Benchmark stock market indices ended lower for the second straight session on Tuesday, dragged down by profit booking and concerns over muted corporate earnings.
The S&P BSE Sensex slipped 297.07 points to close at 82,029.98, while the NSE Nifty50 dropped 81.85 points to settle at 25,145.50. Broader market indices mirrored the weakness, with both midcap and smallcap stocks underperforming large caps amid widespread selling pressure.
The sentiment on Dalal Street was weighed down by a sluggish start to the Q2 earnings season and weaker-than-expected inflation data, which stoked concerns over consumer demand. Sectoral losses were broad-based, with IT, banking, and FMCG counters among the major laggards.
Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, said, “Muted start to the ongoing Q2 results and weaker-than-expected inflation data raised concerns about slow demand, intensifying profit booking. Mid and small-cap stocks bore the brunt of the sell-off, underperforming large caps while sectoral losses were broad-based. Volatility is expected in the short term; however, the market is in a safe zone on a medium-term basis, in anticipation of a rise in demand during the second half of FY26.”
Amid the broader weakness, the bumper stock market debut of LG Electronics India stood out as a bright spot. The company listed with a nearly 50% premium over its issue price, providing handsome gains to investors who secured allotment.
However, overall market direction remained cautious as participants awaited more Q2 earnings reports to gauge the strength of corporate India’s growth recovery.
