Market at Close | Sensex, Nifty end mixed after volatile session; Midcaps advance

The equity benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty ended the session largely in the red on Thursday (December 18) after a volatile day of trade, even as the Nifty managed to hold levels above 25,800. Market breadth remained weak despite select pockets of strength, with advances trailing declines on the NSE.

The Sensex slipped 78 points to close at 84,482, while the Nifty ended marginally lower by 3 points at 25,816. In contrast, the midcap segment outperformed the frontline indices, with the Midcap Index rising 203 points to 59,592. Banking stocks underperformed, as the Nifty Bank index fell 14 points to settle at 58,913.

Technology stocks provided support to the market ahead of Accenture’s Q1 results. Shares of TCS and Tech Mahindra gained nearly 2% each, helping the IT pack close higher. Aviation stocks also saw buying interest, with InterGlobe Aviation climbing nearly 3% after the company’s CEO said that the worst phase was behind the airline.

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Asset management companies recorded strong gains after the Securities and Exchange Board of India revised expense ratios. HDFC AMC surged 7%, leading the rally in the space. In the healthcare segment, Max Healthcare advanced 2% after announcing plans to invest ₹1,020 crore in Pune and acquire properties in Yerawada.

Pharmaceutical stocks saw selling pressure, with Sun Pharma declining 3% after the US FDA classified its Baska facility as Official Action Indicated. Metals were mixed, though Hind Zinc extended gains and rose over 2% as silver prices hit record highs.

Among individual stocks, Meesho jumped 9%, taking its market capitalisation beyond ₹1 lakh crore. Ola Electric fell 5% after founder Bhavish Aggarwal sold additional shares through the open market to meet promoter obligations. Antony Waste Handling Cell surged 18% after its arm secured a ₹1,330 crore joint venture order. The NSE advance-decline ratio stood at 2:3.

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