Last Updated on January 30, 2026 11:18 pm by BIZNAMA NEWS
Key Highlights
- Sensex closes 296 points lower at 82,269; Nifty skids 98 points to 25,320
- Metals and IT drag indices; FMCG and Media shine
- Tata Steel tanks 4.57%; ICICI Bank, Power Grid, HCL Tech among laggards
- M&M, SBI, ITC, BEL, and HUL lead gains
- Rupee touches all-time low of 92.02/$, ends at 91.97
AMN
Indian equity markets snapped a three-day winning streak on Friday as investors turned cautious ahead of the much-awaited Union Budget 2026, scheduled for announcement over the weekend.
At close, the Nifty 50 fell 98.25 points or 0.39% to 25,320.65, while the Sensex slipped 296.59 points or 0.36% to 82,269.78. For January, the Nifty shed 3.1%—its steepest monthly decline since February 2025, when it had dropped 5.8%.
Sectoral Performance
- Metals:
The Nifty Metal index was the worst hit, plunging over 5%. Weak global commodity cues and profit-booking ahead of the Budget weighed heavily. Tata Steel led the decline, tanking 4.57%, while JSW Steel and Hindalco also slipped sharply. - Information Technology (IT):
The Nifty IT index fell 1%, dragged by HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, and Wipro. Concerns over global tech spending and currency volatility pressured the sector. - Banking & Financials:
Mixed trends were seen. ICICI Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank slipped, while SBI managed modest gains. The sector is expected to remain in focus as investors await Budget announcements on credit growth and fiscal deficit targets. - FMCG:
The Nifty FMCG index gained, supported by ITC and HUL, which rose up to 1.3%. Defensive buying amid market volatility helped the sector stay resilient. - Media:
The Nifty Media index emerged as a top gainer, reflecting optimism around advertising spends and consumer sentiment. - Energy & Power:
Power Grid slipped nearly 3%, dragging the sector lower. Broader energy stocks remained subdued amid global crude price volatility. - Automobiles:
Mahindra & Mahindra rose over 1%, leading gains in the auto pack. The sector is expected to benefit from Budget incentives for EV adoption and rural demand.
Broader Markets
- Nifty Midcap 100: Down 0.19%
- Nifty Smallcap 100: Up 0.32%
The divergence highlighted selective buying in smaller companies even as large-cap indices faced pressure.
Currency Watch
The rupee hit a record low of 92.02/$ during the session before recovering slightly to close at 91.97. A firm US dollar and volatile geopolitical cues weighed on sentiment.
Looking Ahead
- Special Trading Session: National bourses will remain open on Sunday, February 1, for a special session coinciding with the Union Budget 2026-27. Pre-market operations will run from 9:00–9:08 AM, followed by normal trading between 9:15 AM and 3:30 PM.
- Economic Outlook: The Economic Survey 2026 projected GDP growth at 7.4% for FY26 and 6.8–7.2% for FY27, supported by easing inflation, resilient domestic demand, and fiscal discipline.
Key Highlights
- Sensex closes 296 points lower at 82,269; Nifty skids 98 points to 25,320
- Metals and IT drag indices; FMCG and Media shine
- Tata Steel tanks 4.57%; ICICI Bank, Power Grid, HCL Tech among laggards
- M&M, SBI, ITC, BEL, and HUL lead gains
- Rupee touches all-time low of 92.02/$, ends at 91.97
