Top indices and key statistics
| Index/Indicator | Level/Value | Direction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIFTY 50 | 24 631.30 | ▲ 0.05 % (+11.95 pts) | Ended slightly higher and above the 24 600 level. |
| BSE SENSEX | 80 597.66 | ▲ 0.07 % (+57.75 pts) | Snapped a six‑week losing streak; closed just below the 80 600 mark. |
| NIFTY BANK | 55 341.85 | ▲ 0.29 % (+160.40 pts) | Outperformed the benchmark; PSU and private banks gained on consumption‑led recovery hopes. |
| NIFTY IT | 34 833.20 | ▲ 0.40 % (+140.25 pts) | IT stocks rallied on softer US inflation data and a dovish rate outlook. |
| BSE SMALLCAP | 51 788.88 | ▼ 0.59 % (–306.96 pts) | Mid‑cap and small‑cap indices underperformed as investors booked profits. |
| Advance/Decline (NSE) | 1 009 / 1 663 | – | Market breadth was negative; more stocks declined than advanced. |
| Rupee (INR/USD) | ≈ ₹87.55 per USD | ▲ (rupee stronger) | Rupee closed around 11 paise stronger against the US dollar. |
| FII/DII flows | FIIs –3 644 cr (Aug 13), DIIs +5 624 cr | – | Foreign investors continued to sell while domestic institutions absorbed supply. |
| Market holiday | August 15, 2025 | – | NSE and BSE will be closed for Independence Day; trading resumes on August 18. |
Top gainers (Nifty 50 components)
| Stock | Close price (₹) | Change (%) | Rationale/Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wipro | ~246.8 | +2.14 % | Continued buying in IT stocks amid optimistic US tech results and strong Q1 numbers. |
| Eternal Ltd. | ~318.4 | +1.94 % | Stock continued its uptrend; regained ₹3‑trillion market cap and remained in F&O ban list. |
| HDFC Life Insurance | ~788.8 | +1.56 % | Defensive buying in insurance; investors looked for protection during volatile market. |
| Infosys | ~1 447.7 | +1.48 % | Benefited from softer US inflation and signs of recovery in IT spending. |
| Asian Paints | ~2 529.3 | +1.16 % | Gains linked to easing crude‑oil prices and expectations of resilient domestic demand. |
Top losers (Nifty 50 components)
| Stock | Close price (₹) | Change (%) | Rationale/Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Steel | ~113.5 | –3.04 % | Global metal prices fell; investors remained cautious about Chinese demand. |
| Tech Mahindra | ~1 375 | –1.53 % | Weakness in telecom/5G business weighed on the stock. |
| Adani Ports & SEZ | ~1 285 | –1.34 % | Profit‑taking after recent rally; cautious sentiment around global trade. |
| Bharat Electronics | ~225 | –1.02 % | Sellers booked profits after a strong run in defence stocks. |
| UltraTech Cement | ~8 225 | –0.80 % | Cement counters softened amid concerns over monsoon demand and higher energy costs. |
What moved the market
- Positive global cues but cautious sentiment: Indian indices traded range‑bound as investors weighed a rebound in global markets against caution ahead of a scheduled US–Russia summit in Alaska on Ukraine/tariffs. Hopes that talks could lead to a ceasefire and rollback of tariff penalties helped support equities, but uncertainty kept gains muted.
- Softer US inflation and S&P credit upgrade: US CPI data showed moderating inflation, leading to expectations of a dovish Federal Reserve. S&P Global Ratings upgraded India’s sovereign rating to BBB with a stable outlook, citing policy continuity and infrastructure‑driven growth. Both factors improved risk appetite.
- Sector rotation: IT and pharma stocks advanced on global cues, while banking and consumer durables stocks gained on hopes of a consumption‑led recovery. In contrast, metals, oil & gas and realty indices slipped due to falling commodity prices, over‑supply concerns and profit‑taking. The mid‑cap and small‑cap segments underperformed as traders trimmed positions before the long weekend.
- FII selling vs. DII buying: Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net sellers for a third consecutive session (over ₹3 600 cr on Aug 13), whereas domestic institutions (DIIs) provided buying support, helping indices stay afloat.
- Rupee strength: The rupee strengthened against the US dollar, reflecting improved sentiment and expectations of capital inflows.
Global cues
- US markets: Wall Street rose as cooling inflation bolstered hopes that the Federal Reserve would pause its tightening cycle. Tech stocks rallied after positive earnings.
- Asia/Europe: Asian markets were mixed but largely higher, with Tokyo and Seoul gaining while Shanghai was subdued. European indices edged up on signs of easing price pressures.
- Energy & commodity markets: Brent crude hovered near US$81 per barrel, trending lower on concerns over weak Chinese demand and signs of excess supply. Declines in base metals (iron ore, steel) weighed on mining and metals stocks worldwide.
Stocks to watch & corporate updates
- High‑turnover stocks: Muthoot Finance, Infosys, HDFC Bank, Eternal, and HBL Engineering were the most actively traded, indicating institutional interest.
- Corporate earnings (Q1 FY26):
– Indian Oil Corp. reported profit nearly doubling to ₹6 813 cr, helped by stable refining margins; revenue grew marginally.
– Blackbox (Tech Mahindra subsidiary) posted a 28 % rise in net profit (₹47 cr) despite lower revenue.
– Amara Raja Energy reported profit after tax down 33 % at ₹164.8 cr as expenses rose; its stock may see pressure.
– Upcoming results include Ashok Leyland, Vodafone Idea, Glenmark Pharma, Patanjali Foods, Essar India, Inox Wind and Redtape, which could drive stock‑specific movements next week. - F&O ban list: Traders should note that RBL Bank, PG Electroplast, PNB Housing and Eternal remained under the F&O ban, limiting fresh positions.
Outlook for tomorrow (15 Aug 2025)
- No trading: Both NSE and BSE are closed tomorrow (Friday, Aug 15) in observance of Independence Day. Markets will resume Monday, Aug 18.
- Events to watch: When trading resumes, investors will react to the outcome of the US–Russia summit, global macro data (US retail sales and Fed meeting minutes), and domestic corporate results. With Nifty holding 24 600 and Sensex near 80 600, technical analysts believe the indices could consolidate; any breakout would depend on foreign flows and clarity on global geopolitical developments.
- Near‑term bias: Given mixed global signals and heavy FII selling, the market may trade within a tight range with a slight positive bias if global risk appetite improves. Traders should remain cautious in mid‑cap/small‑cap stocks and focus on large‑cap quality names.
