Indian equity benchmarks, the Sensex and Nifty 50, opened with cautious momentum on Monday, February 3, 2025, as investors weighed global cues and domestic economic data. At 10:15 AM IST, the Sensex traded 120 points lower at 72,450, while the Nifty 50 hovered near 21,900, down 35 points. The Gift Nifty futures, which signal trends for the Indian market, hinted at a mixed session ahead.
Key Highlights of Today’s Market Session
- Sectoral Moves: Banking and IT stocks dragged indices lower, while auto and pharma sectors saw selective buying. The Nifty Bank fell 0.4%, and the Nifty IT declined 0.3%.
- Top Gainers: Tata Motors (+2.1%), Sun Pharma (+1.8%), and Maruti Suzuki (+1.5%) led the rally in the auto and healthcare spaces.
- Top Losers: Infosys (-1.6%), HDFC Bank (-1.2%), and Reliance Industries (-0.9%) pressured the benchmarks.
- Gift Nifty Trends: Gift Nifty futures traded flat at 21,950, suggesting sideways movement in the near term.
- Global Cues: Asian markets traded mixed amid concerns over US Federal Reserve rate cuts and geopolitical tensions.
Why Are Markets Volatile Today?
Analysts attribute the choppy trading to profit-booking after last week’s rally, coupled with uncertainty around the upcoming RBI policy meeting on February 7. Investors are also awaiting key US jobs data, which could influence global risk sentiment.
“The Nifty 50 faces resistance near 22,000, and a decisive break above this level is critical for further upside. Support lies at 21,800,” said Rahul Sharma, Senior Analyst at XYZ Securities.
Auto and Pharma Stocks Shine
The Nifty Auto Index rose 1.2% as Tata Motors reported strong electric vehicle sales growth. Similarly, Sun Pharma surged 1.8% after announcing FDA approval for a new drug.
FII/DII Activity
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold shares worth ₹1,200 crore on Friday, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought equities worth ₹980 crore, limiting the downside.
What Should Investors Do?
Experts advise staying selective in sectors like infrastructure, renewables, and consumption. Short-term traders may focus on stock-specific opportunities, while long-term investors should use dips to accumulate quality stocks.
Final Thoughts
Markets are likely to remain range-bound until the RBI’s policy decision and Union Budget announcements later this week. Keep an eye on global oil prices and currency fluctuations for directional cues.
FAQ Section
Q: Why is the Sensex falling today?
A: Profit-booking in banking and IT stocks, along with weak global cues, led to the decline.
Q: What is the Gift Nifty?
A: Gift Nifty (formerly SGX Nifty) is a futures contract traded on the Gift City exchange, indicating early trends for Indian markets.
Q: Which sectors are safe to invest in now?
A: Defensive sectors like pharma and FMCG, along with growth-oriented themes like renewables, are gaining traction.
Q: When is the RBI policy meeting?
A: The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will meet on February 7, 2025.
Stay tuned for live updates on Sensex, Nifty 50, and global markets throughout the day.
(This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a financial advisor before investing.)
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