Markets Flat Amid Caution Ahead of FOMC Minutes Release

Indian markets closed flat on February 18, with Sensex down 29 points and Nifty losing 14 points, as investors remained cautious ahead of the FOMC minutes. Weak earnings, foreign outflows, and losses in FMCG and auto stocks weighed on sentiment. Small-cap stocks entered a bear market, while mid-caps remained 18% below peak levels.