Did Indian Equity Indices End Slightly Lower Ahead of RBI's MPC Outcome?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian equity indices ended lower amid cautious investor sentiment.
- Sensex closed at 80,267.62, down 97 points.
- Nifty settled at 24,611.10, down 23.80 points.
- Market participants are awaiting RBI's monetary policy insights.
- Sector performance was mixed, with notable gains in Nifty Auto and Nifty Bank.
Mumbai, Sep 30 (NationPress) The Indian equity markets concluded the trading session marginally lower on Tuesday, remaining within a narrow range as investors adopted a cautious stance in anticipation of the RBI's upcoming monetary policy announcement.
The Sensex wrapped up the day at 80,267.62, reflecting a decline of 97 points or 0.12 percent. The 30-share benchmark index began the trading session positively at 80,541.77, momentarily breaking a string of seven consecutive losses, compared to the previous session's close of 80,364.94. Nonetheless, the index fell into negative territory due to selling pressure from major stocks like ITC and Tech Mahindra.
The Nifty index concluded at 24,611.10, down 23.80 points or 0.10 percent.
“The domestic market maintained a narrow trading range on the monthly expiry day, as investors remained vigilant ahead of the RBI’s policy. The market made attempts to stabilize following last week’s persistent downturn,” analysts noted.
Market players are eagerly awaiting the RBI's commentary for insights into future interest rate movements, although maintaining the current rates is widely anticipated, they added.
Significant developments, particularly concerning tariff policies and the forthcoming earnings season, will be pivotal in determining the market’s direction beyond the present range.
Stocks like Bharti Airtel, ITC, Trent, Bajaj FinServ, Titan, Reliance, Tech Mahindra, and L&T finished the day lower. In contrast, Adani Ports, Tata Motors, BEL, Bajaj FinServ, Hindustan Unilever, Sun Pharma, Mahindra and Mahindra, and Asian Paints closed positively.
The sectoral indices continued to display a mixed performance for the second consecutive day this week. The Nifty FMCG index fell 235 points or 0.43 percent, while Nifty IT decreased 37 points or 0.11 percent. Conversely, Nifty Auto rose 105 points or 0.40 percent, Nifty Bank increased 174 points or 0.32 percent, and Nifty Fin Services ended the day up by 15 points.
The broader market mirrored this trend. The Nifty 100 dropped 19 points, the Nifty Midcap 100 closed flat, while the Nifty Small Cap 100 gained 14 points or 0.08 percent.
“On the monthly expiry day, the Nifty index ended on a weak note, encountering strong resistance near its 100-day EMA around the 24,750 level. The index has been forming a lower highs–lower lows pattern over the past three sessions, indicating significant bearish control. Unless the Nifty manages to reclaim and sustain levels above its 50-day EMA, the short-term outlook remains pessimistic,” stated Vatsal Bhuva of LKP Securities.