Sensex, Nifty End Flat Ahead of GDP Data

Indian equity markets ended virtually unchanged on Friday as investors remained cautious ahead of India’s second-quarter GDP data and mixed signals from global markets. Both benchmark indices traded within a narrow range throughout the day.

The Sensex slipped marginally to close at 85,706.67, down 13.71 points or 0.02%. The Nifty also eased slightly, settling at 26,202.95, lower by 12.6 points or 0.05%.

Nifty remained restricted between 26,190 and 26,281, facing strong resistance near the 26,280 zone. Market analysts noted that the broader trend remains steady as long as the key support region of 26,150–26,000 holds. A clear breakout above 26,310 or below 26,150 will determine the next directional move.

Among major Sensex gainers were Hindustan Unilever, Sun Pharma, Mahindra & Mahindra and Kotak Mahindra Bank, which helped cushion the downside. Conversely, Power Grid, Bharti Airtel, Eternal and Infosys dragged the indices lower.

Sector performance was mixed. Nifty IT, Realty and Oil & Gas slipped by 0.11%, 0.19% and 0.69% respectively. Buying interest lifted Nifty Auto by 0.62% and Nifty Pharma by 0.59%.

Broader markets showed mild weakness with Nifty Midcap 100 down 0.11% and Nifty Smallcap 100 lower by 0.27%.

Market sentiment remained supported by easing US bond yields and continued domestic institutional buying. However, fluctuations in the rupee and intermittent profit-booking in select private and PSU banks kept traders cautious.

[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]