BIZ DESK
Indian benchmark indices extended their losing streak for a fourth consecutive session on Monday, with both the Sensex and Nifty closing lower. This downturn was largely attributed to disappointing first-quarter corporate earnings reports and ongoing worries about global trade tariffs.
Market Performance
The BSE Sensex dropped 247 points (0.30%) to close at 82,253. Similarly, the NSE Nifty50 fell 68 points (0.27%), ending the day at 25,082.
Despite the decline in frontline indices, broader markets showed resilience. The Mid-Cap index advanced by 0.67%, and the Small-Cap index saw a gain of 0.57%.
Top Performers and Laggards (Sensex)
Out of the 30 companies on the Sensex, 10 closed in positive territory. Eternal led the gains, rising 2.83%, followed by Titan (up 1.23%) and SunPharma (up 0.54%).
Conversely, Asian Paints was the biggest loser, declining 1.58%. Tech Mahindra slid 1.55%, and Bajaj Finance shed 1.54%.
Sectoral Trends
On the BSE, 15 out of 21 sectoral indices closed higher, with only five sectors experiencing losses. The Auto sector remained largely flat. Realty was the top-performing sector, increasing by 1.38%, while Healthcare gained 1.15%. On the flip side, Focused IT dropped 1.07%, and the broader IT sector was down 0.99%.
Market Breadth
Overall market breadth on the BSE was slightly negative, with 2,054 companies advancing, 2,137 declining, and 149 remaining unchanged. On the National Stock Exchange, 80 companies reached their 52-week high, while 36 hit their 52-week low.
Mid & Small Caps Buck the Trend
Contrary to the headline indices, mid-cap and small-cap stocks posted gains, signaling selective investor interest in the broader market. The BSE Mid-Cap index climbed 0.67%, while the Small-Cap index advanced 0.57%, reflecting a relatively positive market breadth.
Mixed Performance Across Sectors and Stocks
Among the 30 constituents of the Sensex, 10 ended in the green, while the remaining 20 declined. Key gainers included:
- Eternal: +2.83%
- Titan: +1.23%
- Sun Pharma: +0.54%
On the losing side:
- Asian Paints: -1.58%
- Tech Mahindra: -1.55%
- Bajaj Finance: -1.54%
In sectoral performance at the BSE:
- 15 out of 21 sectors closed in positive territory
- Realty led with a 1.38% gain
- Healthcare followed, rising 1.15%
- Auto ended flat
- IT and Focused IT sectors lagged, falling 0.99% and 1.07%, respectively
Market Breadth and Technical Indicators
Despite the weakness in benchmarks, the overall market breadth was slightly positive. On the BSE, out of nearly 4,340 traded stocks:
- 2,054 advanced
- 2,137 declined
- 149 remained unchanged
Meanwhile, on the NSE, 80 stocks hit fresh 52-week highs, while 36 stocks touched 52-week lows, indicating ongoing divergence in stock-specific performance.
Investor Sentiment Remains Fragile
The continued decline in frontline indices reflects investor concerns over sluggish Q1 earnings and external macroeconomic pressures, particularly around trade policies. With earnings season underway and global cues remaining uncertain, market participants are likely to stay cautious in the short term, even as select pockets in mid and small caps continue to attract interest.