Markets Close Lower for Second Week as Volatility and Global Cues Weigh on Sentiment
Indian equity markets extended their losing streak for a second consecutive week, navigating a volatile trading environment shaped by foreign fund outflows, currency fluctuations and uncertainty around the India–US trade deal. While domestic institutional investors (DIIs) continued to provide support through sustained buying, it was not enough to offset broader concerns linked to global risk sentiment and the rupee’s sharp intraday moves.
By the end of the week, benchmark indices closed modestly lower. The BSE Sensex declined 338.3 points, or 0.39 percent, to 84,929.36, while the Nifty 50 slipped 80.55 points, or 0.30 percent, to 25,966.40. Market participants described the week as one marked by sharp stock-specific action, subdued risk appetite and caution ahead of key global developments.
Benchmark Indices Under Pressure Despite Selective Buying
Large-cap stocks witnessed marginal losses as selling pressure persisted in select heavyweight counters. Stocks such as Indian Overseas Bank, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company, Siemens Energy India, Axis Bank, Adani Total Gas, Cummins India, JSW Steel and Eternal fell between 4 and 8 percent over the week.
At the same time, gains in a handful of stocks helped limit the downside. Vedanta, Shriram Finance, InterGlobe Aviation, Hindustan Zinc and Britannia Industries emerged as notable gainers, reflecting selective investor interest in metal, financial and consumption themes.
“The market is clearly in a stock-picking phase,” a market participant said. “While headline indices remain under pressure, opportunities are emerging in companies with strong balance sheets and earnings visibility.”
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Midcap and Smallcap Indices End Flat Amid Sharp Divergence
The broader market painted a mixed picture, with midcap and smallcap indices ending the week largely flat but witnessing sharp divergence at the stock level.
The BSE Midcap Index closed on a flat note. Stocks such as New India Assurance Company, Ola Electric Mobility, JK Cement, Hitachi Energy India, Punjab and Sind Bank, SAIL and GE Vernova TD India declined between 4 and 9 percent. On the upside, Deepak Nitrite, Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, Tata Elxsi, Bharti Hexacom, Ashok Leyland and KEI Industries gained 5–9 percent.
Similarly, the BSE Smallcap Index ended flat, masking extreme volatility beneath the surface. Stocks including Kothari Industrial Corporation, Wonder Electricals, Worth Investment & Trading, Vishnu Prakash R Punglia, Kamdhenu and Akzo Nobel India plunged between 12 and 22 percent. In contrast, Reliance Infrastructure, Roto Pumps, Lloyds Enterprises, Bliss GVS Pharma, Gandhar Oil Refinery India, Rain Industries, Antony Waste Handling Cell and DCX Systems surged more than 15 percent.
Key trends in broader markets included:
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Sharp corrections in highly speculative counters
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Strong rebounds in select turnaround and infrastructure-linked stocks
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Heightened retail participation driving volatility
Sectoral Performance Reflects Defensive Rotation
Sectoral indices reflected a defensive undertone during the week. Nifty Private Bank and Media indices fell around 1 percent each, while Nifty Auto, India Defence and Bank indices declined about 0.5 percent.
On the other hand, pockets of strength were visible in Nifty PSU Bank and IT indices, both of which gained nearly 1 percent. FMCG and Consumer Durables indices also rose around 0.5 percent, suggesting a gradual shift towards relatively defensive and consumption-oriented plays.
Market Capitalisation Shifts Highlight Investor Preferences
In terms of market value erosion, HDFC Bank led the declines, followed by Axis Bank, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and Eternal. Meanwhile, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and State Bank of India added the most to their market capitalisation, supported by buying interest in IT and select banking names.
FII Selling Slows as DII Buying Remains Strong
Institutional flows played a crucial role in shaping weekly market dynamics. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned net buyers in the final three sessions of the week but still ended as marginal net sellers overall, offloading equities worth Rs 251.86 crore. This marked a significant improvement compared with the previous week’s selling of over Rs 9,200 crore.
In contrast, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) continued their strong buying streak, purchasing equities worth Rs 12,061.92 crore during the week.
“Domestic flows remain the backbone of the Indian market right now,” said an institutional dealer. “They are cushioning volatility and preventing deeper corrections despite global uncertainties.”
Rupee Recovers Sharply After Hitting Record Low
The currency market added another layer of volatility. During the week, the Indian rupee touched a record low of 91.08 against the US dollar amid concerns over trade negotiations and global dollar strength. However, it staged a sharp recovery, ending the week 77 paise higher at 89.65, compared with the previous close of 90.42.
The rupee traded in a wide range of 89.64 to 91.08 during the week, reflecting heightened sensitivity to global cues and capital flows.
Currency experts noted that the rebound helped stabilise investor sentiment toward the end of the week. “A stable rupee reduces pressure on imported inflation and improves near-term market confidence,” a forex strategist said.
Outlook: Cautious Optimism Amid Volatility
As markets head into the coming week, investors are expected to remain cautious, tracking developments around the India–US trade deal, global interest rate cues and institutional flows. While volatility may persist, strong domestic liquidity and selective earnings visibility could provide support at lower levels.
For now, markets appear to be consolidating, with resilience coming not from headlines but from steady domestic participation and stock-specific fundamentals.
