Brent crude prices climbed 1.31 per cent to $110.15 per barrel, fuelling concerns about imported inflation, corporate profitability and the country’s import bill.
The information technology sector was the standout performer, with the Nifty IT index rising 2.52 per cent, making it the only major sectoral index to finish higher. In contrast, the Nifty Auto index declined 1.99 per cent, while the Nifty Metal index fell 1.97 per cent. Realty stocks lost 1.57 per cent and media shares declined 1.24 per cent.
Banking and consumer stocks also ended under pressure. The Nifty Private Bank index fell 1.16 per cent, while the FMCG index shed 0.89 per cent.
In the commodities market, gold declined 0.49 per cent to Rs 1,45,803 per 10 grams, while silver prices dropped 1.15 per cent to Rs 2,09,061 per kg.
Global markets presented a mixed picture, with most major Asian benchmarks closing higher. South Korea’s KOSPI surged 3.19 per cent, Taiwan’s weighted index advanced 1.27 per cent and Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.98 per cent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng bucked the trend, slipping 0.95 per cent.
Together, these factors are expected to shape the direction of stock market in the days ahead. Track TOI’s coverage on BSE Sensex and Nifty50 to know which way stock markets are headed: