Markets end marginally lower as investors eye FOMC,crude prices

The markets ended lower for the second consecutive session on Wednesday,weighed by uncertainty surrounding the Fed's upcoming announcement and ongoing Middle East tensions.At close, the Sensex was down 138.64 points or 0.17 percent at 81,444.66, and the Nifty was down 41.35 points or 0.17 percent at 24,812.05. 
IndusInd Bank, Trent, Titan Company, Maruti Suzuki and M&M were the top gainers on the Nifty, while losers included TCS, Adani Ports, JSW Steel, HUL, Adani Enterprises.On the sectoral front, except auto, private bank, consumer durables, all other indices ended in the red with IT, media, metal, oil & gas, realty down 0.5-1 percent.The underperformance of broader market indices continued, with BSE mid and smallcap indices falling 0.3 percent each.
Rupee Close:
On 18 June'25,the Indian rupee depreciated 13 paise to close at 86.47  against the US dollar on Wednesday, dragged down by risk-off sentiments and elevated crude oil prices.Forex traders said the rupee dwindled amid weak domestic equity markets and the broad strength of the dollar.Moreover, elevated global crude oil prices and selling pressure from foreign investors also weighed on the local unit, they said, adding that the domestic markets are falling on risk aversion in the global markets amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Trading Guide:
Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments stated,the domestic market failed to maintain the opening gains as the continuing tensions in the Middle East & volatility in oil prices dragged the overall sentiment. However, auto & consumer discretionary gained in expectations of a demand revival.With the supportive base of the domestic macros, the long-term outlook remains intact, and investors are likely to be focused on high-quality large-cap stocks until greater clarity emerges. Investors will keep an eye on the U.S. Fed policy later today; the prospect of higher inflation due to the tariff threat may lead the FOMC to keep the rates unchanged.

Market experts recommended five shares to buy on Wednesday -Intellect Design Arena, Navin Fluorine International Limited, Maan Aluminium, Nelcast and Steel Strips Wheels.

(Business Correspondent)