Stock Market Today: Sensex Ends Flat, Nifty Closes Above 25,200 – What Moved the Markets?

Indian benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty 50 ended the day almost flat on Wednesday, July 16, after a volatile trading session as investors remained cautious amid ongoing US-India trade negotiations.

The Sensex rose by 63.57 points, or 0.08%, to close at 83,634.48, while the Nifty 50 went up by 16.25 points, or 0.06%, to settle at 25.212.05.

Top Gainers and Losers

M&M emerged as the top gainer on the Nifty 50 index, registering a rise of 2.38%. It was followed by gains in other major companies, including Wipro, Tech Mahindra, Nestlé India, and the State Bank of India (SBI). On the other hand, Shriram Finance, Eternal, Sun Pharma, Cipla, Tata Steel, and Tata Motors were among the top losers on the Nifty index.

Nifty PSU Bank index was the top sectoral gainer, rising over 1%. Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Punjab & Sind Bank were the best-performing stocks in this group.

The Nifty Midcap 150 closed flat but managed to extend its winning streak to three days, just like the Nifty Smallcap 250. Sectors such as financials, auto, media, and real estate also posted gains for the third day in a row.

Nifty Oil & Gas rose for the second straight session, while Nifty FMCG continued its upward trend for the fourth consecutive day. However, Nifty Metal ended its two-day winning run, and Nifty Pharma's three-day rally also came to a stop.

The BSE Midcap index closed 0.10% higher, moving mostly in line with the main market index. Meanwhile, the BSE Smallcap index did slightly better, finishing with a gain of 0.28%.

Overall, market breadth was positive with 2,338 stocks advancing, 1,718 declining, and 162 remaining unchanged on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Why Did Markets Closed Almost Flat Today?

Indian benchmark indices closes almost flat as traders became cautious due to ongoing trade talks between the US and India. Worries grew over rising inflation in the US and President Trump's renewed threats to impose 30% tariffs on goods from the EU and Mexico. These concerns affected investor confidence and added pressure to global markets.

"India's macroeconomic outlook remains strong, supported by easing inflation, lower interest rates, a healthy monsoon, and softer oil prices. A drop in inflation in eight straight months has provided a push to the market. However, investors are showing a mix of optimism and caution in the relief rally to assess the Q1FY26 corporate earnings, as an upgrade in earnings is essential in the premium valued stock market.

Additionally, global sentiment is mixed amid tariff concerns-highlighted by the announcement of a 50% duty on copper-and fading hopes of a near-term U.S. Fed rate cut on account of sticky inflation, adding market uncertainty," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments.

Rupee VS Dollar

Rupee Falls by 13 Paise to Close at 85.94 Against US Dollar versus Tuesday's close of 85.81. It Becomes Asia's Third-Worst Performing Currency.

"Rupee traded weak by 0.10 rupees at 85.95, down 0.12%, as the dollar gained momentum holding above 98.50 levels. A higher-than-expected US CPI reading at 2.7% versus 2.4% strengthened the dollar index. Going ahead, key US data including PPI and initial jobless claims are expected to keep the rupee volatile. The currency is likely to trade in a range of 85.45 to 86.25," Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities.

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