Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty End 7-Day Rally Amid Volatility And FMCG Drag

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 ended in the red amid a volatile F&O expiry session on Thursday after seven consecutive sessions of gains. Weak earnings from major FMCG companies weighed heavily on investor sentiment, triggering broad-based profit booking.

The Sensex closed 314.50 points lower, down 0.39 per cent, at 79,801.99, while the Nifty 50 slipped 84.25 points, or 0.35 per cent, to finish at 24,244.70. Market breadth remained nearly balanced, with 1,669 stocks advancing, 1,769 declining, and 116 unchanged on the BSE.

Sectorial Update

The FMCG index emerged as the worst-performing sector of the day, shedding over 1 per cent after lacklustre quarterly numbers from heavyweights like Hindustan Unilever, Nestle India, and Tata Consumer Products.

In contrast, Nifty Pharma bucked the trend, rising nearly 1 per cent, led by strong gains in Natco Pharma, Divi’s Laboratories, and Ajanta Pharma, which jumped up to 12 per cent.

Other key sectors, including Auto, Bank, IT, and Realty, ended lower in the range of 0.4 per cent to 1.4 per cent, mirroring the subdued mood.

Broader Market Update

The broader markets also slipped into the red, with the Nifty Midcap 100 declining 0.2 per cent and the Nifty Smallcap 100 closing marginally lower after a strong run in recent sessions.

Market participants are now eyeing macroeconomic cues, earnings reports, and geopolitical developments for direction in the sessions ahead.

Volatility stayed heightened on Thursday as traders rolled over their April F&O contracts, with the India VIX often referred to as the fear gauge, climbing 2 per cent to 16.30. The uptick signals growing investor anxiety and heightened market uncertainty.

Also Read: Hindustan Unilever Reports Dip in Q4 Profit; Declares Rs 24 Dividend

Expert Comment

"In the very short term, the market will respond to the ongoing earnings season. But as we move forward, investor sentiment may be influenced by India’s response to the recent terror attacks and their broader implications. Investors must remain cautious, even while staying invested," said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services. 

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