Benchmark indices: India’s benchmark equity gauges ended a volatile session in the red. The BSE Sensex dropped 368.49 points (‑0.46 %) to 80,235.59 and the NSE Nifty 50 slipped 97.65 points (‑0.40 %) to 24,487.40. About 19 of the 30 Sensex stocks closed lower, while selling pressure in banking, FMCG and realty counters outweighed gains in auto, IT, pharma and oil‑&‑gas names.
Top Index Performances and Global Cues
| Index / Market | Latest Close* | Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensex | 80,235.59 | ▼0.46 % | Weakness in banking & financial heavyweights led the slide. |
| Nifty 50 | 24,487.40 | ▼0.40 % | Index fell below 24,500 as investors awaited India & U.S. CPI data. |
| Dow Jones | 44,003.32 | ▼0.45 % | U.S. indices were lower ahead of key inflation data. |
| Nasdaq | 21,395.37 | ▼0.32 % | Caution due to U.S. CPI & tariff uncertainty. |
| S&P 500 | 6,395.51 | ▼0.24 % | Global markets were mixed; Asian markets largely positive. |
| Brent crude | USD 66.75/bbl | ▲0.18 % | Rising oil prices add to inflation concerns. |
*As of the close on 12 Aug 2025 or most recent data.
Top Gainers (Nifty 50)
| Company (Ticker) | Close (₹) | % Change | Key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tech Mahindra (TECHM) | 1,511.20 | ▲2.03 % | Positive sentiment towards IT & strong quarterly outlook. |
| Maruti Suzuki (MARUTI) | 12,847.00 | ▲1.98 % | Robust sales momentum in passenger vehicles. |
| Hero MotoCorp (HEROMOTOCO) | 4,644.00 | ▲1.79 % | Better‑than‑expected volumes; positive rural outlook. |
| Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) | 3,236.00 | ▲1.56 % | Continued demand for SUVs and farm equipment. |
| NTPC | 340.15 | ▲1.19 % | Renewed interest in power stocks amid high electricity demand. |
Top Losers (Nifty 50)
| Company (Ticker) | Close (₹) | % Change | Key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Finance (BAJFINANCE) | 853.00 | ▼2.83 % | Profit‑taking in NBFCs; investors cautious ahead of CPI data. |
| Trent (TRENT) | 5,368.00 | ▼1.39 % | Weakness in retail names after recent rally. |
| Hindustan Unilever (HINDUNILVR) | 2,484.00 | ▼1.37 % | Consumer‑goods stocks declined amid high valuations. |
| Nestle India (NESTLEIND) | 1,090.00 | ▼1.36 % | Profit‑taking; concerns about rural demand. |
| Eternal (Zomato) | 305.30 | ▼1.33 % | Food‑delivery platform fell on softening order growth. |
What moved the market?
- Sector rotation and profit‑taking: Pressure in banking, FMCG and realty stocks outweighed gains in auto, IT, pharma and energy counters. Heavyweight banking/financial stocks erased early gains and dragged the indices lower.
- Inflation anxieties: Investors were cautious ahead of July CPI data from India and the U.S., expected to provide clues on interest‑rate paths. Analysts noted that any sign of tariff‑related inflation could influence U.S. Federal Reserve policy.
- Tariff and geopolitical uncertainties: The U.S.‑China tariff truce and the prospect of further tariffs kept export‑oriented sectors under pressure. Markets also monitored planned U.S.‑Russia discussions on 15 Aug.
- Technical factors: According to Religare Broking, the decline reflects lack of conviction; a positive bias is likely only if the Nifty decisively sustains above 24,600 (its 100‑day exponential moving average).
Global cues
- Awaiting CPI releases: The Indian rupee traded flat as traders remained in “wait‑and‑watch” mode for inflation data in the U.S. and India. Core U.S. inflation was expected at 0.3 % m/m.
- Possible Fed rate cut: A weaker‑than‑expected U.S. jobs report has increased expectations of a U.S. rate cut in September, but uncertainty over tariffs and global geopolitics may cloud the outlook.
- Mixed global markets: Asian markets were mixed, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 and China’s SSE Composite ending higher while South Korea’s Kospi fell. European indices were flat, and U.S. markets closed lower.Brent crude inched up to ~USD 66.75/bbl.
Stocks to watch / Corporate updates
The following companies announced major results or corporate actions and may be in focus:
- Upcoming earnings: Hindustan Aeronautics, Oil & Natural Gas Corp., Oil India, NMDC, NHPC, Jindal Steel & Power, Bharat Dynamics, Rail Vikas Nigam, Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilisers, Apollo Hospitals, Zydus Lifesciences, Abbott India, Alkem Labs, Natco Pharma, Dr Agarwal’s Health Care, Nykaa (FSN E‑Commerce), Honasa Consumer, Nazara Technologies, National Securities Depository (NSDL), Senco Gold, Suzlon Energy and VA Tech Wabag are due to report earnings.
- Bata India: Reported Q1FY26 net profit of ₹52 crore, a 70.1 % year‑on‑year decline.
- Ashoka Buildcon: Q1FY26 net profit rose 44.6 % to ₹217.3 crore.
- Indian Hotels (IHCL): Board approved acquisitions of controlling stakes in ANK Hotels and Pride Hospitality for about ₹204 crore.
- Muthoot Microfin: Q1FY26 profit plunged 94.5 % to ₹6.2 crore; net interest income fell 16 %.
- JM Financial: Q1FY26 net profit surged 166 % year‑on‑year to ₹454 crore.
Outlook for tomorrow (13 Aug 2025)
- Data‑driven trading: Markets are expected to react to India’s July CPI figures (anticipated to be at an eight‑year low) and U.S. inflation data. A softer inflation print could support rate‑cut expectations, while a surprise uptick may trigger further volatility.
- Technical levels: Analysts believe the Nifty must close above 24,600 to confirm a bullish reversal; support levels lie near 24,371 and 24,238.Participants may focus on consumption‑driven sectors and stocks showing resilience on earnings.
- Global watchpoints: Investors will monitor U.S.‑Russia talks scheduled for 15 Aug and any developments on U.S. tariffs. Global equity sentiment remains cautious, so any positive surprises could spark a relief rally.
- Sectoral focus: With banking and financials under pressure, stock‑specific action may centre on auto, IT, pharma and select PSU banks that displayed strength despite the broader sell‑off
