Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty closed lower for the fourth consecutive session on Thursday, December 18, 2025, as muted global market trends and uncertainty surrounding a potential U.S.-India trade deal kept investor sentiment cautious.
The 30-share BSE Sensex declined by 77.84 points, or 0.09%, to settle at 84,481.81 in a volatile session. The index swung sharply during the day, moving between a high of 84,780.19 and a low of 84,238.43, a range of over 540 points.
The NSE Nifty 50 ended nearly flat, slipping 3 points or 0.01% to close at 25,815.55. After opening on a subdued note, the index attempted a recovery in early trade but failed to sustain gains amid profit-booking at higher levels.
Losses in energy, auto and pharmaceutical stocks weighed on the markets, while gains in information technology shares helped limit the downside. Buying interest in select financial and metal stocks also aided a partial recovery in the latter half of the session.
Among Sensex stocks, Sun Pharma was the biggest laggard, falling 2.74%, followed by Tata Steel, Power Grid and Asian Paints. HDFC Bank, L&T, NTPC and Bharti Airtel also ended lower. On the positive side, Tata Consultancy Services surged 1.94%, while Tech Mahindra and Infosys gained over 1.5% each.
In the broader market, the BSE midcap index edged up 0.05%, while the smallcap index declined 0.28%. Sectorally, power, oil and gas, capital goods and utilities saw losses, whereas IT, services, realty and financial services indices posted gains.
Market experts said sentiment remained cautious due to global uncertainties and currency-related concerns. Investors also stayed on the sidelines ahead of key U.S. inflation data.
Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors turned net buyers, purchasing equities worth ₹1,171.71 crore, while domestic institutional investors bought shares worth ₹768.94 crore in the previous session.
Brent crude oil rose 0.42% to $59.93 per barrel.
