Why Did Sensex and Nifty Close Lower Today?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sensex and Nifty concluded lower due to broad-based selling.
- Key support for Nifty is at 25,000.
- PSU banks were the hardest hit, with a 1.52 percent drop in the Nifty PSU Bank index.
- Market volatility is expected to continue in the near term.
- The Indian rupee is facing pressure from dollar strength.
Mumbai, Oct 14 (NationPress) The Indian equity markets faced a downturn on Tuesday, primarily due to broad-based selling. Both major indices -- Sensex and Nifty -- reversed their recent uptrend as investors took profits across various sectors.
At the end of the trading session, the Sensex fell by 297.07 points, representing a 0.36 percent decline, concluding at 82,029.98. Meanwhile, the Nifty decreased by 81.85 points, or 0.32 percent, ending at 25,145.5.
“The 25,300–25,400 range continues to function as a significant resistance level for the Nifty, while 25,000 is a crucial support area,” analysts commented.
“If the Nifty maintains above 25,300, bullish momentum could be rekindled; however, a drop below 25,000 may trigger additional declines towards 24,850–24,700,” they elaborated.
“In summary, 25,000 is a pivotal level to monitor -- bulls are defending this mark, while bears are active near 25,300. Until a decisive breakout occurs on either side, the markets are expected to remain within a range, experiencing fluctuations in volatility,” said market experts.
Widespread selling pressure was evident across most sectors, with PSU banks leading the losses.
The Nifty PSU Bank index saw a decline of 1.52 percent, trailed by notable drops in the Nifty Consumer Durables and Nifty Media sectors.
Among individual stocks, Bajaj Finance, Trent, Tata Steel, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) were the major underperformers on the Sensex.
Conversely, Tech Mahindra, ICICI Bank, Power Grid, and Hindustan Unilever (HUL) managed to remain in the positive zone, softening the blow for the indices.
The broader markets reflected similar weak sentiment, with the Nifty MidCap 100 index decreasing by 0.75 percent and the Nifty SmallCap 100 index slipping by 0.89 percent.
Analysts indicated that volatility is expected to persist in the near term as traders roll over their positions, while global cues and corporate earnings will continue to steer market directions.
Meanwhile, the Indian rupee closed near an all-time low, influenced by widespread dollar strength and weakening regional currencies.
Market sentiment remains delicate amid uncertainty surrounding US-China trade and a risk-averse mindset.
“Nevertheless, the rupee has shown resilience, stabilizing in a narrow range over the past two weeks thanks to central bank interventions and foreign fund inflows,” experts noted.
“In the near term, the spot USDINR finds support at 88.50 and faces resistance at 89.10,” they added.