Final Trade: Indices snap 8- day losing run; Sensex ends shy of 76,000, Nifty at 22,960

Indian equities in Monday's session (February 17) even despite uncertainty around global trade war snapped its eight-day losing streak. At the close, the 30-share Sensex ended higher by 0.08 per cent or 57.65 points at 75,996.86, while the NSE's Nifty 50 settled with gains of 0.13 per cent or 30.25 points at 22,959.5. Meanwhile, broader markets also in a volatile session recouped day's losses and ended higher.

From the Nifty50 basket, top gainers included stocks like Adani Enterprises, Bajaj Finserv, IndusInd Bank, Power Grid Corporation and Adani Ports, while laggards were M&M, Bharti Airtel, Wipro, TCS and Bharat Electronics.

Sectorally, in intra-day trade, Nifty PSU Bank and Nifty Realty indices marked their fresh 52-week lows, respectively, amid consistent FII sell-off. So, far in CY 2025, FIIs have been net sellers in Indian equities, with FII exodus of Rs 29,183 crore in February alone. Over the past one month, both Nifty Realty and Nifty PSU Bank indices have underperformed the headline index, having lost 12 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively. However, Nifty50 during the period has tumbled just over 1.5 per cent. Nevertheless, at the close, both the indices ended in the green.

Furthermore, pharma, consumer durables, metal and oil and gas indices ended in the green, while IT, auto and FMCG emerged as the top sectoral losers.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services on the Indian equities performance today said, "Modest earnings growth in Q3 FY25, coupled with sustained selling by FIIs, is limiting the potential for a near-term market rebound. A weakening rupee and a widening trade deficit are likely to heighten investor caution"

Despite a nosedive correction in broader indices, valuations remain unappealing. However, any easing of US trade uncertainties and initial signs of a recovery in discretionary spending could help support a market rebound, added Nair.

European markets

European markets traded in the green as market participants remained watchful of the regional defence as well as global uncertainty. Last, the German DAX traded higher by 0.87 per cent, while the French CAC and UK's FTSE indices were up marginally.