NEW DELHI, February 26 — The Indian stock market ended largely unchanged on Thursday after early gains faded in late trade, with benchmark indices closing near flat amid mixed sector performance and steady institutional buying.
(Related: https://angelrupeez.com/binance-expands-eu-operations-greece/ )
The BSE Sensex slipped 27.46 points, or 0.03%, to settle at 82,248.61, while the NSE Nifty50 edged up 14.05 points, or 0.06%, to close at 25,496.55, according to exchange data from the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India.
The Indian stock market had opened higher tracking firm Asian cues, with the Sensex rising more than 300 points intraday to touch a high of 82,579.16. However, profit-booking in financial and consumer-oriented stocks erased most gains by the closing bell.
Indian Stock Market Opens Strong but Loses Momentum
The Indian stock market saw buying interest in early trade supported by strength in regional markets including Japan’s Nikkei 225 and South Korea’s KOSPI. Positive global sentiment provided an initial boost to benchmark indices.
During morning trade, Nifty50 moved above the 25,550 level before retreating into a narrow range. Selling pressure in heavyweight banking counters weighed on broader indices in the second half of the session.
Financial services stocks underperformed, with select private banking shares contributing to the marginal decline in the Sensex. Despite early momentum, the market lacked sustained directional strength.
Sectoral Performance and Institutional Activity
Sectoral indices on the Bombay Stock Exchange reflected mixed trends. The Healthcare, Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Banks, and Capital Goods indices advanced between 0.88% and 1.35%.
Meanwhile, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), utilities and financial services segments recorded mild declines, limiting broader upside.
Among Sensex constituents, gains were seen in Bharat Electronics, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, Maruti Suzuki India and Bharti Airtel. Declines were led by HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Trent and Power Grid Corporation of India.
Exchange data showed that Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) purchased equities worth approximately ₹2,991.64 crore, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought shares worth about ₹5,118.57 crore during the session. The institutional inflows helped cushion the impact of profit-taking in large-cap stocks.
Background: Global and Domestic Factors
The session unfolded amid mixed global signals. Asian markets displayed resilience in early trade, while Chinese benchmarks such as the Shanghai SSE Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index ended lower.
European equities traded in positive territory during Indian market hours. The previous session on Wall Street had closed higher, offering supportive cues at the opening.
Domestically, investors remained attentive to macroeconomic data and international developments. Market participants tracked geopolitical headlines and upcoming economic releases in the United States.
The Indian stock market has remained range-bound in recent sessions, with benchmark indices consolidating near record levels following earlier gains in the month.
Market Reaction and Volatility Indicators
Market breadth remained balanced, with advancing and declining shares nearly even on the National Stock Exchange of India. Midcap segments showed moderate resilience compared to frontline indices.
The India VIX, a volatility indicator published by the National Stock Exchange of India, suggested relatively stable trading conditions, reflecting limited directional conviction among traders.
Despite intraday swings, the narrow closing range indicated a lack of aggressive selling pressure. Institutional participation continued to provide underlying support.
According to exchange data, turnover on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India remained in line with recent averages, indicating steady participation levels.
Benchmark Levels in Focus
The Nifty50 closed just below the 25,500 mark, a level closely monitored by traders during the session. The Sensex mirrored this consolidation pattern, fluctuating within a defined range before settling marginally lower.
The Indian stock market performance highlighted the impact of sector rotation, with healthcare and capital goods offsetting weakness in financial counters.
Official data from the National Stock Exchange of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange confirmed the modest percentage moves in benchmark indices and sectoral performance.
The closing trend underscored a session characterized by early optimism followed by cautious positioning in heavyweight stocks.