Indian equity markets closed Wednesday’s session on a subdued note, with benchmark indices finding it difficult to gain traction amid mixed global cues and uncertain signals from US employment data.
Following two straight sessions of losses, markets made a tentative recovery attempt but failed to sustain momentum, ending slightly in the red. The BSE Sensex fell 120 points to finish at 84,559.65, while the Nifty 50 dropped 42 points to close at 25,818.55.
Sector-wise, PSU banks outperformed the broader market, with the Nifty PSU Bank index gaining nearly 1 per cent. State Bank of India led the pack, rising over 1.5 per cent and supporting the banking sector. Select IT stocks also attracted buying, as Infosys, TCS, HCL Technologies, and Tech Mahindra closed bit higher.
Other frontline gainers included Axis Bank, Sun Pharma, Maruti Suzuki, Reliance Industries, and UltraTech Cement, whose marginal gains helped cushion the benchmarks’ decline. On the downside, heavyweight private banks and consumption-focused stocks faced selling pressure. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Trent were among the key laggards, weighing on the indices.
Also read: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/live-blog/bse-sensex-today-live-nifty-stock-market-updates-17-december-2025/liveblog/126028858.cms?from=mdr
Market breadth stayed negative, underscoring broader weakness. During the session, 47 stocks scaled new 52-week highs, while 152 fell to fresh 52-week lows. A total of 60 stocks hit upper circuits, with an equal number stuck in lower circuits. By the end of trade, the combined market capitalisation of all listed companies stood at Rs 463.82 lakh crore, signalling the cautious sentiment in the market.
According to Bajaj Broking Research Indian equity benchmarks slipped sharply from the day’s highs amid heightened volatility on December 17, extending losses for a third consecutive session. Sentiment remained under pressure due to persistent FPI outflows and continued rupee weakness, along with delays in concluding the India–US trade negotiations. Oil prices, however, rebounded, with U.S. crude rising 1.3% to $55.97 a barrel and Brent gaining 1.15% to $59.60, trimming sharp losses from the previous session amid easing concerns over a potential Russia–Ukraine peace deal and possible sanctions relief.
