Indian benchmark equity indices ended Tuesday’s session slightly in the red as cautious sentiment and profit-taking weighed on market momentum.
The BSE Sensex closed lower by 250.48 points, or 0.30 per cent, at 83,627.69, while the NSE Nifty slipped 57.95 points, or 0.22 per cent, to settle at 25,732.30. The muted finish came after a largely range-bound trading day, with investors reluctant to take aggressive positions.
So far in 2026, both the Sensex and Nifty have declined by around 2 per cent, indicating a cautious start to the year. This follows a relatively modest performance in 2025, when the benchmarks gained about 8–10 per cent, slower than the stronger rallies seen in earlier years.
Market volatility has remained elevated in recent months, with only intermittent bullish sessions providing relief. A key factor behind the uncertainty has been concerns surrounding the India–US trade agreement, particularly after the United States imposed a 50 per cent tariff on certain Indian goods, denting investor confidence.
Looking at longer-term trends, Indian equities have delivered mixed returns in recent years. In 2024, the Sensex and Nifty rose by roughly 9–10 per cent, while 2023 was a stronger year with gains of 16–17 per cent for both indices. In contrast, 2022 saw more subdued growth of around 3 per cent.
