Closing Bell: Market recovers but end marginally lower, Nifty below 24,850

Indian equity indices ended marginally lower on June 18 with Nifty below 24,850. At close, the Sensex was down 138.64 points or 0.17 percent at 81,444.66, and the Nifty was down 41.35 points or 0.17 percent at 24,812.05.

We wrap up today's edition of the Moneycontrol live market blog, and will be back tomorrow morning with all the latest updates and alerts. Please visit https://www.moneycontrol.com/markets/global-indices for all the global market action.

The index remained volatile throughout the day as updates related to the Israel-Iran conflict and the possibility of U.S. kinetic intervention weighed on global sentiment. Additionally, anticipation ahead of the upcoming Fed meeting contributed to the instability in the Indian market.

On the technical front, Nifty closed below the crucial support level of 24,850. However, a positive surprise from the Fed could lift both global and domestic markets, helping them shake off prevailing negativity.

On the upside, a decisive reclaim of 24,850 may trigger a rally towards 25,000 and higher, while a failure to move back above this level could drag Nifty down towards 24,500.

Markets traded lackluster and ended marginally in the red, extending the ongoing consolidation phase. After a flat start, the Nifty edged higher initially but failed to sustain the momentum, primarily due to pressure from heavyweight stocks. It then moved within a narrow range and eventually settled at 24,812.05. Sectoral trends mirrored the broader market, with auto and banking ending slightly in the green, while IT, metal, and FMCG slipped lower. The broader indices also declined by nearly half a percent, continuing the profit-taking trend.

Markets will react to the outcome of the US Fed policy meeting during early trades on Thursday. While most expect no change in interest rates, the Fed's commentary—especially in light of the prevailing global uncertainty caused by geopolitical tensions and trade tariff concerns—will be more crucial. We recommend maintaining a cautious approach until there is more clarity. In the meantime, participants can consider selectively accumulating stocks that are showing relative strength amid the volatility, with a preference for large-cap and stronger mid-cap names.

Indian equity markets ended lower today, with the Sensex closing down 138 points (0.17%) at 81,444 and the Nifty 50 slipping 41 points (0.17%) to settle at 24,812, as persistent global headwinds and geopolitical tensions weighed on investor sentiment. Escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing Israel-Iran standoff, kept global markets on edge and pushed Brent crude prices above $76, raising concerns over inflation and input costs for Indian companies. Investors remained cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision, with expectations of a status quo on rates but anxiety over the future rate trajectory. Except Bank and Auto, all major sectoral indices ended in the red.

Post the tepid opening, the Index quickly recovered from the lower levels but struggled to sustain at the higher levels and wiped off all its gains to trade lower and eventually settled the trade at 24,812.05 with a loss of 41.35 points. Barring Auto and BankNifty, all the other ended the trade in red, where IT and Media were the major laggards.

The disparity was witnessed in the Broader market performance as Smallcap more or less moved in tandem with the Frontline Index while Midcaps underperformed. Nothing has changed for Nifty50 as a non-directional trend continues with immediate resistance and support being placed at 25,000 and 24,670, respectively.

The domestic market failed to maintain the opening gains as the continuing tensions in the Middle East & volatility in oil prices dragged the overall sentiment. However, auto & consumer discretionary gained in expectations of a demand revival.

With the supportive base of the domestic macros, the long-term outlook remains intact, and investors are likely to be focused on high-quality large-cap stocks until greater clarity emerges. Investors will keep an eye on the U.S. Fed policy later today; the prospect of higher inflation due to the tariff threat may lead the FOMC to keep the rates unchanged.

Indian rupee ended 23 paise lower at 86.47 per dollar on Wednesday versus Tuesday's close of 86.24.

Indian equity indices ended marginally lower on June 18 with Nifty below 24,850.

At close, the Sensex was down 138.64 points or 0.17 percent at 81,444.66, and the Nifty was down 41.35 points or 0.17 percent at 24,812.05. About 1486 shares advanced, 2342 shares declined, and 131 shares unchanged.

Top Nifty losers included TCS, Adani Ports, JSW Steel, HUL, Adani Enterprises, while gainers were IndusInd Bank, Trent, Titan Company, Maruti Suzuki and M&M.

On the sectoral front, except auto, private bank, consumer durables, all other indices ended in the red with IT, media, metal, oil & gas, realty down 0.5-1 percent.

