Markets Close Lower; Nifty Holds Above 26,000, Sensex Down Around 50 Points

Indian equity markets ended Monday’s trading session in the red, with benchmark indices closing lower amid mixed sector activity. The Nifty 50 finished modestly down but remained above the 26,000 mark, while the BSE Sensex also saw a slight decline of around 50 points. Despite overall weakness, banking and mid‑cap stocks showed some resilience, helping limit broader losses. The Nifty Bank index outperformed the main indices, closing higher, and mid‑cap stocks also ended the session with gains. Analysts said persistent foreign fund outflows and currency volatility have kept market sentiment cautious, even as hopes for an earnings recovery bolster investor confidence in selected segments. Among individual stocks, some large‑caps such as IndiGo, Hindustan Unilever, HCL Technologies and Wipro emerged as notable gainers, while names including Mahindra & Mahindra, Eicher Motors and ONGC lagged. Overall, markets traded cautiously as investors awaited further cues on economic data and global developments.