Last Updated on December 26, 2025 10:34 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN / BIZ DESK
Indian equity benchmarks extended their losing streak for a third consecutive session on Friday, dragged down by persistent foreign fund outflows, weak global cues and the absence of strong domestic triggers. Trading remained subdued as investors stayed cautious ahead of key global economic signals.
The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 367.25 points, or 0.43 per cent, to close at 85,041.45. During intra-day trade, the index slipped as much as 470.88 points to hit a low of 84,937.82. The NSE Nifty50 also ended lower by 99.80 points, or 0.38 per cent, at 26,042.30, marking its second straight day of decline.
Market sentiment was dented mainly by heavy selling in technology and finance stocks. Among Sensex constituents, Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints, HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, Eternal and Sun Pharma emerged as the biggest drags. In contrast, buying interest in select heavyweights such as Titan, NTPC, Axis Bank, UltraTech Cement, Reliance Industries and Hindustan Unilever helped limit deeper losses.
On the NSE, Titan, Hindalco and Nestle India led the gainers, while Asian Paints, Shriram Finance and Bajaj Finance were among the top losers.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) continued to pare exposure, selling equities worth ₹1,721.26 crore, reflecting caution amid global uncertainty and rising bond yields. However, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) provided some support by pumping in ₹2,381.34 crore, preventing a sharper fall.
Sectorally, Nifty IT was the worst performer, sliding 1.03 per cent, as concerns over muted global tech spending and a firm dollar weighed on export-oriented stocks. The Auto index also slipped 0.52 per cent on valuation worries. Meanwhile, Nifty Metal gained 0.59 per cent on expectations of improving demand and stable commodity prices, while FMCG and power stocks showed resilience.
The broader market mirrored the weak trend, with the Nifty Midcap 100 falling 0.23 per cent and the Nifty SmallCap 100 easing 0.08 per cent.
Analysts said markets are likely to remain range-bound in the near term, tracking FII flows, global cues and upcoming macroeconomic data for fresh direction.
Information Technology (IT)
- Top loser: Nifty IT down 1.03%
- Heavyweights like TCS and HCL Technologies dragged the index.
- Weak global tech spending outlook and cautious sentiment on US demand weighed on export-oriented IT stocks.
Automobile
- Nifty Auto fell 0.52%
- Profit booking seen after recent gains.
- Concerns over demand moderation and high valuations kept the sector under pressure.
Banking & Financial Services
- Mixed trend.
- Bajaj Finance and Shriram Finance were among top laggards, pulling down the indices.
- Axis Bank showed strength, helping limit downside.
- Investors remained selective amid interest rate and liquidity concerns.
Metals
- Nifty Metal rose 0.59% — best performing sector.
- Stocks like Hindalco gained on expectations of stable commodity prices and improved global demand, especially from China.
FMCG / Consumer
- Defensive buying supported stocks such as Hindustan Unilever and Nestle India.
- Sector showed resilience amid broader market weakness as investors sought stability.
Power & Utilities
- NTPC advanced, lifting the power space.
- Continued interest due to steady earnings visibility and policy support for energy infrastructure.
Infrastructure & Cement
- UltraTech Cement gained.
- Optimism around infrastructure spending and construction activity aided sentiment.
Pharmaceuticals
- Sun Pharma ended among the laggards.
- Sector saw mild profit-taking despite long-term defensive appeal.
Oil & Gas / Energy
- Reliance Industries closed higher.
- Supported by stable crude prices and strength in refining and retail segments.
Paints & Specialty Chemicals
- Asian Paints was a major drag on both Sensex and Nifty.
- Concerns over margins and demand softness weighed on the sector.
Broader Markets
- Midcaps: Nifty Midcap 100 down 0.23%
- Smallcaps: Nifty SmallCap 100 down 0.08%
- Indicates cautious risk appetite beyond frontline stocks.