The Bear-forces are back, markets lost around 0.40% in benchmark indices led by Bank Nifty, while other sectoral performances varied.
The Indian equity markets closed lower on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, as investor sentiment turned cautious in the face of crucial inflation data and global economic fears. Following a volatile day's trading, both benchmark indices saw early gains reverse to close lower, weighed down by financials, FMCGs losses, and most prominent Q1 result reactions from mid-cap stocks such as Astral and Praj Industries.
The market's initial optimism dissipated as a result of profit-booking, FII (Foreign Institutional Investor) expectedly selling on, and uncertainty over upcoming US-India inflation numbers and the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting regarding Russia sanctions and tariffs. These considerations, along with sector rotation and risk-off mood, kept the traders on their toes for the entire session.
In spite of the general market fall, the following specific auto and technology names were able to go against the trend:
These stocks rose up to 2.7%, fuelled by strong results, sector rotation, and favourable news flows.
Major losers comprised large-cap stocks along with stocks that fell on their recent results:
These all declined up to 2%, dragged down by poor earnings, sector worries, or profit-taking following recent gains.
Also Read | Q1 Results: Astral Disappoints in Profits, Shares Dip 8%
Among 2,913 stocks that traded, about 1,693 rose and 1,122 fell. Small-caps bettered the mid-caps marginally, while a couple of stocks in the mid- and small-cap universe, such as Indian Card Clothing and HBL Engineering rose between 3–18%. Nonetheless, the moods continued to be cautious, as investors waited for clarity on inflation data, domestic policy moves, and worldwide trade developments.
Overall, following a promising beginning, Indian markets were under selling pressure, particularly following dismal performances of stocks such as Astral and Praj Industries. Auto and technology stocks were the relative safe havens, while majority financials, FMCGs, and result-related laggards pulled indices down, providing a cautionary tone as the week goes on. Let's see what comes out of inflation data of US and India, and the effects both would have on the coming trading sessions.