The BSE midcap and smallcap indices down 0.3 percent.

#1 20–25% YoY decline in RAC volumes industry-wide (both secondary & primary sales)

#2 June pickup noted, especially in North

#3 Channel inventory stands at 6–8 weeks

#4 Freebies like installation & warranty being offered by market players

#5 Voltas maintains medium-term goal of steady market share

#6 High single-digit margin in UCP

#1 Company opened a store at ratan mall, Agra (Uttar Pradesh)

#2 First major store in UP after Ghaziabad, in India’s most populous state

#3 Opening seen as positive; will track expansion pace in UP given large opportunity

EaseMyTrip.com and OneBanc have announced a strategic partnership. This will also integrate EaseMyTrip’s comprehensive travel services called EMTDesk into OneBanc’s AI-powered payroll banking platform. The two companies have recently begun onboarding corporate clients onto the AI powered platform.

#1 Equity derivatives expiry shifts to Tuesday for NSE & Thursday for BSE from September 1, 2025

#2 Near-term volumes may drop 5–10%; recovery expected over time

#3 BSE’s long-term contract liquidity & common contract note may aid cash market share

#4 EPS estimates cut by 1–2% due to lower volumes

The Sensex was down 119.27 points or 0.15 percent at 81,464.03, and the Nifty was down 29.05 points or 0.12 percent at 24,824.35. About 1411 shares advanced, 2052 shares declined, and 98 shares unchanged.

QIB – 0.00 times

NII - 0.12 times

Retail – 0.81 times

Overall – 0.18 times

The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French company Turgis Gaillard to offer the AAROK UAV in alignment with the Indian Ministry of Defence.

AAROK is a MALE-class UAV (Medium Altitude Long Endurance), designed to offer advanced technology at low acquisition and deployment costs.

Equipped with electromagnetic sensors and radar, the UAV is capable of monitoring enemy activity while remaining stand-off from threats.

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed acquisition of at least 99.4% stake in Ecom Express by Delhivery, for up to Rs 1,407 crore.

Infosys and Adobe announced a strategic collaboration to jointly transform the marketing life cycle of global brands with AI.

Together, they will bring capabilities from Infosys AsterTM and Adobe to unify customer experience at scale, personalize content to enable business growth while also streamlining workflows for efficiency.

Indian Rupee dwindled on Wednesday amid weak domestic market and a positive US Dollar index. Rising global crude oil prices and selling pressure from FIIs too weighed on the Rupee. The domestic markets are falling on risk aversion in the global markets amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

We expect Rupee to trade with a negative bias on risk aversion in the global markets and worries over rising crude oil prices. Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East may weigh on the Rupee. However, any de-escalation of tensions may see a recovery in the global risk assets.

Traders may take cues from weekly unemployment claims data from the US. Traders may also await the FOMC meeting outcome. The US Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged. USDINR spot price is expected to trade in a range of Rs 86.15 to Rs 86.90.

EMS has received the lowest bidder (L-1) status awarded by UP Jal Nigam (Urban) for the estimated order value (excluding GST) is approximately Rs 18381.49 lakhs.

The company’s Board of Directors will meet on June 20 to consider fundraising via convertible securities through preferential allotment.

Additionally, Ugro Capital has signed a Share Purchase Agreement with the existing shareholders of Profectus Capital to acquire 100% of its shares for Rs 1,400 crore.

QIB – 0.00 times

NII - 0.11 times

Retail – 0.67 times

Overall – 0.15 times

#1 Near-term challenges due to muted summer and weak cooling demand

#2 Secondary sales dropped approximately 20–25% YoY in April–May due to unseasonal rains & early monsoon

#3 Despite weakness, Voltas gained market share in April

#4 Demand still weak; 6–8 weeks of inventory & no major price moves, though promotions are common

#5 Company aims to maintain high single-digit margin, depending on seasonal demand

Indian rupee has extended the intraday losses to trade at day's low at 86.38 per dollar versus Tuesday's close of 86.24.

Vedanta board has approved first interim dividend of Rs 7 per share for FY26, total payout of Rs 2,737 crore

Comex August gold futures jumped to $3,422.70/oz on Tuesday, supported by a risk-off mood after US President Trump called for a full evacuation of Tehran and then abruptly left the G7 Summit. Additionally, weak US retail sales and industrial production data suggested that the US economic momentum may be slowing, boosting expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. However, prices retreated from higher levels to close at $3,406.90/oz due to strength in the US dollar.

