Market traded flat amid volatility,IT gains offset weakness

The Indian benchmark indices staged recovery on Monday, with Sensex and Nifty rebounding up to 1.5% from their respective lows despite prevailing concerns over rupee hitting fresh lifetime lows ,elevated crude oil prices and weak global cues.At close,the Sensex was up 77.05 points or 0.10 percent to close at 75,315.04, while the Nifty gained 6.45 points or 0.03 percent to settle at 23,649.95.
Tech Mahindra, Infosys, HCL Tech,Wipro were among the top gainers on the Nifty, while losers included Tata Steel, Power Grid Corp,SBI, NTPC.On the sectoral front,all sectoral indices on the Nifty traded in the red, barring Nifty IT, which was marginally higher. The broader market also remained under pressure, with the Nifty Smallcap100 and Nifty Midcap100 falling 2.24 percent and 1.63 percent, respectively.
Rupee Close: 
On 18 May'26,the Indian rupee fell 54 paise to close at 96.35 against the US dollar on Monday,pressured by rising crude oil prices on the back of ongoing geopolitical tensions and a strong dollar.Forex traders said the global market sentiments continue to dampen amid simmering tensions between the US and Iran.Moreover, emerging market economies, including India, continue to feel the pressure of rising crude oil prices, as elevated rates increase the outflows of US dollars, along with the outflows already happening due to FPIs, traders said.
Trading Guide:
Market experts recommended five shares to buy on Monday: Samvardhana Motherson International, Indo Count Industries, Healthcare Global Enterprises, Grindwell Norton, and Hindustan Oil Exploration Company.

(Business Correspondent)