Market Update: Sensex and Nifty End Flat Amid Mixed Sectoral Performance

Market Performance

The Indian stock market concluded a lacklustre session on March 25, 2025, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closing nearly unchanged. Declines in metal offset gains in the information technology (IT) sector, public sector bank (PSU Bank), and oil & gas stocks.

The Sensex closed at 78,017.19, up by 32.81 points or 0.04 percent, while the Nifty gained 10.30 points or 0.04 per cent to settle at 23,668.65. Broader market indices also showed weakness, as the Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 dropped by 1.1 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively. Market breadth remained negative, with 1,019 stocks advancing, 2,868 stocks declining, and 107 remaining unchanged.

Sectoral Highlights

Out of 13 sectoral indices, 12 traded lower. The Nifty IT index stood out as the only gainer, rising over 1 per cent due to advances in major IT firms, including Infosys, TCS, HCL Tech, and Wipro. In contrast, sectors such as Nifty Pharma, Metal, Oil & Gas, and PSU Bank experienced declines of approximately 1 per cent each. Nifty Auto, Consumer Durables, and Realty sectors also fell by up to 1%.

Company Highlights

IndusInd Bank

IndusInd Bank's shares fell by 5 per cent following the announcement of a penalty exceeding Rs 30.15 crore imposed by GST authorities in Maharashtra's Thane district. The penalty relates to various GST compliance issues, though specific details were not disclosed. The bank has indicated that it may appeal the decision.

UltraTech Cement

UltraTech Cement's stock surged by over 3 per cent during the session. The rise followed positive sentiments around improving market conditions for the cement sector.

Zomato

Zomato's share price declined by nearly 6 percent. The drop comes amid broader concerns over competition within the food delivery sector and changing consumer spending patterns.

Summary

The Indian stock market closed flat after a subdued trading session on March 25, 2025. While the IT sector showed strength, other sectors, particularly PSU Banks, Metals, and Oil & Gas, faced notable losses. Regulatory penalties drove IndusInd Bank's decline, whereas UltraTech Cement recorded gains on sectoral optimism. The broader market also weakened, with significant mid- and small-cap indices declines. Overall, market sentiment appeared cautious before the monthly expiry, with technical indicators suggesting key support and resistance levels in the near term.