Last Updated on June 19, 2026 11:07 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
By Our Business Correspondent
Domestic equity markets ended sharply lower on Friday, bringing an end to a five session rally as heavy selling in information technology stocks overshadowed gains in broader markets. Investor sentiment weakened after global technology major Accenture lowered its revenue growth guidance and highlighted limited visibility in client spending, sparking concerns about moderation in global technology demand and its potential impact on Indian IT exporters.
Adding to the cautious mood were continued foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows, fragile global sentiment, renewed geopolitical concerns in the Middle East and profit booking after the recent market surge.
The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex declined 607.08 points, or 0.78 per cent, to close at 76,802.90, while the NSE Nifty 50 lost 154.90 points, or 0.64 per cent, to settle at 24,013.10, slipping below the psychologically important 24,050 level. The correction came after a strong five session advance during which the Sensex had gained nearly 4.85 per cent and the Nifty had risen 4.35 per cent.
Technology stocks emerged as the biggest drag on benchmark indices. Investors reacted sharply to concerns that slowing global IT spending could affect growth prospects for Indian software exporters. The Nifty IT index dropped 3.65 per cent, making it the worst performing sector of the day.
Among major losers, Infosys declined 6.50 per cent and led the fall across frontline technology counters. LTIMindtree, TCS, Mphasis, Tech Mahindra, HCLTech, Persistent Systems, Wipro and Coforge also ended lower. Oracle Financial Services Software stood out as an exception and registered gains.
Apart from IT, heavyweight stocks also weighed on benchmarks. Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank contributed to the downside pressure.
Key Financial Indicators & Global Markets
Market Matrix
| Parameter | Current Value / Close | Change / % Change |
| S&P BSE Sensex | 76,802.90 | Down 607.08 pts (-0.78%) |
| NSE Nifty 50 | 24,013.10 | Down 154.90 pts (-0.64%) |
| India VIX | 12.97 | Up 2.34% |
| India 10-Yr Yield | 6.853% | Up 10 bps (Prev: 6.843%) |
| USD/INR | 94.3425 | Appreciated (Prev: 94.4025) |
| US Dollar Index (DXY) | 100.59 | Down 0.02% |
| MCX Gold (Aug Futures) | Rs 147,200 | Down 1.14% |
| Brent Crude | $79.44 / bbl | Down $0.41 (-0.51%) |
Despite weakness in headline indices, the broader market displayed resilience. Mid cap and small cap stocks continued attracting selective buying interest, indicating that investors remained positive on domestic growth themes despite near term volatility. The BSE MidCap index gained 0.27 per cent while the SmallCap index rose 0.51 per cent.
Market breadth remained positive with advancing shares marginally outnumbering declining counters on the BSE, reflecting selective sectoral participation.
Volatility indicators pointed to growing investor caution. India VIX, often referred to as the market’s fear gauge, rose 2.34 per cent to 12.97, suggesting expectations of higher short term market swings.
In debt markets, India’s benchmark 10 year government bond yield edged higher to 6.853 per cent. In commodities, gold prices corrected as MCX August futures declined 1.14 per cent to ₹1,47,200. Brent crude slipped to around $79.44 per barrel, offering some relief on imported inflation concerns.
Currency markets remained relatively stable, with the rupee posting marginal gains against the US dollar.
Global cues remained mixed. European markets traded cautiously as investors balanced hopes of stability in West Asia with concerns over the US Federal Reserve maintaining a tighter monetary stance for longer. Uncertainty surrounding future diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran also kept risk appetite in check.
Asian markets ended mixed amid concerns over geopolitical developments and uncertainty regarding implementation of the recently announced US Iran framework understanding. Trading volumes across the region were also affected as several major Asian markets remained closed for holidays, while US markets had remained shut on Thursday due to the Juneteenth holiday.
Back in India, stock specific activity remained strong.
VA Tech WABAG rallied nearly 10 per cent after securing a major international desalination project in Kuwait, strengthening investor confidence in its overseas execution capabilities.
MSP Steel and Power gained after signing a long term solar power procurement agreement aimed at increasing renewable energy consumption and improving sustainability metrics.
Hiliks Technologies surged after winning a railway signalling and telecommunications contract that includes deployment of India’s indigenous Kavach train safety system.
Desco Infratech moved higher after receiving a new order for gas pipeline infrastructure development.
Imagicaaworld Entertainment slipped after announcing the temporary closure of its water park operations in Maharashtra following restrictions on water usage amid low reservoir levels.
Bharat Forge gained after its defence subsidiary entered into a strategic partnership with a global military mobility solutions provider to develop next generation mounted artillery platforms.
In the primary market, investor response to the TurtleMint Fintech Solutions IPO remained subdued on the opening day. The issue received subscription of around 45 per cent by late evening, reflecting cautious participation despite ongoing interest in financial technology businesses. The public issue, priced between ₹144 and ₹152 per share, will remain open for subscription until 23 June.