Indian Stock Market Ends Lower for Second Straight Session as Sensex Falls 238 Points, Nifty Slips Below 24,200

Indian Stock Market Ends Lower for Second Straight Session as Sensex Falls 238 Points, Nifty Slips Below 24,200

Indian benchmark equity indices extended their losses for a second consecutive trading session as weakness in private banking stocks, investor caution over rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and concerns about crude oil prices weighed on market sentiment.

After opening on a subdued note, the markets came under pressure during the afternoon session, with the Nifty falling to an intraday low of **24,135.65**. However, strong buying during the final hour of trade helped the index recover from its lows and settle close to the **24,200** mark.

At the closing bell, the **BSE Sensex declined 238.41 points to end at 77,470.11**, while the **NSE Nifty 50 fell 50.80 points to close at 24,187.70**.

Despite the weakness in the benchmark indices, the broader market remained resilient. The **Nifty Midcap 100 Index gained 0.3%**, while the **Nifty Smallcap 100 Index advanced 0.5%**, indicating continued investor interest in mid- and small-cap stocks.

Among the major laggards, **HDFC Bank** extended its losses for a second straight session after disappointing quarterly margins. Other stocks that weighed on the Sensex included **Reliance Industries, Axis Bank, Sun Pharma, and Maruti Suzuki**. On the positive side, **Tech Mahindra, UltraTech Cement, Asian Paints, and HCL Technologies** ended the session with gains.

On the Nifty, **HDFC Bank, TCS, Reliance Industries, SBI, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories** were among the top losers. Meanwhile, **Shriram Finance, Bajaj Finserv, HCL Technologies, Eicher Motors, and UltraTech Cement** emerged as the leading gainers.

Sector-wise, **FMCG, Information Technology, Oil & Gas, and Public Sector Banks** declined between **0.3% and 0.8%**, while **Automobile, Metal, and Real Estate** stocks outperformed, posting gains of **0.6% to 1%**.

In the broader market, more than **120 companies** touched their **52-week highs** on the BSE. Notable names included **Gabriel India, Gujarat Fluorochemicals, Manappuram Finance, Himadri Speciality Chemical, Ajanta Pharma, IndusInd Bank, Laurus Labs, Federal Bank, Exide Industries, Lloyds Metals & Energy, Titan Company, Adani Energy Solutions, Solar Industries India, Shyam Metalics & Energy, Navin Fluorine International, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, and Sai Life Sciences**.

In the currency market, the **Indian rupee appreciated by 21 paise against the US dollar**, closing at **₹96.24**, compared with the previous close of **₹96.45**.

According to provisional market data, **Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers of equities worth ₹1,121.04 crore** in the previous trading session.

Meanwhile, global benchmark **Brent crude oil** prices eased **0.63%** to **$88.66 per barrel**, although investors continued to monitor geopolitical developments and their potential impact on global energy markets.