Domestic equity markets continued to decline on Tuesday afternoon, with benchmark indices remaining in negative territory amid profit-taking after a brief morning uptick. The Sensex dropped 316.81 points, or 0.38 per cent, to 83,561.36 at 12:45 pm, after opening higher at 84,079.32 compared to the previous close of 83,878.17. The Nifty 50 fell 91.00 points, or 0.35 per cent, to 25,699.25 from its previous close of 25,790.25, after opening at 25,897.35.
The broader market weakened, with the Nifty Midcap 100 falling 331.25 points, or 0.55 per cent, to 59,416.40, and the Nifty Next 50 dropping 370.55 points, or 0.54 per cent, to 68,328.50. In contrast, the Nifty Smallcap 100 gained 34.90 points, or 0.20 per cent, to 17,238.20. Sectoral performance was mixed, as the Nifty Bank index added 69.50 points, or 0.12 per cent, to 59,523.45, and the Nifty Financial Services index rose 43.10 points, or 0.16 per cent, to 27,560.95.
Market breadth
Market breadth was slightly positive, with 2,004 stocks advancing, 1,913 declining, and 195 unchanged on the BSE. However, 159 stocks reached 52-week lows, compared to 55 at 52-week highs. Additionally, 132 stocks were locked in the upper circuit and 150 in the lower circuit.
Top gainers
ONGC led Nifty 50 gainers, rising 2.88 per cent to ₹242.50. Eternal advanced 1.93 per cent to ₹290.75, ICICI Bank climbed 1.76 per cent to ₹1,438.00, Hindalco gained 1.37 per cent to ₹932.80, and Tech Mahindra added 1.23 per cent to ₹1,605.60.
Top losers
Larsen & Toubro was the top loser, declining 3.06 per cent to ₹3,896.00. Trent fell 2.51 per cent to ₹3,954.70, IndiGo dropped 1.92 per cent to ₹4,757.00, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories lost 1.90 per cent to ₹1,192.40, and Reliance Industries slipped 1.58 per cent to ₹1,459.70.
Investor caution
Trading sentiment remained cautious as investors monitored tariff concerns, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing December-quarter earnings announcements.