Benchmark indices closed lower on Friday, breaking a six-day winning streak as concerns over trade policy developments and profit-booking at elevated levels affected investor sentiment. The BSE Sensex experienced a decline of 344.52 points, or 0.41 percent, ending at 84,211.88, while the NSE Nifty 50 fell by 96.25 points, or 0.37 percent, to close at 25,795.15.
This downturn followed remarks from Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who stated that India would not rush into trade agreements under restrictive conditions, dampening expectations for an early trade deal between India and the U.S. Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, noted, “Equity markets ended the week on a subdued note after Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s remarks that India will not rush into trade agreements with restrictive conditions dampened hopes of an early India–U.S. trade deal, leading to profit-booking across sectors.”
In terms of top gainers, Bharti Airtel led the restricted advances, rising by 1.03 percent to ₹2,029.10. ICICI Bank followed closely with a gain of 0.88 percent to ₹1,375.45. Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) saw an increase of 0.85 percent to ₹422.05, while Sun Pharmaceutical Industries gained 0.63 percent to ₹1,699.60. ITC rounded out the top five gainers with a 0.30 percent rise to ₹417.10.
Conversely, Hindustan Unilever was the most significant laggard, dropping 3.20 percent to ₹2,517.40. UltraTech Cement decreased by 1.91 percent to ₹11,911.40, and Kotak Mahindra Bank fell 1.72 percent to ₹2,186.85. Adani Ports declined by 1.65 percent to ₹1,428.50, while Titan Company was down 1.51 percent to ₹3,715.00.
The article was published on October 24, 2025.
