Stock Market Today: Sensex Ends 429 Points Lower, Nifty Slips 173 After RBI Rate Hike

Equity benchmark indices ended lower on Wednesday, snapping a two-session winning streak after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.5 per cent and shifted its monetary policy stance to ‘calibrated tightening’.

The Sensex declined 429.11 points, or 0.59 per cent, to close at 72,638.70. The Nifty fell 173.05 points, or 0.76 per cent, to settle at 22,603.05.

Market experts said the Nifty slipped below 22,700 and closed near the key 22,600 support.

A sustained break below this level could open the way towards 22,400, while 22,800 remains the first recovery hurdle.

Investors turned cautious as the RBI’s policy move signalled tighter interest rate conditions ahead.

Titan Company, BEL and Hindalco Industries emerged as the biggest Nifty laggards. Metal stocks faced notable selling pressure, weighing on the broader market.

The Nifty MidCap 100 declined 0.63 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap 100 gained 0.30 per cent.

Among sectoral indices, Nifty Metal emerged as the weakest performer. Nifty PSU Bank bucked the broader trend and ended higher.

Analysts said investors will track the policy impact on economic growth, liquidity and corporate earnings.

Market attention will now shift to the September-quarter earnings season.

A resilient macroeconomic backdrop supports headline expectations, but management commentary will remain crucial in assessing input costs, pricing power and demand during the second half of the fiscal year.

Also Read: Stock Market Today: Sensex Opens 462 Points Lower, Nifty Slips Below 22,650 Ahead Of RBI Policy