Markets End Marginally Higher, Global Cues & Tariff Worries Weigh On Sentiment

Key Highlights:

- Sensex ends at 82,634; Nifty at 25,212 amid global uncertainties

- FIIs net buyers at Rs 120 crore; oil eases to USD 68.55 per barrel

- Tariff hike on copper and sticky US inflation spook global markets

Mumbai: Indian stock markets ended marginally higher on Wednesday as investors adopted a cautious stance amid weak global market cues and uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

The BSE Sensex rose by 63.57 points or 0.08 percent to close at 82,634.48, after swinging between a high of 82,784.75 and a low of 82,342.94 during the session. Similarly, the NSE Nifty gained 16.25 points or 0.06 percent, ending at 25,212.05.

This marked the second consecutive day of gains for both indices, though investor sentiment remained muted due to broader global concerns.

Mixed Performance Across Sectors

Among the Sensex gainers were Mahindra & Mahindra, Tech Mahindra, State Bank of India, Infosys, Adani Ports, and ITC. These stocks helped support the indices despite subdued overall market participation.

On the other hand, Eternal, Sun Pharma, Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Bajaj Finance, and Bharat Electronics were among the notable laggards, pulling back on sector-specific pressures and profit-booking.

Global Concerns and Tariff Pressures Keep Investors Wary

Asian indices, including Kospi, Nikkei 225, SSE Composite, and Hang Seng, closed in the red, reflecting a risk-off mood across markets. European indices traded mixed, while US markets had closed mostly lower on Tuesday, further weighing on investor sentiment.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, noted that India’s macro fundamentals remain solid, backed by a healthy monsoon, easing inflation, and softer crude oil prices. However, investor optimism was tempered by global tariff concerns—particularly a recent 50 percent duty on copper—and diminishing hopes of a near-term US Fed rate cut, given persistent inflation.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) continued their cautious buying, with net equity purchases of Rs 120.47 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.

Meanwhile, Brent crude prices dipped 0.26 percent to USD 68.55 per barrel, offering some relief to import-heavy sectors.

(With PTI Inputs)