Ira Singh 
The domestic share market indices ended the session on a lower note on Friday, continuing their downward trend for the third week in a row, as heavyweight financial and automobile stocks weighed on the market amid ongoing concerns over US tariffs that kept investor sentiment subdued.At close,the Sensex was down 424.90 points or 0.56 percent at 75,311.06, and the Nifty was down 117.25 points or 0.51 percent at 22,795.90. About 1625 shares advanced, 2169 shares declined, and 111 shares unchanged. According to information, from their peak levels in September 2024, the Sensex has now dropped 12 percent, while the Nifty has lost 13 percent. The indexes are down for the week, with the Sensex slipping nearly 1 percent each.
HCLTech, Eicher Motors, L&T, Tata Steel, and Hindalco were the top gainers on the Nifty while, losers included Adani Ports, BPCL, Tata Motors, Wipro, and M&M,dropping 2-6 percent, according to information.On the sectoral front,indices painted a grim picture, with 12 out of 13 trading in the red.Meanwhile,the broader market followed the bearish trend, with the BSE Midcap index falling over 1 percent and the BSE Smallcap index down 0.4 percent.
Rupee Wrap:
On 21 Feb'25,the Indian rupee depreciated by 7 paise to close at 86.71 against the U.S. dollar on Friday, weighed down by sustained foreign fund outflows and a recovery in the American currency index.Forex traders reportedly stated the Indian rupee declined on Friday on weak domestic markets and a recovery in the U.S. dollar index. However, weak crude oil prices cushioned the downside.
Expert Outlook:
Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services reportedly stated that the domestic market continued to exhibit broad-based weakness, primarily influenced by investor concerns over the hawkish tone of the FOMC minutes, which signalled prolonged higher interest rates that could constrain liquidity in EMs. Although the market has undergone a healthy correction, the uncertainties surrounding the gradual recovery of corporate earnings and ongoing tariff-related risks continue to cast doubt on valuation levels, particularly in the broader market. India is currently lagging behind its Asian peers, as FII outflows remain high, with the "sell India, buy China" strategy continuing to yield returns for the time being.
(Business Correspondent)
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