding to uncertainty in global markets and weighing on investor mood.

On the sectoral front, realty, oil and gas, and media stocks witnessed notable selling pressure. The Nifty Realty index slipped nearly 2 per cent, while Nifty Oil & Gas declined about 1.56 per cent. The Nifty Media index also ended sharply lower, down 1.84 per cent.

Defensive pockets attracted some buying interest. The Nifty FMCG index gained 0.67 per cent, supported by select consumer stocks, while the Nifty Auto index edged up marginally by 0.13 per cent.

Broader markets also remained under pressure. The Nifty Midcap 100 index closed 0.37 per cent lower, while the Nifty Smallcap index underperformed, falling 0.99 per cent.

Outlook Remains Cautious

Analysts noted that investors remained cautious amid mixed corporate earnings and rising global uncertainties, leading to a subdued close for Indian equities.

“With the Q3 earnings season progressing, stock-specific volatility is likely, particularly where performance has been mixed,” the analyst said.

“Given the blend of global uncertainty and domestic triggers, markets are expected to remain in a consolidation zone,” as per the experts.

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