Indian stock markets closed lower on Friday, tracking negative global cues that dampened investor sentiment and triggered broad-based selling across sectors.
The Sensex slipped 400.76 points, or 0.47%, to end at 85,231.92, while the Nifty fell 124 points, or 0.47%, settling at 26,068.15.
According to analysts, the &ldquo;key demand zone remains between 26,000 and 25,900, which continues to provide solid support.&rdquo; 
They added that &ldquo;a decisive close above 26,200 remains the crucial trigger for the next leg of the uptrend, potentially unlocking targets of 26,277 and 26,300.&rdquo;
Among the major gainers on the BSE were Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors&rsquo; passenger vehicle division, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra and Asian Paints. 
In contrast, Tata Steel, HCLTech, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv and Eternal emerged among the top losers.
Sectorally, metal stocks recorded the sharpest decline, with the Nifty Metal index dropping 2.34%. 
Nifty PSU Bank slipped 1.43% and Nifty Realty fell 1.86%.&nbsp;
Nifty FMCG was the only sector to end marginally higher, rising 0.14%.
Broader markets also mirrored the weak trend. 
The Nifty Midcap 100 fell 1.13%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 slipped 1.22%.
Market watchers attributed the decline to global pressure after stronger-than-expected US non-farm payroll data reduced the likelihood of a rate cut in December. 
&ldquo;Indian markets turned volatile and settled lower, reflecting the broader decline seen across Asian equities,&rdquo; they said.
They added that &ldquo;market sentiment was further undermined by a soft manufacturing PMI reading, a weakening INR, and growing worries over potential delays in India&ndash;US trade discussions.&rdquo;
Analysts also noted that profit-booking after a short two-day uptrend contributed to the cautious mood, pulling all major indices into the red, with mid- and small-cap stocks seeing sharper corrections.
&mdash;IANS

Traders monitor falling stock indices on screens

Equities slip as global weakness and sector-wide selling pressure weigh on markets

Markets Fall As Weak Global Cues Drag Indices

Equities slip as global weakness and sector-wide selling pressure weigh on markets

November 21, 2025 | 18:50 IST