Sensex, Nifty settle slightly lower amid mixed global cues

Indian benchmark indices closed marginally lower on Monday as investors adopted a wait-and-watch approach before the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision. Equity markets moved within a narrow range despite optimism surrounding domestic consumption trends following recent GST reforms.

The Sensex closed at 81,785.74, declining 118.96 points or 0.15%. The 30-share index opened nearly flat at 81,925.51 compared to Friday’s close of 81,904.70 before oscillating between an intraday high of 81,998.51 and low of 81,744.70.

The NSE Nifty index settled at 25,069.20, losing 44.80 points or 0.18%.

“Market activity remained subdued as traders awaited clarity from the Fed’s meeting. The IT sector saw profit-booking after recent gains despite consensus expecting a 25-basis-point rate cut. Market participants are keenly watching for signals about future rate trajectories,” commented market strategists.

Robust domestic consumption continues to provide market support while limiting downside risks, they added. Growing optimism about trade agreements and anticipated earnings improvements in the latter half of FY26 are bolstering investor conviction.

Major decliners among Sensex constituents included Asian Paints, Mahindra & Mahindra, Titan, Infosys, Sun Pharma, TCS, and Tech Mahindra. Bajaj Finance, Eicher Motors, L&T, and Adani Ports emerged as notable gainers.

Sectoral indices showed limited movement with muted trading interest. The financial services index (Nifty Fin Services) edged up 29 points (0.11%) while banking stocks (Nifty Bank) advanced 78 points (0.14%). IT, FMCG, and auto sectors ended in negative territory.

Broader markets demonstrated resilience with mid-cap and small-cap stocks attracting buying interest. The Nifty Small Cap 100 index climbed 137 points (0.76%) and Nifty Midcap 100 gained 258 points (0.44%), while the large-cap Nifty 100 index closed flat.

“The Nifty’s eight-session winning streak ended as markets consolidated below 25,100 levels. A convincing move above 25,150 may trigger short covering and extend gains toward 25,300. Given current valuations, tactical profit-taking appears likely at higher levels, making dip-buying strategies preferable,” market technicians observed.

Includes agency inputs