**Closing Bell: Markets Slide Sharply; Nifty Dips Below 24,600, Sensex Sheds 586 Points**

*August 1, 2025 – 4:25 PM IST* Indian markets ended on a weak note Friday as heavy selling dragged frontline indices lower. The **Sensex slumped 586 points** to close at **81,245**, while the **Nifty slipped 159 points**, finishing below the **24,600 mark at 24,577**. **Pharma stocks led the decline**, with **Sun Pharma**, **Dr Reddy's**, and **Cipla** among the top Nifty laggards. Other major losers included **Adani Enterprises** and **Tata Steel**. On the flip side, **Trent**, **Asian Paints**, **Hero MotoCorp**, **HUL**, and **Nestle** managed to end in the green. Barring **FMCG**, all sectoral indices ended in the red. **Pharma, metal, oil & gas, auto, and IT** sectors saw cuts between **0.5% to 2%**. **PSU banks and telecom** also witnessed notable selling pressure. The broader market was equally weak, with the **BSE Midcap index down 1.3%** and the **Smallcap index falling 1.6%**, reflecting widespread profit booking. Overall market sentiment remained cautious amid global cues and sectoral rotation, with defensive buying in FMCG offering limited support. Traders will now watch upcoming global macro data and domestic earnings for further direction.