Overview
- Benchmarks closed lower after a noon sell-off, with the Sensex at 85,041.45 (−367 points, 0.43%) and the Nifty at 26,042.30 (−99.80 points, 0.38%).
- Losses were led by IT, autos and banks, while select metal and railway-linked stocks showed relative strength in an otherwise weak market breadth.
- Exchange data showed FPIs net-sold about Rs 1,721 crore on Dec 24 as DIIs bought roughly Rs 2,381 crore, and the rupee weakened toward the 90-per-dollar mark.
- A holiday-shortened week, including a full closure on Dec 25 for Christmas, kept volumes thin and magnified intraday swings.
- Analysts expect consolidation with support near 26,000 and resistance around 26,300–26,350, with direction likely guided by the Union Budget, potential trade talks and January earnings.