The BSE Sensex ended the day at 80,065.16, a minor drop of 16.82 points or 0.02%. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty50 slipped by 36.10 points, or 0.15%, finishing the day at 24,399.40.
While the large-cap stocks maintained some stability, the Nifty Midcap100 and Nifty Smallcap100 indices saw declines, dropping by 0.33% and 0.20% respectively.
Impact on the stock market
Sector-wise, it was a day of contrasts:
- The Nifty PSU Bank Index outperformed all others, with gains of 1.22%. This was followed by sectors like Bank Nifty, Private Bank, Financial Services, and Healthcare showing some strength.
- However, the Nifty FMCG Index took a significant hit, dropping 2.83%, weighed down by Hindustan Unilever, Colgate Palmolive, and Marico. Other sectors such as Realty, IT, Media, Metal, and Consumer Durables also ended the day in red.
You may also like: From Flipkart to FirstCry: Sudhir Sethi’s venture capital journey
| Sector/Index | Performance |
| IT & BPM sector | -0.19% |
| Healthcare sector | +0.37% |
| Oil & Gas sector | +0.07% |
| Real estate sector | -1.13% |
| PSU Bank in India | 1.22% |
Top gainers today
| Company | Price | Change % |
| UltraTechCement Share Price | 11,043.60 | +2.70 |
| Shriram Finance Share Price | 3,245.10 | +1.48 |
| Titan Company Share Price | 3,330.90 | +1.29 |
| Grasim Share Price | 2,666.70 | +1.27 |
| M&M Share Price | 2,826.35 | +1.18 |
Top losers today
| Company | Price | Change % |
| HUL Share Price | 2,505.10 | -5.80 |
| SBI Life Insura Share Price | 1,635.30 | -4.70 |
| Hindalco Share Price | 690.70 | -3.68 |
| Nestle Share Price | 2,258.65 | -2.94 |
| Bajaj Auto Share Price | 10,302.50 | -2.68 |
Market aftermath: Impact on stocks
SBI Life Insurance: A rough day despite optimism
SBI Life Insurance saw a sharp decline today, with shares dropping over 5% to settle at Rs 1,624. The market reacted negatively to the company’s weaker-than-expected Q2 results. Key performance indicators like Annual Premium Equivalent (APE) and Value of New Business (VNB) were below expectations by 11% and 14% respectively. The company’s VNB margin also contracted by 160 basis points year-over-year, putting additional pressure on its stock.
However, there is a silver lining. Brokerages like UBS and Motilal Oswal remain optimistic about SBI Life’s growth trajectory. They cite product innovation, investment in distribution channels, and digital initiatives as key growth drivers. Motilal Oswal has maintained a ‘buy’ rating with a target price of Rs 2,100, projecting a robust 18% CAGR in APE and VNB from FY24 to FY27.
You may also read: The 5G revolution: Top 5G stocks in India
CARE Ratings: A stellar performance
In sharp contrast, CARE Ratings had an outstanding day, surging 20% to hit a 52-week high at Rs 1,409. The company’s Q2 performance was impressive, with 31% YoY growth in profit after tax, amounting to Rs 46.88 crore. Additionally, its EBITDA margin stood at a solid 47%, reflecting strong operational performance.
The company’s growth is not limited to its core ratings business but also extends to its non-rating verticals. CARE Ratings also declared an interim dividend of Rs 7 per share, further boosting investor confidence. With global expansion plans in the pipeline, the company is positioning itself to become a major player in the international ratings market.
Adani Wilmar: A solid comeback
Adani Wilmar made headlines by bouncing back into profitability in Q2FY25, posting a profit of Rs 311 crore, compared to a loss of Rs 130.73 crore in the same period last year. The company’s revenue grew by 18% YoY, reaching Rs 14,460 crore.
This turnaround has led to a surge in its stock price, climbing 6.22% to Rs 338.5 per share. EBITDA margins also improved significantly, rising to 3.9% from 1.2% YoY. Investors have shown renewed confidence in the company, which has been on an upward trend for the last two days.
You may also like: Adar Poonawalla may acquire stakes in Dharma Productions
Crude oil: A global factor at play
Crude oil prices took a hit today, falling by 1.4%. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped to below $71 a barrel, and Brent crude hovered just under $75. The decline was largely attributed to an unexpected build-up in US crude inventories, with stockpiles increasing by 5.47 million barrels, significantly higher than the projected 1.6 million-barrel rise.
The ongoing ceasefire talks in the Middle East also contributed to the dip in prices, calming fears of supply disruptions. However, geopolitical risks continue to loom, especially with tensions in the region that accounts for a large portion of the world’s oil production. This volatility has kept traders on edge, as any further developments could push prices back up.
Conclusion
Today’s Indian stock market might seem uneventful at first glance, but the action beneath the surface tells a different story. While the major indices closed flat, individual stocks like SBI Life Insurance, CARE Ratings, and Adani Wilmar had vastly different fates. The stock market is a dynamic environment, where sector-specific movements and global factors, like oil prices, continue to influence investor sentiment.
Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just starting out, it’s crucial to keep an eye on both the big picture and the finer details. As today’s market shows, there’s always something happening, even on the flattest of days.
For more stock market insights, check out the StockGro blog.
