Market Wrap: Trade Tensions Weigh on Indian Markets

1–2 minutes

Indian Equities End Lower Amid Global Uncertainty

13/3/2025

Indian equity markets closed lower on Thursday, March 13, 2025, as global trade tensions and recession fears in the U.S. overshadowed the impact of easing domestic inflation.

• Sensex: 73,828 (-0.33%)

• Nifty 50: 22,397 (+0.08%)

• Nifty Bank: 48,060 (Flat)

Despite a slight gain in Nifty 50, broader market sentiment remained bearish, with the Nifty Midcap index falling 0.75% and the Nifty Smallcap index dropping 0.98%.

Key Market Developments

• Retail Inflation Falls: India’s retail inflation eased to 3.61% in February, marking its lowest level since July 2024. This reinforced expectations of an RBI rate cut, benefiting financial stocks.

• Global Trade Tensions Escalate: U.S. President Donald Trump warned of new tariffs on Europe and Canada after their retaliatory measures, fueling global economic uncertainty.

• Market Volatility: The India VIX declined by 3%, signaling lower market volatility compared to the previous session.

Sectoral Performance

• Gainers: Nifty PSU Bank and Nifty Bank saw modest gains.

• Losers: Nifty Auto, Nifty Realty, and Nifty Media lagged behind.

📌 Top Gainers and Losers

Top Gainers

🔹 Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. (MRPL) 🛢️ — +6.25% to ₹119.10

🔹 Godfrey Phillips India Ltd. (GODFRYPHLP) 🚬 — +5.00% to ₹5,708.25

🔹 ITI Ltd. (ITI) 📡 — +5.00% to ₹253.36

Top Losers

🔻 PB Fintech Ltd. (POLICYBZR) 💳 — -5.90% to ₹1,322.80

🔻 KEC International Ltd. (KEC) ⚡ — -5.54% to ₹675.00

🔻 Bharat Forge Ltd. (BHARATFORG) 🏗️ — -4.71% to ₹1,038.80

Market Sentiment and Outlook

Market breadth remained weak, with 984 stocks advancing and 1,894 stocks declining, signaling a negative sentiment in the broader market. Investors remain cautious amid concerns over global trade policies and an upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve policy meeting.

📌 Indian markets will be closed on Friday for a local holiday.

🌎 Global Economic Calendar

Key global economic events to watch next week:

• U.S. Federal Reserve Policy Meeting (March 19)

• Eurozone Inflation Data (March 20)

• Bank of Japan Interest Rate Decision (March 21)

For a more in-depth analysis, watch our latest market update on YouTube. Stay informed and plan your investments wisely.