Markets end on a sluggish note

Indian stock markets ended the Thursday trading session in negative territory as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) left key policy rates untouched. This move by RBI was in line with the broader market anticipations. However, RBI signals that monetary conditions will continue to be tighter in the near future.

Nifty ended 84 points lower. Sensex closed 247 points lower.

The markets touched their day’s low in the intraday trading session. In its monetary policy meeting, MPC lowered the inflation projection for FY23-24 to 5.1% from earlier 5.2%. 

Nifty Media, IT, FMCG, and Pharma were the worst-hit sectors in today’s trade. Nifty Metal pack ended the day on firm ground. Nifty Energy was the best-performing sector in today’s trade. Nifty Midcap 50 ended 1% lower. India’s VIX fell over 1%.

NTPC, JSW Steel, ONGC, Power Grid, and Larsen & Toubro led the gainers today. Grasim Industries, Kotak Bank, Sun Pharma, Tata Consumer, and Tech Mahindra dragged.

In terms of volume, Tata Steel, NTPC, and Tata Motors were the most active stocks. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Reliance were the most traded stocks in terms of value.

On the nifty index, 107 stocks rose to their new 52-week highs and 11 stocks touched 52-week lows.