The stock market opened lower on Friday morning, with the Sensex and Nifty both experiencing a decline. The Sensex opened slightly higher but eventually fell, losing 0.55%, while the Nifty also opened lower and was down by 0.49%. Market analysts are speculating about the upcoming budget and its potential impact on the market.
One of the factors influencing the market is the anticipation of increased CAPEX for the Indian Railways in the upcoming budget, which could benefit railway stocks. However, tech stocks, including IT major Infosys, saw significant losses despite reporting a rise in profit. The banking sector also faced selling pressure, with Axis Bank and ICICI Bank experiencing declines.
On the other hand, Reliance Industries provided some support to the markets, as their Q3 profit showed a strong increase. The metal sector performed well, with Hindalco rising supported by high base metal prices. Energy stocks also showed positive movement, with BPCL gaining after signing a significant loan agreement for a project.
Global factors, such as oil prices and gold prices, continue to impact market sentiment. Additionally, foreign institutional investors remained net sellers, while domestic institutional investors bought shares in the previous session. Technical analysts suggest support levels for Nifty and caution traders to maintain strict stop-loss measures.
Market participants are now awaiting key economic data from China and upcoming quarterly results from major companies for further market direction. The volatility index indicates continued market uncertainty. Traders are advised to exercise caution given the current market conditions.
In conclusion, the stock market is experiencing volatility influenced by various factors, both domestic and global. Traders and investors need to stay informed and vigilant to navigate through this period of uncertainty.