Indian equity benchmarks ended lower on Thursday, mirroring weakness in global markets after the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates as anticipated but signaled that it could be the final reduction of 2025.
Caution also prevailed among investors ahead of key updates on the ongoing US-China trade negotiations.
The BSE Sensex dropped 592.67 points, or 0.7%, to close at 84,404.46, while the NSE Nifty 50 slipped 176.05 points, or 0.68%, to settle at 25,877.85.
Market experts noted that the Nifty faced persistent selling pressure throughout the session. “The index failed to sustain at higher levels, with immediate support seen around 25,800 and resistance near 26,000,” analysts said.
Among the Sensex constituents, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) led the gainers, advancing 0.91%. Other notable performers included BEL, Maruti Suzuki, Adani Ports, and Titan.
On the downside, Bharti Airtel, Power Grid, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, and Bajaj Finance were the top laggards, each slipping over 1%.
In the broader market, indices showed mixed trends — the Nifty MidCap 100 edged down 0.09%, while the Nifty SmallCap 100 fell 0.1%
Sectorally, most indices ended in negative territory, except for Nifty Energy, which managed to stay in the green. Nifty Financial Services declined 0.7%, while IT, Auto, Metal, Pharma, Bank, and Oil & Gas indices also registered losses.
Analysts said the 25-basis-point rate cut by the US Federal Reserve met market expectations, but Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments suggesting it could be the final cut of the year dampened hopes of further monetary easing.
They added that the resulting strength in the US dollar triggered a risk-off sentiment across emerging markets, including India, pressuring equities further.
(IANS)