Mumbai
The Indian stock market ended the week lower, with investors turning cautious amid mixed global cues and the absence of fresh domestic triggers. The Sensex fell 367 points, or 0.43%, to 85,041.45, while the Nifty slipped 100 points, or 0.38%, to 26,042.30. Broader indices also faced pressure, with the BSE Midcap down 0.18% and Smallcap falling 0.34%.
Market participants are now focused on key domestic and global events likely to guide market direction in the coming week. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for November 2025, scheduled for release on December 29, will be closely watched for insights into India’s economic activity.
Global cues will come from the United States, where the Federal Reserve will release minutes of its Federal Open Market Committee meeting on December 31. The Fed recently cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.75%, and investors will seek hints on future rate moves and the central bank’s outlook on growth and inflation.
Foreign fund flows and the movement of the Indian rupee will also remain key drivers. The rupee weakened 19 paise on Friday to close at 89.90 against the US dollar, reflecting cautious sentiment.
Analysts believe the near-term outlook remains muted, with markets likely to trade in a narrow range. Support for the Nifty is seen at 26,000–25,800, while resistance is placed near 26,200–26,500. A decisive break below 25,800 could trigger short-term selling pressure.
With no major domestic policy announcements expected, investors are likely to remain selective, focusing on stock-specific opportunities while assessing industrial data, global signals, and foreign institutional activity in the days ahead.
