Taking Stock: Markets end flat after volatility; IT stocks shine

Market Today

The Indian benchmark indices ended mildly negative to extend losses to fourth day after a rangebound trading session on December 18, with Nifty managing to close above 25,800.

On the back of weak global markets, the domestic indices opened lower but mid-session buying helped them erase all the opening losses and trade in positive territory for most part of the session. However, selling during the last hours erased all the gains, pushing the indices near flat line.

At close, the Sensex was down 77.84 points or 0.09 percent at 84,481.81, and the Nifty was down 3 points or 0.01 percent at 25,815.55. BSE Midcap index ended flat, while smallcap index fell 0.3 percent.

Also Read: India's share in global m-cap hits 29-month low

On the sectoral front, realty index rose 0.3 percent and IT index rose 1 percent, while, auto, media, pharma, oil & gas and capital goods declined 0.3-1 percent.

Sun Pharma, Power Grid Corp, Tata Steel, Bajaj Auto and Asian Paints were among top losers on the Nifty, while gainers were Interglobe Aviation, Max Healthcare, TCS, Infosys and Tech Mahindra.

Also Read: MCX fixes record date for 1:5 stock split: What it means for shareholders?

In stock-specific action, Antony Waste Handling shares surged 20 percent after subsidiary got two contracts worth Rs 1,330 crore, Indian Oil Corporation fell 4 percent as shares traded ex-dividend, Denta Water shares fell 3 percent despite winning water infrastructure projects worth over Rs 106 crore, GE Vernova T&D shares fell 3 percent despite LOA from Power Grid and asset management companies share rose after SEBI changed mutual fund fee structure.

Index	Prices	Change	Change%
Sensex	75,239.38	-795.04	-1.05%
Nifty 50	23,362.45	-276.70	-1.17%
Nifty Bank	54,115.30	-985.65	-1.79%

Nifty 50 23,362.45 -276.70 (-1.17%)

Fri, Mar 13, 2026

• 1D
• 5D
• 1M
• 3M
• 6M
• 1Y
• 2Y

Biggest Gainer	Prices	Change	Change%
TATA Cons. Prod	1,075.90	18.10	+1.71%

Biggest Loser	Prices	Change	Change%
Hindalco	921.45	-48.30	-4.98%

Best Sector	Prices	Change	Change%
Nifty FMCG	48461.65	272.50	+0.57%

Worst Sector	Prices	Change	Change%
Nifty Metal	11401.45	-462.45	-3.90%

Also Read - ICICI Prudential AMC shares could list with bumper gains of up to 19% on Friday; experts recommended post-listing strategies

More than 270 stocks hit 52-week low, including Hitachi Energy, GE Vernova TD, IOC, Siemens, SJVN, Thermax, BPCL, BHEL, NLC India, Power Grid Corp, Torrent Power, CG Power, Tata Power, Adani Power, Gujarat Gas, Inox Wind, NTPC, ABB India, Adani Total Gas and Jaiprakash Power, among others. Click to View More

Outlook for December 19

Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities

The Nifty remains weak as the index failed to reclaim the 200-DMA on the hourly chart, with bears continuing to drag Indian equities lower. The formation of continuous lower tops further reinforces the bearish outlook.

The momentum indicator RSI is in a bearish crossover and is also forming lower tops, indicating weakening momentum.

The trend continues to remain weak, with the 25,700 level appearing vulnerable to a breakdown. A decisive breach below 25,700 could trigger a swift next leg of correction. On the upside, resistance is placed around 25,900.

Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking

Markets traded with a cautious bias and ended flat, extending the ongoing consolidation phase. After a muted start, the Nifty attempted a recovery during the first half of the session but failed to sustain higher levels and gradually drifted lower as the day progressed, eventually settling at 25,815.55. Sectoral trends remained mixed, with selling pressure evident in energy, auto and pharma, while IT showed strength and financials and metals witnessed selective participation. The broader markets also remained volatile but managed to close on a flat note, reflecting selective market participation.

Sentiment continued to be influenced by global cues and currency-related concerns, which kept traders cautious. While intermittent buying was seen in select index heavyweights on a rotational basis, it was insufficient to drive a decisive directional move. Overall activity remained stock-specific, with participants preferring selective opportunities over broad-based exposure.

From a technical perspective, the Nifty has managed to hold the crucial support near the previous swing low around 25,700, which remains a key level to monitor in the coming session, as a breakdown could lead to further correction. On the upside, the short-term moving average, the 20-DEMA, continues to act as an immediate hurdle around 25,950, and a sustained move above this level will be essential for the next leg of the up move. Given the prevailing choppiness and absence of strong triggers, stock-specific trading approach remains advisable, with an emphasis on disciplined risk management and controlled position sizing.

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