Markets experienced a tight trading range during the afternoon session on Friday, continuing to reflect the morning’s downturn as investors took profits following three consecutive days of gains. The Nifty 50 index fell by 64.85 points, or 0.26%, to reach 25,358.75 by 1:35 PM, while the Sensex dropped 289.47 points, or 0.35%, settling at 82,724.49.
Both indices opened slightly lower, with the Nifty commencing at 25,410.20 compared to its previous closing of 25,423.60, and the Sensex starting at 82,946.04, down from Thursday’s close of 83,013.96. Market participants exhibited caution as the Nifty faced resistance in the 25,500-25,600 range, with technical indicators suggesting a loss of momentum at these higher levels.
Adani Group stocks were among the top gainers, led by Adani Enterprises, which surged 6.87% to ₹2,567. Adani Ports followed with a 3.18% increase to ₹1,457.70. Other notable gainers included Shriram Finance, advancing 1.21% to ₹634.50, and Asian Paints, rising 1.01% to ₹2,503.80. State Bank of India rounded out the top five gainers, climbing 1.00% to ₹862.90.
Conversely, HCL Technologies led the laggards with a decline of 1.48% to ₹1,471.70. Moreover, ICICI Bank fell 1.27% to ₹1,403.70, while Nestle India dropped 1.19% to ₹1,194.70. Other losers included Titan Company, which shed 1.18% to ₹3,469.90, and Kotak Mahindra Bank, declining 1.10% to ₹2,032.10.
Sector performance was mixed, with the financial services sector notably impacted. The Nifty Financial Services index decreased by 0.61% to 26,531.50, and the Nifty Bank index fell by 0.44% to 55,472.60. In contrast, mid-cap stocks demonstrated resilience, as the Nifty Midcap 100 gained 0.15% to 59,141.50, while the Nifty Next 50 advanced by 0.59% to 69,710.55.
Market breadth remained relatively balanced, with 2,006 stocks advancing against 2,034 declining on the BSE, while 185 stocks ended unchanged. A total of 152 stocks reached 52-week highs, compared to 50 that touched 52-week lows, and 241 stocks were locked in the upper circuit while 128 hit the lower circuit.
Technical analysts observed that the market’s inability to sustain levels above 25,500 indicates profit-taking following the recent uptrend. Key support levels to monitor are 25,325 and 25,150, while resistance persists around 25,500-25,600. Option data reveals a balanced contest between bullish and bearish positions, as Call writers defend upper levels while Put writers support lower price zones.
Published on September 19, 2025.
