Indian stock market indices closed lower today on 24th October, 2025, as investors displayed confusion and nervousness in the face of profit booking and sector rotation. The Sensex fell by 345 points to close at 84,212, while the Nifty lost 96 points to 25,795, ending its string of increase.
Among the key gainers were metals stocks like Hindalco and Nalco that gained 3-4.5%, led by firm global metal prices and demand prospects. Bharti Airtel, ONGC, Shriram Finance, and ICICI Bank were among the top gainers.
Losses were however led by FMCG and pharma giants such as HUL (3% lower), Cipla (dipped 3%), and healthcare shares such as Max Healthcare. Cement producers UltraTech Cement and other consumer durables declined, in line with profit-booking pressures.
Metal and telecoms were the out-performers, closing 1% higher each on strong earnings and commodity prices. On the other hand, FMCG, PSU banks, pharma, private banks, and consumer durables ended down 0.5%-1% with mixed earnings performances and dovish outlooks.
The Nifty Midcap 100 index moved lower by 0.25%, while the Nifty Smallcap index also registered small losses, following the overall defensive market sentiment. Market analysts indicate that the mid and small caps are still sensitive to foreign institutional flows, which have been somewhat moderate in the latest period but could be heralding a future rotation as soon as positive momentum is regained.
Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities Rupak De mentioned that the volatility in the market is created by continuous profit booking with the Nifty falling below the support levels of 25,850. Nevertheless, he is positive for a recovery above 26,000-26,200 in the subsequent sessions if purchasing interest becomes strengthened.
Investment strategist Priya Menon pointed out, "Sector rotation into metals and telecom is a sign of investors looking for stable earnings in an uncertain environment. FMCG and pharma corrections offer buying opportunities in quality names." She further recommended keeping an eye on banks and healthcare companies' earnings numbers for indications of the subsequent market phase.
In total, the last trading day of the week saw the Indian stock market struggling with profit booking under the conditions of mixed earnings and risk-averse investor sentiment. Metals and telecom were the bright spots, while defensive stocks such as FMCG and pharma rested. Mid and small caps were weak on the tentative level but are still set for upswings as foreign flows potentially improve. Market players are expecting new triggers from corporate earnings and macroeconomic events to determine the next major rally or crash.