Today, gold remained steady above the $3,400 mark as rising risks of a broader war in the Middle East continued to lend safe-haven support. Investors are also focused on today’s FOMC meeting. While the Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, attention will be on its economic projections for forward guidance regarding the timing and extent of possible future rate cuts.

WTI crude oil surged to $75.5 per barrel yesterday following a significant escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, renewing concerns over potential supply disruptions in the Middle East. Prices had previously pulled back on Monday, as the attacks had not affected any major oil supply routes and the Strait of Hormuz remained open. Besides, the IEA forecasts global oil demand to rise by 2.5 million barrels per day between 2024 and 2030, reaching a plateau of around 105.5 million barrels per day by the end of the decade.

Today, August WTI crude oil futures steadied above $73.5 per barrel amid growing speculation that the US may join the conflict. This has heightened concerns about supply disruptions, with reports indicating that Iran has prepared missiles and other military assets for potential strikes on US bases in the Middle East if the US intervenes in the war. The API also reported a massive 10 million barrel draw in US crude oil inventories for the week ending June 13, adding to the bullish sentiment ahead of the EIA data.

Total passenger traffic increased by 0.8% YoY to 1 crore in May, with domestic passenger traffic rising 0.1% and international passenger traffic up 2.9%.

Aircraft movements grew by 6.3% YoY to 64,931 in May.

Late Ratan Tata’s holdings in listed and unlisted companies will be transferred to his two foundations, the Bombay High Court said in a ruling on June 16. The court clarified that the former Tata Sons’ chairman’s holdings won’t go to his half-sisters and ex-confidant Mohini Dutta, a report by Times of India said.

The two foundations, which will receive the holdings, are Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF) and Ratan Tata Endowment Trust (RTET).

The explanation comes after Tata estate’s executors asked to clear the air on who would inherit the late industrialist’s portfolio, the paper said.

The clarification sought was for the non-Tata Sons shares, which are worth 1,547 crore and now will be transferred to his two foundations split equally, TOI said.

The bank has completed the sale of its entire 20.90% stake in its associate company, Mis India SME Asset Reconstruction Company.

The Sensex was down 275.22 points or 0.34 percent at 81,308.08, and the Nifty was down 81.30 points or 0.33 percent at 24,772.10. About 1289 shares advanced, 2090 shares declined, and 133 shares unchanged.

The Board has approved the reappointment of Naveen Uppal as Chief Risk Officer of the company for a further period of three years, effective June 17.

The company has announced the launch of two offerings — exclusive access to a network of 3,000+ members-only social clubs worldwide, and complimentary coffee privileges at 200+ malls across India.

Ashutosh Garg, Paritosh Garg and Manju Agarwal, have together filed an application under Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 against Globalbees Brands, a material subsidiary of Brainbees Solutions before the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal, New Delhi Bench, for an alleged claim amount of Rs 64,92,38,997 along with interest at the rate of 18% p.a. accruing from May 9, 2025 until the date of actual payment.

Mastek has been awarded a contract by NHS England to provide NHS board and Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) cybersecurity training in partnership with Templar Executives.

This training is aimed at NHS Boards and executives to help enhance their understanding of the cyber landscape and build resilience across the healthcare system.

#1 Adani Ports aims to be one of the world’s largest integrated transport utility companies by 2030

#2 Focussing on ports, logistics & marine

#3 Raising Rs 25,000 crore for acquisitions & equity actions over FY26–29

#4 Annual report emphasises strong presence in South East Asia, India, West Asia & Africa corridor

Indian rupee is trading 9 paise lower at 86.33 per dollar on Wednesday versus Tuesday's close of 86.24.

British inflation slowed as expected in May, pulled down by air fares which leapt in April and the correction of a tax data error, although food prices shot up at the fastest rate in more than a year.

Consumer prices rose in annual terms by 3.4% in May, the Office for National Statistics said on Wednesday, just as a Reuters poll of economists and the Bank of England had predicted.

Services price inflation - a crucial metric for the BoE - cooled to 4.7% from 5.4% in April, matching the BoE's forecast for May. The Reuters poll had pointed to a reading of 4.8%.

OnePlus has joined hands with renowned manufacturing entity, Optiemus Electronics to locally manufacture and deliver premium Internet of Things (IoT) devices in India.

