Equity benchmarks extended their morning losses in midday trading on Friday, with the Sensex falling 246.36 points (0.30 per cent) to 82,284.38 and the Nifty declining 59.65 points (0.24 per cent) to 25,002.45, hovering just above the psychologically important 25,000 mark.
The market weakness follows Thursday’s gains amid mixed global cues and sectoral performance. While the broader market showed resilience with the BSE reporting 2,454 advancing stocks against 1,332 declines, key large-cap stocks faced selling pressure.
Bharti Airtel emerged as the top loser on the NSE, dropping 2.81 per cent to ₹1,814.80, followed by IndusInd Bank which fell 2.65 per cent to ₹759.80. IT stocks also faced pressure with HCL Tech declining 1.93 per cent to ₹1,663.20 and Infosys shedding 1.48 per cent to ₹1,589.20. Shriram Finance rounded out the top losers, falling 1.67 per cent to ₹663.50.
Defence stocks provided a bright spot with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) surging 5.07 per cent to ₹368.15, making it the day’s top gainer. Consumer goods companies showed strength as Tata Consumer Products rose 1.94 per cent to ₹1,169.50 and Hindustan Unilever added 0.93 per cent to ₹2,377.20. Adani Enterprises gained 1.26 per cent to ₹2,551.70, while Tata Motors advanced 0.88 per cent to ₹734.50.
Mid and small-cap segments demonstrated relative outperformance, with the Nifty Midcap 100 rising 1.03 per cent to 57,110.65 and the Nifty Next 50 climbing 1.26 per cent to 67,060.15. Financial services and banking indices showed marginal weakness, with Nifty Financial Services down 0.07 per cent and Nifty Bank declining 0.06 per cent.
Market breadth remained positive with 68 stocks hitting 52-week highs compared to 22 touching 52-week lows. Additionally, 275 stocks reached their upper circuit limits while 121 hit lower circuits, indicating selective buying interest despite the benchmark weakness.
The market continues to digest yesterday’s rally amid ongoing global uncertainties, including US interest rate trajectories and potential geopolitical developments. Trading volumes remained substantial across key counters, with Bharti Airtel seeing the highest value traded at ₹17,04,064.76 lakhs.
With about three hours remaining before market close, investors are watching if the Nifty can hold above the crucial 25,000 support level as trading progresses through the afternoon session.
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Published on May 16, 2025
