In a session marked by consolidation, India’s key stock indices ended flat on Wednesday, buoyed by robust gains in healthcare and auto segments despite IT sector weakness. Sensex closed down 0.05% or 40.28 points at 84,233.64, while Nifty posted a marginal 0.07% rise of 18.70 points to 25,953.85.
Healthcare led the charge with Nifty Healthcare up 1.62%, closely trailed by Nifty Auto’s 1.30% advance. Other notable gainers were Nifty PSU Bank (+1.03%), Nifty Pharma (+1.01%), Nifty India Manufacturing (+0.76%), and Nifty Realty (+0.63%).
The downside was dominated by technology, as Nifty IT fell sharply by 1.76%. Nifty PSE and Private Bank indices declined 0.16% each.
Sensex top performers comprised SBI, Maruti Suzuki, IndiGo, Trent, NTPC, Bajaj Finance, ICICI Bank, Sun Pharma, BEL, Bharti Airtel, and L&T. Decliners included TCS, Infosys, HCL Tech, ITC, Tech Mahindra, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, UltraTech Cement, Titan, Tata Steel, Bajaj Finserv, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Asian Paints, and Power Grid.
Mid and smallcaps showed resilience, with Nifty Midcap 100 up 0.03% at 60,754.55 and Nifty Smallcap 100 rising marginally to 17,455.
LKP Securities’ Rupak De observed, ‘Intraday resistance at 26,000 capped Nifty’s upside, prompting a dip. The near-term outlook stays bullish, supported near 25,800. Crossing 26,000 could spark a fresh rally.’
Markets opened higher, Sensex at 84,339.15 (+65.23 points) and Nifty at 25,997.45 (+62.3 points) from prior closes. With volatility in check, traders anticipate catalysts from policy announcements and international markets to drive the next leg.