Are Sensex and Nifty Trading Flat as IT Index Dips?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Indian equity markets displayed a flat performance on Wednesday, exhibiting a slight negative trend, primarily influenced by declines in IT stocks.
As of 9:30 AM, the Sensex fell by 27 points, or 0.03%, settling at 83,423, while the Nifty decreased by 2 points, or 0.01%, to reach 25,722.
The major broad-cap indices showed a mixed response compared to the benchmark indices, with the Nifty Midcap 100 increasing by 0.4%, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 rising by 0.36%.
Most sectoral indices traded positively, apart from the Nifty IT (down 1.35%) and private banks (down 0.14%). The Nifty Metal emerged as the top performer, soaring 1.20%.
Market analysts noted that immediate support for the Nifty is positioned in the 25,550-25,600 range, while resistance is observed at 25,850-25,900.
The Bank Nifty continues to show robust relative outperformance, with sustained leadership from private sector banks and renewed interest in select PSU banks, as per analysts.
Immediate support for the Bank Nifty is seen in the 60,900–60,600 zone, while resistance is noted around 61,300–61,400.
After two consecutive sessions of gains, the benchmark indices have benefited from ongoing strength in banking, financials, energy, pharmaceuticals, and select IT stocks amidst a backdrop of improving sentiment. However, a degree of near-term caution remains due to selective profit booking in high-value segments and mixed signals from the global market, according to market participants.
In the absence of fresh triggers, the market is expected to remain range-bound, with clearer direction anticipated only from sustained earnings momentum or enhanced global stability.
Due to the Lunar New Year, major Asian markets will remain closed on Wednesday. The Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in mainland China will be closed until February 23, while the Hong Kong Stock Exchange will remain shut until February 19.
The US markets concluded predominantly in the green during the last trading session, with the Nasdaq rising by 0.14%. The S&P 500 added 0.1%, and the Dow Jones experienced a gain of 0.07%.
On February 17, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) net purchased equities worth Rs 187 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers of equities worth Rs 995 crore.
aar/na