Why Did the Stock Market Close Lower Ahead of Key GDP Data?

Synopsis
The Indian stock market closed lower as traders brace for key GDP data. With the <b>Sensex</b> and <b>Nifty</b> both in the red, analysts highlight the bearish trends in key sectors. What does this mean for investors and the broader market? Read on to find out!
Key Takeaways
- Sensex fell by 182.01 points to 81,451.01.
- Nifty declined by 82.9 points, settling at 24,750.70.
- Midcap and smallcap indices remained nearly flat.
- Metal and IT sectors led the market decline.
- Upcoming GDP data may influence market trends.
Mumbai, May 30 (NationPress) The Indian stock market experienced a downturn during Friday's trading session. By the close of the market, the Sensex had decreased by 182.01 points, or 0.22 percent, landing at 81,451.01, while the Nifty fell by 82.9 points, or 0.33 percent, to settle at 24,750.70.
Both the midcap and smallcap indices finished nearly unchanged. The Nifty Midcap 100 index saw a drop of 37.25 points, closing at 57,420.00, whereas the Nifty Smallcap 100 index fell by 6.10 points, ending at 17,883.30.
Leading the decline were the metal and IT sectors, with the Nifty Metal index down by 1.69 percent and the Nifty IT index down by 1.15 percent. In addition, declines were noted across the auto, pharma, and FMCG sectors. Conversely, the PSU bank, financial services, and media indices managed to close in positive territory.
The Nifty exhibited volatility with a slightly negative bias on the initial trading day of June. On a shorter time frame, the index has established a bearish moving average crossover.
“The RSI on the hourly chart reflects bearish price momentum, indicating short-term weakness. Moreover, signs of exhaustion are apparent on the daily RSI, coupled with a strong negative divergence,” commented Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities.
Nevertheless, the Nifty has faced challenges in breaking through a specific threshold. Immediate support is positioned at 24,700; a fall below this mark could lead to a decline towards 24,500. Conversely, the 24,800 level may serve as critical resistance, as call writers have established substantial positions there.
Analysts suggest that the forthcoming GDP figures will influence market trends in upcoming trading sessions.
The market trend has remained range-bound, with the temporary re-imposition of US tariffs by the appeals court causing investors to remain cautious.
“The global market may grapple with macroeconomic issues as the global trade environment has yet to stabilize, potentially leading to short-term consolidation. Meanwhile, FII inflows have persisted due to fluctuations in the US 10-year yield and expectations of robust domestic Q4 GDP data later today, along with a potential rate cut by the RBI,” stated Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Limited.
The rupee weakened by 8 paise to 85.52, as the dollar index rose by 0.25 percent to 99.46.