The BSE Sensex ended at 85,213.36, down 54.30 points or 0.06%. The NSE Nifty50 also finished marginally lower at 26,027.30, slipping 19.65 points or 0.08%.
The broader market showed mixed trends. The Nifty MidCap index slipped 0.12%, indicating mild profit booking in mid-sized stocks. In contrast, the Nifty SmallCap index edged higher by 0.21%, suggesting selective buying interest in smaller names despite the cautious mood.
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Impact on the stock market
Sector-wise performance
Sectorally, the Nifty Auto index was the worst performer, falling 0.91%, reflecting continued pressure on automobile stocks after recent gains. The Nifty Pharma index also declined 0.4%, adding to the drag.
On the upside, defensive sectors performed better. The Nifty Media index rose 1.79%, while the Nifty FMCG index gained 0.69%, as investors looked for relative stability amid global uncertainty.
| Sector/Index | Performance |
| IT & BPM sector | 0.29% |
| Healthcare sector | -0.29% |
| Oil & Gas sector | 0.18% |
| Real estate sector | -0.05% |
| PSU Bank in India | 0.46% |
Top gainers today
| Company | Share Price (in ₹) | Change % |
| Interglobe Aviation | 4,965.50 | 2.16 |
| HUL | 2,293.50 | 1.46 |
| Shriram Finance | 855.35 | 0.87 |
| Trent | 4,109.00 | 0.82 |
| TATA Cons. Products | 1,157.40 | 0.72 |
Top losers today
| Company | Share Price (in ₹) | Change % |
| M&M | 3,608.00 | -1.95 |
| Eicher Motors | 7,121.50 | -1.49 |
| ONGC | 235.35 | -1.12 |
| JSW Steel | 1,114.80 | -0.95 |
| Bajaj Auto | 8,940.00 | -0.83 |
Market aftermath: Impact on stocks
Hindustan Zinc hits 52-week high on strong outlook
Hindustan Zinc stood out as one of the strongest performers, hitting a 52-week high of ₹571.60 during intraday trade. The stock has gained over 12% in the last five sessions and is up 14.3% over the past year, significantly outperforming the Sensex, which has risen around 4% in the same period.
Brokerage firm Jefferies initiated coverage on Hindustan Zinc with a ‘Buy’ rating and a target price of ₹660 per share. The brokerage highlighted the company as a key beneficiary of rising silver and zinc prices, supported by its low-cost operations.
Hindustan Zinc is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, with 1.12 million tonnes per annum of refined metal capacity and around 800 tonnes of silver capacity, placing it among the top five global silver producers. Zinc and lead contributed 62% of FY25 earnings, while silver accounted for the remaining 38%.
Despite modest volume growth, Jefferies expects earnings per share to grow at 22% in FY26, 29% in FY27, and 7% in FY28, supported by strong cash flows and high return on equity. With nearly 37% of H2 FY26 silver volumes hedged at $37 per ounce, the full benefit of higher silver prices is expected to reflect from FY27 onwards.
Shriram Finance rises as MUFG stake talks near conclusion
Shriram Finance shares rose around 2% after reports suggested that Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) is in advanced talks to acquire a 20% stake in the company. The proposed investment is valued at around $3.2 billion (₹29,200 crore).
The stock was trading near ₹863.50, after touching an intraday high of ₹870.60. According to the report, an agreement could be finalised as early as this week, although the company has not officially confirmed the development.
Shriram Finance has delivered strong performance in recent months. The stock has gained over 4% in the past five days, 5% in one month, and more than 47% so far in 2025. Its current P/E ratio of around 17 suggests valuations remain reasonable compared to growth expectations.
The potential entry of a global financial major like MUFG is seen as a vote of confidence in Shriram Finance’s business model and long-term growth prospects.
Urban Company falls to record low after lock-in expiry
Urban Company shares fell sharply by nearly 6%, hitting a record low of ₹121.40, after the expiry of the three-month shareholder lock-in period. Around 4.15 crore shares, representing roughly 3% of the company’s equity, became eligible for trading following the lock-in expiration.
While the release of shares does not automatically mean immediate selling, the increased supply weighed on investor sentiment. Based on the previous closing price, the unlocked shares are valued at approximately ₹535 crore.
Since its listing in September, Urban Company’s stock has seen significant volatility. After debuting at a 57% premium and rising to a peak of ₹201.18, the stock has corrected sharply. It is now down more than 25% from its listing price, though still about 18% above its IPO price of ₹103.
Brokerages remain cautious. Morgan Stanley has an ‘Underweight’ rating with a target of ₹117, citing growth already being priced in. Goldman Sachs, meanwhile, maintains a ‘Neutral’ view with a target price of ₹140, highlighting strong execution but premium valuations.
Crude oil
India’s heavy dependence on crude oil imports returned to focus after a parliamentary committee flagged rising geopolitical risks as a major concern. India currently imports nearly 89% of its crude oil needs, making it vulnerable to disruptions caused by conflicts, sanctions, and shipping route tensions.
The committee highlighted risks arising from events such as the Russia–Ukraine war, tensions in West Asia, and sanctions on oil-producing nations like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. It urged the government to diversify crude sourcing, strengthen strategic petroleum reserves, and develop alternative import routes.
The panel also recommended adopting stronger risk management tools, including hedging and flexible contracts, to protect against future shocks. Despite recent efforts by companies like Indian Oil and ONGC Videsh to diversify supplies, sanctions and regulatory hurdles continue to pose challenges.
Looking ahead, while global oil supply is expected to rise over the next few years, geopolitical uncertainty remains a key variable influencing energy prices and India’s import bill.
Conclusion
Monday’s session reflected a cautious market environment, with Indian equities ending marginally lower despite recovering from early losses. Weak global cues, selective selling in autos and banks, and uncertainty around energy security kept investors on the sidelines.
At the same time, stock-specific developments drove sharp moves in individual names. Hindustan Zinc gained strength on solid fundamentals and positive brokerage outlook, Shriram Finance benefited from potential foreign investment, while Urban Company faced pressure after its lock-in expiry.
As markets navigate global volatility and domestic stock-specific triggers, investors may continue to focus on fundamentals, balance sheet strength, and sector resilience in the days ahead.
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