Indian Markets End Flat as IT Stocks Retreat Amid Low Year-End Volumes
Indian benchmark indices traded flat on Tuesday, snapping a two-session winning streak as losses in IT stocks offset gains in other sectors. With no major fresh triggers and thin year-end trading volumes, investors remained cautious while awaiting cues from the upcoming third-quarter earnings season. The Nifty 50 edged down 0.02% to 26,167.35, while the BSE Sensex slipped 0.08% to 85,496.56 by mid-morning trade.
Despite the muted headline indices, 11 of the 16 major sectors posted marginal gains. Small-cap stocks rose 0.2%, while mid-caps were largely unchanged. The IT index fell 1.1%, giving up part of its recent rally that had been supported by a weak rupee and optimism over a possible U.S. rate cut in 2026, which could boost spending for export-oriented sectors.
Market participants said sustained momentum would depend on signs of earnings recovery in the forthcoming results season. Analysts also noted that a potential India–U.S. trade deal could support equities and ease currency pressures. Among individual stocks, Ambuja Cements climbed 2% after approving a merger involving ACC and Orient Cement, while Canara HSBC Life and JK Tyre gained on positive brokerage views. Sanghvi Movers and Antony Waste surged sharply following large order wins.
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