Sensex-and-Nifty-End-Flat-Amid-Global-WeaknesAll eyes on Q4 earnings: Power Grid, DLF, Gujarat Gas, and more reporting today

 

The Indian stock market began the week on a cautious note. The BSE Sensex closed marginally lower by 42 points, or 0.105%, at 82,289, while the NSE Nifty50 hovered near the psychological 25,000 mark, ending the session just 6 points higher at 25,023, up by 0.01%. The domestic market reflected a subdued sentiment, primarily driven by weak cues from global counterparts and profit booking seen at elevated levels. 

 

Market Overview 

 

The opening bell witnessed a positive bias, but gains faded quickly as investors opted to book profits in key heavyweight counters. As the session progressed, most major indices traded within a narrow range. Selective buying interest supported the indices from falling sharply, particularly in auto, energy, and banking stocks. 

Despite weakness in large-cap stocks, the broader market outperformed. The Nifty MidCap 100 advanced by 0.55%, while the Nifty SmallCap 100 surged 0.97%, indicating strong participation from retail and institutional investors in the mid and small-cap segments. 

 

Top Gainers and Losers 

 

On the Sensex, selling pressure was visible in key technology and FMCG stocks. Infosys, TCS, HCL Tech, and Tech Mahindra slipped by nearly 1%, reflecting nervousness in the IT space. Reliance Industries, IndusInd Bank, Nestle India, and M&M also ended in the red. 

Conversely, strength was witnessed in select power, automotive, and financial counters. NTPC, Tata Motors, Asian Paints, SBI, Power Grid, and Bajaj twins managed to close higher by up to 1%, helping limit overall losses.

 

Sectoral Performance 

 

Mixed performance was observed across sectoral indices: 

Nifty IT emerged as the sole loser, declining 0.6% due to global tech sell-offs following Moody's downgrade of the US economy. Fears of reduced IT spending by global clients weighed on Indian software exporters. 

Nifty Auto, Pharma, Realty, and Metal indices recorded gains of over 0.5% each. Recovery in commodity prices and sector-specific earnings optimism supported the uptrend. 

Nifty Bank managed a mild gain of 0.23%, as private and public sector banks remained resilient, backed by a firm credit growth outlook and stable asset quality expectations. 

This mixed action indicated rotational movement of funds, with investors shifting focus from defensives like IT to cyclical sectors such as auto and real estate. 

 

Q4 Results in Focus 

 

A crucial driver of market direction was the ongoing corporate earnings season. A packed results calendar added to stock-specific volatility. 

Major companies such as Power Grid Corporation of India, Bharat Electronics, DLF, PI Industries, Petronet LNG, and Gujarat Gas were set to announce their financial results for the March 2025 quarter. Other prominent names on the Q4 reporting list included IRB Infrastructure, Pfizer, Karur Vysya Bank, JK Paper, Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company, Zydus Wellness, and Quess Corp. 

Investor focus remained on profit margins, future guidance, and demand outlook for the first half of FY26. Any surprise in performance or weak commentary had the potential to move stocks sharply. 

 

Global Market Sentiment 

 

Global cues remained weak. Asian markets traded lower as fresh economic data from China pointed to persistent domestic challenges in industrial output and retail sales. Market participants expressed concerns over the pace of recovery in Asia’s largest economy. 

Additionally, global investors reacted to Moody’s downgrade of US stock markets, citing fiscal concerns and rising government debt. As a result, US stock futures declined slightly, the US dollar slipped, while Treasury yields climbed, signaling risk aversion. 

The lack of clarity on the timing of the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts further added uncertainty. Investors globally chose to remain cautious, preferring to wait for more macroeconomic clarity. 

 

Technical View 

 

The Nifty 50 index found resistance around the 25,050–25,100 zone. However, strong support remains intact near 24,950. A sustained move above 25,100 could lead to fresh upside towards 25,200 and 25,350 in the short term. 

On the downside, a breach below 24,950 may trigger a mild correction toward 24,800. Traders are advised to remain selective and avoid aggressive positions ahead of key global and domestic triggers. 

For the Sensex, immediate resistance lies near 82,500, while key support is expected around 81,800. Momentum indicators on the daily chart hint at consolidation, with a bias tilting towards range-bound trade. 

 

Market Outlook 

 

The market’s near-term trajectory will be guided by: 

Q4 earnings performance and management commentary. 

Global economic indicators, especially from the US and China. 

Movement in crude oil prices, bond yields, and foreign institutional flows. 

Updates on monsoon forecast and its impact on rural demand outlook. 

With benchmark indices trading near record highs, risk-reward may not be favorable for fresh aggressive buying. Experts expect stock-specific action to dominate in the short term. 

Markets ended flat on Monday, May 19, 2025, weighed down by global uncertainty and profit booking at higher levels. While IT stocks dragged due to weak overseas cues, strength in auto, banking, and realty names helped balance the sentiment. 

The broader market continued to shine, indicating a strong undercurrent in the mid and small-cap segments. Sector rotation and quarterly results will likely influence further movement. Investors and traders should focus on fundamentally sound stocks with earnings visibility and stay cautious amid global headwinds. 

The market mood remains watchful, waiting for fresh triggers before making a decisive move.