Stock Market Today: Sensex at 80,480, Nifty50 Below 24,600

The Indian stock market trades under pressure today, reflecting cautious investor sentiment. Benchmark indices move lower, influenced by domestic monetary policy signals and global trade tensions. Markets are in a consolidation phase, with investors balancing positive long-term expectations against short-term risks.

The Sensex drops by over 200 points, settling around the 80,400–80,500 range. The Nifty50 also falls by nearly 0.3 percent, slipping just below the crucial 24,600 mark. Technical charts indicate that Nifty50 has strong support between 24,520 and 24,600, while resistance lies near the 24,940–24,950 zone.

The trading session displays a high-wave doji candlestick pattern, reflecting indecision in the market. Volatility remains high as traders await further clarity on global and domestic triggers.

RBI Monetary Policy: The Reserve Bank of India keeps the repo rate steady at 5.5 percent. This neutral stance aims to control inflation while maintaining financial stability. While the decision avoids tightening liquidity further, it also signals that immediate rate cuts are unlikely. This cautious policy limits market momentum in the short term.

Global Trade Tensions: Concerns grow over global trade after new US tariff threats on Indian imports. Proposed duties of 25 percent create uncertainty for exporters, particularly in sectors like textiles, metals, and chemicals. Investors factor in the risk of reduced trade flows, which can impact corporate earnings in upcoming quarters.

Foreign Portfolio Investor Outflows: Continuous selling by foreign investors remains a challenge. FPIs have withdrawn over Rs. 61,000 crore in the first quarter of FY26, leading to liquidity pressure and a weaker rupee. This trend also reduces the overall buying strength in the market.

Corporate Earnings and Sector Performance: Quarterly earnings produce mixed signals. Some companies in the auto and utility sectors show resilience, while IT and metal stocks face selling pressure. Investors rotate capital toward defensive sectors like power and infrastructure, which tend to hold value during volatile periods.

Utilities and Infrastructure: Stocks in the power and infrastructure segment show relative strength. NTPC trades slightly higher aroundRs. 333.50, while Power Grid sees minor declines but attracts notable trading volumes. These sectors benefit from consistent government spending and defensive positioning.

Auto Sector: Auto stocks perform better than the broader market. Continued demand and expectations of festive season sales provide support. Companies like Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki show resilience despite overall market weakness.

Technology and Metals: IT and metal stocks face pressure due to global concerns. Any slowdown in international demand or tariff-related risks directly affects these export-heavy sectors.

A major event in today’s market is the listing of National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL). The stock opens at nearly Rs. 880 per share, about 10 percent higher than its IPO price. This successful listing reflects strong investor confidence in India’s financial market infrastructure. The IPO was oversubscribed around 41 times, signaling robust demand for quality institutional stocks.

Market experts remain divided in the short term but optimistic for the long term.

Short-Term Sentiment: Markets are expected to remain volatile due to FPI outflows, global trade uncertainty, and cautious domestic monetary policy. Technical analysts suggest closely monitoring the 24,520 support level on Nifty50. A breakdown could lead to further corrections, while holding above 24,600 may trigger a recovery toward 24,940.

Long-Term Outlook: Analysts from leading brokerage houses project that Indian markets can achieve significant growth in the next 3–4 years. If corporate earnings continue to expand and private investment increases, market capitalization could nearly double. Some forecasts even suggest that Sensex may cross the 100,000 mark in the coming years, supported by India’s economic expansion and strong domestic consumption.

The market also reacts to several ongoing macro developments:

Global Trade Policy: U.S. tariff threats add risk for export-focused industries. Any escalation could hit sectors like steel, aluminum, and engineering goods.

Currency Fluctuations: The rupee experiences pressure as foreign capital exits. RBI intervenes to maintain stability, but currency weakness adds imported inflation risks.

Regulatory Oversight: Investigations into certain foreign trading firms and stricter SEBI monitoring increase compliance activity in the derivatives segment. This creates short-term caution among traders.

The Indian stock market trades cautiously today, with benchmark indices in the red. Volatility remains high as traders react to a combination of domestic and global factors. The RBI’s decision to maintain rates signals stability but not immediate relief for growth. Meanwhile, global trade tensions and foreign investors selling continue to weigh on sentiment.

Defensive sectors such as utilities and infrastructure attract investor attention, while technology and metal stocks struggle. The successful listing of NSDL provides a positive note in an otherwise muted session.

In the near term, market direction depends on global tariff developments, FPI behavior, and the ability of Nifty50 to hold above its key support. Long-term prospects remain strong, supported by India’s economic fundamentals and growth in corporate earnings.