Auto, FMCG, and realty stocks shine, while power and healthcare see profit booking
The Indian stock market trades on a cautious note today. The benchmark indices, Nifty 50 and Sensex, move slightly lower after opening mixed in early trade. The Nifty 50 is hovering around 25,856 points, showing a small decline of about 21 points or 0.81% from the previous close. The BSE Sensex trades near 84,379 points, down around 25 points or 0.03%.
Despite the mild decline, both indices continue to hold near their recent highs. October is shaping up to be one of the strongest months for Indian markets in 2025, with both the Nifty and Sensex posting about 5% gains so far this month. This shows that investor sentiment has largely remained positive, supported by healthy earnings and strong domestic demand. However, the day’s movement shows some hesitation, as traders weigh global cues and recent comments from central banks.
Global Cues and Policy Impact
Global market trends continue to play a key role in shaping the Indian market’s direction. The recent interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve did not lead to the expected rally. Instead, markets reacted cautiously after the Fed hinted that this might be the last rate cut for now. This raises concerns that global liquidity could tighten again in the coming months.
Asian markets also show mixed trends today, and the performance of global indices has added to the cautious sentiment in India. Rising geopolitical tensions, ongoing trade concerns between the United States and China, and higher oil prices are creating uncertainty across markets. Investors remain watchful, waiting for clear signals on global growth and inflation trends.
Foreign Investment and Market Liquidity
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have started returning to Indian equities after a period of withdrawals earlier this year. In October 2025, FIIs have made net inflows of about $ 1.94 billion, ending a three-month streak of outflows. This renewed foreign interest has been one of the major reasons behind the market’s strong monthly performance.
However, the market is still cautious, as sudden outflows by FIIs could quickly shift momentum. Many analysts believe that while foreign investors are attracted by India’s strong growth outlook, they remain sensitive to global interest rate changes and currency movements.
Corporate Earnings Boost
The ongoing corporate earnings season is helping the market find support. Several companies are reporting strong quarterly profits, boosting confidence in India’s economic strength. Some firms have announced significant profit growth. One large company reported a 41% increase in net profit, leading to a 5% rise in its stock price.
The banking, automobile, real estate, and consumer goods sectors are seeing strong numbers, while certain others such as pharmaceuticals and metals are showing mixed results. Investors are reacting to these earnings reports selectively, which explains why the broader market is steady but individual stocks are moving sharply in both directions.
Sector-Wise Market Performance
Today’s trading session shows clear differences across sectors. The automobile, FMCG, oil and gas, and realty sectors are showing modest strength, gaining around 0.5% to 1%. This rise is supported by strong sales data, festive demand, and healthy company earnings.
In contrast, the power, metal, and healthcare sectors are under selling pressure. Stocks such as NTPC, Cipla, and Max Healthcare Institute are among the major losers of the day. These sectors are facing profit-taking after recent rallies, and investors seem to be booking gains amid global uncertainty.
Among large-cap companies, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is trading about 0.7% lower, underperforming its peers. On the positive side, analysts are highlighting BPCL, HUDCO, and Graphite India as stocks showing technical strength and potential for short-term gains.
Technical View and Key Levels
From a technical standpoint, the Nifty 50 is finding support near the 25,850–26,000 zone. If the index holds this range, it could help maintain the short-term bullish structure. A decisive fall below this level may invite further profit-booking.
For the Sensex, immediate support is placed around 84,300–84,400. Staying above this range would keep the market stable, but if it slips below, short-term pressure may increase. On the upside, traders are watching for a breakout above 26,100 on the Nifty, which could trigger fresh buying interest and potentially take the index to new highs.
Overall, technical indicators suggest that the market is entering a phase of consolidation after strong gains earlier in the month. This means prices may move sideways in the short term before choosing a clear direction.
Market Sentiment and Investor Behaviour
Market sentiment remains positive but cautious. After a strong October performance, many traders are booking profits at higher levels. Retail and institutional investors are focusing on selective sectors rather than making broad-based purchases.
Analysts note that the market’s strength is supported by robust domestic fundamentals, including steady GDP growth, strong corporate earnings, and rising consumption. However, concerns over high valuations and external risks are prompting investors to move carefully. The short-term trend appears neutral to positive, with periodic volatility expected.
Broader Economic Context
India’s economy continues to show resilience despite global headwinds. Manufacturing activity, credit growth, and consumer demand are all holding steady. The government’s infrastructure spending and private-sector investment are helping sustain growth momentum.
However, inflation remains a concern. Rising food and fuel prices could affect consumer sentiment if not managed carefully. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has maintained a balanced approach, keeping interest rates steady while closely monitoring inflation trends.
The global economy is still facing challenges such as slower Chinese growth, geopolitical tensions, and uncertain commodity prices. These factors continue to influence the Indian market’s short-term direction.
Outlook for the Coming Days
The overall outlook for the Indian stock market remains constructive. The trend is still upward, backed by positive corporate earnings, improving foreign flows, and strong domestic demand. However, the near-term tone is likely to stay cautious. Investors are expected to focus on selective opportunities rather than aggressive buying.
Sectors with visible earnings growth and reasonable valuations may continue to attract interest. Meanwhile, overvalued or globally exposed sectors could see some consolidation.
Analysts suggest maintaining a balanced approach, focusing on fundamentally strong stocks and avoiding over-leveraged positions. Short-term traders may see opportunities in volatility, while long-term investors can use dips to accumulate quality names.
Summary
The Indian stock market trades slightly lower today, with the Nifty 50 around 25,856 and the Sensex near 84,379. Despite the mild decline, both indices are on track to end October with strong gains of around 5% each. The market remains steady but cautious, as investors weigh global rate signals, corporate earnings, and foreign investment trends.
Sector-wise performance is mixed, with autos and FMCG showing strength while power, metal, and healthcare lag behind. Technical indicators suggest consolidation in the near term, with key support levels holding steady.
Overall, the market outlook stays positive, supported by strong economic fundamentals and improving liquidity. However, high valuations, global uncertainty, and potential profit-booking keep the mood balanced. The coming sessions are likely to see selective buying and a focus on quality stocks as traders prepare for the next major move in the Indian equity market.
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