The company has received an Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for the inspection carried out by them at API-III Facility at Karakhadi from 17th March, 2025 to 21st March, 2025.

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has received capital market regulator Sebi's nod for Tuesday as its expiry day, according to a company filing on June 16, while BSE has confirmed that its expiry day proposal for Thursday has been accepted.

BSE and NSE said in their communications that for existing contracts, they intends to keep the expiry day unchanged for already introduced contracts, with the exception of long-dated index options contracts, which will be suitably realigned to expiry day. Derivative contracts which expire on or before August 31, 2025 will continue with the present expiry day, while contracts of BSE and NSE that are to expire after September 1, 2025 will see their expiry day change to Thursday and Tuesday, respectively.

The Sensex was down 262.17 points or 0.32 percent at 81,321.13, and the Nifty was down 69.30 points or 0.28 percent at 24,784.10. About 1394 shares advanced, 1919 shares declined, and 151 shares unchanged.

The regulation was introduced to prevent excessive speculative trading and ensure orderly market conditions on expiry days. Consequently, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) has shifted its expiry day to Tuesday, while the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has moved its expiry day to Thursday .

SEBI's regulatory changes, including the adjustment of expiry days, aim to create a more structured and stable environment for equity derivatives trading.

For BSE, these measures help to maintain its competitive edge and ensure consistent market participation. Investors can anticipate a more predictable and secure trading experience as these regulations take.

The share touched a 52-week high of Rs 290.45 and a 52-week low of Rs 190.70 on 19 June, 2024 and 04 March, 2025, respectively.

Currently, the stock is trading 18.01 percent below its 52-week high and 24.88 percent above its 52-week low.

Market capitalisation stands at Rs 123,155.99 crore.

The company will carry out a planned shutdown of its MBF production facility at the Khardah works unit and main plant from June 18 for maintenance work for a period of approximately 10–12 days.

The company will carry out a planned shutdown of its MBF production facility at the Khardah works unit and main plant from June 18 for maintenance work for a period of approximately 10–12 days.

#1 Management remains confident of achieving 10x growth target set in 2023, while balancing profitability

#2 Estimates also model 10x revenue growth from FY23 to FY32

The Sensex was down 74.87 points or 0.09 percent at 81,508.43, and the Nifty was down 11.80 points or 0.05 percent at 24,841.60. About 1543 shares advanced, 1674 shares declined, and 153 shares unchanged.

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail

Birlasoft

Central Depository Services

Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals

HUDCO

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)

Manappuram Finance

RBL Bank

Titagarh Rail Systems

QIB – 0.00 times

NII - 0.04 times

Retail – 0.21 times

Overall – 0.05 times

The share touched a 52-week high of Rs 2,484.00 and a 52-week low of Rs 1,493.00 on 30 July, 2024 and 04 March, 2025, respectively.

Currently, the stock is trading 16 percent below its 52-week high and 39.75 percent above its 52-week low.

Market capitalisation stands at Rs 13,276.85 crore.

The share touched a 52-week high of Rs 448.30 and a 52-week low of Rs 292.70 on 30 September, 2024 and 17 February, 2025, respectively.

Currently, the stock is trading 25.55 percent below its 52-week high and 14.02 percent above its 52-week low.

Market capitalisation stands at Rs 323,626.23 crore.

#1 Equity derivatives expiry shifts to Tuesday for NSE & Thursday for BSE from September 1, 2025

#2 Near-term volumes may drop 5–10%; recovery expected over time

#3 BSE’s long-term contract liquidity & common contract note may aid cash market share

#4 EPS estimates cut by 1–2% due to lower volumes

The company has received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from Zoram Electronics Development Corporation (Zenics) for the implementation of the Mizo Fibre Grid Network (MFGN) project, valued at Rs 43.99 crore.

DLF announced sellout of its latest luxury offering, DLF Privana North, valued at approximately Rs 11,000 crore, a historic milestone achieved within just one week.

The company has opened a new store at Ratan Mall, Agra (Uttar Pradesh) today. The total number of stores as on date stands at 421.

The Sensex was up 137.01 points or 0.17 percent at 81,720.31, and the Nifty was up 55.15 points or 0.22 percent at 24,908.55. About 1901 shares advanced, 1098 shares declined, and 158 shares unchanged.