Market Volatility Impacts Investors; Shriram Finance Emerges as Top Gainer
In the fast-paced world of stock markets, Thursday saw a flurry of activity as investor sentiment wavered amid F&O expiry volatility and lingering concerns over US tariffs. The BSE witnessed a stark negative market breadth, with 2,866 stocks in decline compared to 917 advances. The Sensex dipped by 22.92 points to 74,579.20, while the Nifty also saw a 0.12% decline to 22,519.90.
**Market Fluctuations and Sectoral Resilience**
The market landscape was marked by a significant number of stocks hitting 52-week lows, far outnumbering those at their highs. 344 scrips found themselves at yearly lows, contrasting with only 44 stocks reaching new peaks. The day’s trading also saw circuit filters being triggered for a multitude of stocks, with 318 companies hitting lower circuit limits and 116 touching upper circuits, indicating heightened volatility.
Amidst this turbulence, the banking and financial services sectors stood out for their resilience. The Nifty Bank index showed a gain of 262.25 points, trading at 48,870.60, while the Nifty Financial Services index rose by 176.75 points to 23,212.80. On the flip side, midcap stocks experienced selling pressure, with the Nifty Midcap Select index dropping by 147.55 points to 10,907.80.
**Shriram Finance Leads the Charge**
One of the day’s notable highlights was Shriram Finance emerging as the top gainer on the NSE, with a robust 4.71% surge to ₹601.30. The stock witnessed significant trading volume, with over 93 lakh shares changing hands. Other major gainers included Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, IndusInd Bank, and Axis Bank. Conversely, UltraTech Cement saw the steepest decline, dropping by 4.92% to ₹10,424.35, accompanied by other major losers such as Hero MotoCorp, Trent, BPCL, and M&M.
**Market Outlook and Global Influences**
Technical analysts have their eyes set on the Nifty as it tests key support levels around 22,500, while the broader market remains susceptible to global cues. Of particular interest are crude oil price movements and foreign institutional investor (FII) activities, which have been exerting pressure on domestic equities.
As the day progresses, trading activity is expected to remain choppy owing to the expiration of February derivatives contracts. Investors are also closely monitoring pharma stocks post recent USFDA approvals, and oil marketing companies that stand to benefit from falling crude prices.
In the world of stocks, each day presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As investors navigate the ebbs and flows of the market, staying informed and agile is key to making sound decisions that can weather the storms of volatility.
