Stock Market Today: Volatile Session Ends Weekly Gains for Sensex & Nifty

Market Overview

On the week's final trading day, the Indian stock markets experienced a volatile session, ultimately breaking a two-day upward streak. Market participants closely monitored global developments, particularly concerns regarding tariffs from the United States, which influenced investor sentiment throughout the session.

After a weak start, the indices briefly gained momentum due to selective buying interest in certain prominent companies, such as Reliance Industries and Tata Motors, and strength in the oil and gas sector. However, this recovery was short-lived, as profit booking led to a downturn later in the day.

By the end of the session:

• Sensex declined by 7.52 points or 0.01%, closing at 74,332.58.
• Nifty gained 7.80 points or 0.03%, ending at 22,633.80.

Key Highlights of the Session

Throughout the trading day, fluctuations were driven by both domestic factors and international concerns. The session was marked by notable activity in select sectors, while others faced mild pressure.

• Gains were recorded in Reliance Industries, Nestle India, and Bajaj Auto stocks.
• Sectors, including metal stocks, displayed strength.
• Banking and information technology (IT) sectors encountered mild selling pressure.

In the broader market:

• The Nifty Smallcap 100 index rose 0.67%, continuing its rally for the fourth consecutive session.
• The Nifty Midcap 100 index declined by 0.32%.

For the week:

• The Nifty 50 gained 1.93%, marking its first weekly gain in three weeks.
• The Sensex rose 1.55%, ending a three-week losing streak.
• The Nifty Smallcap 100 stood out with a 5.47% weekly increase.

Global Trade Developments

Recent global trade events have contributed to heightened caution in financial markets:

• The United States' imposition of 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico earlier in the week affected market sentiment. However, certain goods under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) were temporarily exempted until April 2.
• Ongoing tensions between the United States and China remain, with both countries enforcing retaliatory tariffs.
• Discussions about potential "reciprocal tariffs" on goods from nations imposing import taxes on U.S. products are ongoing. India has been identified as one of the countries that may be impacted.

These developments have added to global market uncertainty, with businesses and investors monitoring further policy actions and international responses.

Sectoral Performance

Top Performing Sectors:

• Nifty Media rose 1.83%.
• Nifty Oil & Gas advanced by 0.55%, supported by softening crude oil prices.
• Nifty Metal increased 0.43%, extending its upward momentum.

Sectors Under Pressure:

• Nifty Realty declined by 1.19%.
• Nifty IT decreased 0.85%.
• Nifty Bank and Nifty Pharma recorded losses of 0.27% and 0.22%, respectively.

Summary

The Indian stock markets concluded a volatile trading week influenced by external factors, notably tariff-related developments from the United States. While the frontline indices saw mixed daily movements, they managed to secure weekly gains after several weeks of decline. Smallcap stocks notably outperformed.

Sectors related to metals, media, and oil & gas exhibited resilience, whereas realty, IT, and banking faced modest declines. With global trade uncertainties persisting, markets continue to experience cautious sentiment, awaiting clarity on international economic policies.