The Indian stock market witnessed a volatile trading session today, marked by cautious investor sentiment and mixed global cues. After opening on a firm note, indices pared gains amid profit-booking in heavyweight stocks and weak cues from European markets. Sectoral performances remained divided, while midcap and smallcap stocks saw selective buying. Let’s dive into the key highlights from the market action on 13 May 2025.
Nifty and Sensex Today – Key Market Indices Performance
Daily Movement of Sensex and Nifty
Sensex closed at 74,612.35, down -1281.68 points or 1.55%.
Nifty 50 settled at 24,578.35, slipping -346.35 points or 1.39%.
Both benchmarks gave up early gains as investors turned cautious ahead of key inflation data and global market uncertainties.
Highlights of Gains and Losses
- The indices opened on a positive note tracking strong Asian market cues.
- Gains were seen in sectors like FMCG, Energy, and Realty.
- Selling pressure emerged in IT, Banking, and Auto stocks.
- Midcap and Smallcap indices outperformed the benchmarks, reflecting continued retail interest.
Sector-wise Performance
- FMCG stocks outshone as safe-haven buying picked up amid market volatility.
- Energy counters gained on firm global crude oil prices.
- Realty stocks saw healthy buying on expectations of strong quarterly earnings.
- IT stocks declined due to weak global tech stocks and profit-booking after last week’s rally.
- Banking remained under pressure led by private sector lenders amid concerns over rising bond yields.
Top Stock Market News Today – What Moved the Markets
Major Domestic and Global News Events
- India’s Retail Inflation Data: Market participants remained cautious ahead of April CPI inflation of 3.16%, expected to show moderation. This kept broader market gains in check.
- US Inflation and Fed Rate Outlook: Global markets, including Indian equities, remained cautious as investors awaited the release of the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for April 2025, expected to show a 0.3% monthly increase and a steady 2.4% annual rate. The Federal Reserve, having maintained interest rates at 4.25%–4.50% during its May meeting, continues its 'wait-and-see' approach amid persistent inflation and economic uncertainties.
- Crude Oil Prices Surge: Brent crude crossed USD 84 per barrel, boosting energy stocks but raising concerns for oil-importing nations like India.
- Rupee Weakens Against Dollar: The Indian Rupee depreciated to ₹85.32/$, weighing on import-heavy sectors and triggering concerns over inflationary pressure.
- Profit Booking in IT Stocks: After last week’s sharp rally, IT stocks corrected as investors booked profits amid weak guidance from global peers.
- European Markets Turn Weak: Negative opening in European indices amid disappointing corporate earnings dampened sentiments in afternoon trade.
FII and DII Activity Today – Where Big Money Moved
Trends in Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) Activity
- FIIs remained net sellers in the cash segment, continuing their cautious stance amid global uncertainties and inflation fears.
- Selling pressure was primarily visible in banking and IT stocks.
Domestic Institutional Investor (DII) Flows
- DIIs turned net buyers, providing support at lower levels and cushioning market falls.
- Heavy buying was seen in FMCG, Energy, and Realty counters.
Impact on Market Sentiment
The tug of war between FII outflows and DII support kept market movements choppy. FIIs’ risk-off approach capped any significant upmove, while DIIs’ selective buying limited downside risks.
Top Gainers and Losers – Best and Worst Performing Stocks
Top 5 Gainers Today
Top 5 Losers Today
Economic and Global Factors – What Else Affected Markets
Key Domestic Developments
- Anticipation around April CPI inflation data kept investors on edge.
- Weakness in the Rupee added to inflation worries, especially for oil-importing sectors.
Global Cues
- Awaiting US inflation data tomorrow, which will shape expectations for Fed rate cuts.
- Rising crude oil prices amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
- Weak European market opening due to disappointing corporate earnings weighed on Indian equities in afternoon trade.
What to Watch in the Coming Trading Session – Key Events and Predictions
Upcoming Economic Data and Events
- India’s CPI inflation and IIP data scheduled post-market hours today.
- US CPI inflation data tomorrow, a key global event.
- Updates on crude oil prices and Rupee movement.
Market Levels to Watch
- Nifty support at 24,578, with resistance around 24,749.
- Sensex support at 81,148, resistance near 81,148.22.
Investor Expectations
- Defensive sectors like FMCG and Energy may continue to outperform.
- Volatility expected to remain high ahead of key macroeconomic data.
- FIIs’ activity to dictate market direction in the short term.
Final Takeaway – Summary of Stock Market Today
Indian stock market ended on a cautious note amid global and domestic data uncertainty.
Sensex and Nifty reversed early gains due to profit-booking in IT and Banking stocks.
FMCG, Energy, and Realty sectors outperformed.
FIIs continued selling while DIIs absorbed some pressure.
Key inflation data from India and the US expected to dictate market moves tomorrow.
Stay tuned for “Indian stock market today” updates, top gainers and losers, and the latest stock market news. As always, investors should tread cautiously and keep an eye on both global and domestic developments before making any fresh investments.