MARKET TODAY
Market Today – On February 19, 2025, the Indian stock market experienced a day of mixed sentiments, with significant movements influenced by global trade developments and sector-specific performances.
Market Indices Performance
The Nifty 50 index opened at 22,847.25, reflecting a decline of 98.05 points from the previous close. Throughout the session, it oscillated between an intraday low of 22,814.85 and a high of 23,049.95, before closing at 22,945.30, marking a modest drop of 12.40 points or 0.05%.
Similarly, the BSE Sensex commenced trading at 75,787.27, down by 180.12 points. The index experienced fluctuations, reaching a low of 75,581. and a peak of 76,338 during the day. It eventually settled at 75,939, a slight decrease of 28 points or 0.03%.
Sectoral Highlights
The pharmaceutical sector faced headwinds due to international trade tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump announced intentions to impose a 25% tariff on pharmaceutical imports, a move that unsettled investors given that the U.S. accounts for approximately 31% of India’s pharma exports. Consequently, the Nifty Pharma index declined by 0.71%, with major players like Sun Pharma and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories witnessing notable losses.
In contrast, the financial sector provided a cushion to the market downturn. The Nifty Financial Services index advanced by 0.8%, driven by gains in prominent banking stocks such as State Bank of India and Kotak Mahindra Bank. Analysts attribute this resilience to investors reallocating funds from export-oriented sectors to domestic-focused financial stocks amidst global trade uncertainties.
Top Gainers and Losers
Among the top gainers, Hexaware Technologies made a remarkable debut, surging up to 10% on its first trading day. The company’s strong market entry reflects positive investor sentiment towards its growth prospects.
On the losing end, pharmaceutical giants bore the brunt of the tariff news. Sun Pharma experienced a decline of 1.46%, while Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories dropped by 2.76%, hitting its lowest point since June of the previous year in intraday. These declines underscore the sector’s vulnerability to global trade policy shifts.
Market Outlook
The day’s trading activity highlights the Indian stock market’s sensitivity to international policy changes, especially those affecting key export sectors. While domestic sectors like financial services exhibit strength, ongoing global trade tensions may continue to introduce volatility. Investors are advised to stay informed and consider sector-specific developments when making investment decisions.
Disclaimer :- This is AI generated article. Please verify the data which is mentioned here before using.