Stock market today: 43 stocks hit 52-week lows, 178 stocks at 52-week high as Nifty 50, Sensex end higher

Market Overview

The Indian stock markets ended Monday’s session on a positive note, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 logging gains amid a broad-based rally. Despite some volatility during the day, market sentiment remained upbeat, driven by strong buying in select large-cap stocks and optimism around domestic growth data.

While the broader indices moved higher, market breadth revealed a contrasting picture. As many as 178 stocks surged to their 52-week highs, showcasing bullish momentum, while 43 stocks dropped to their 52-week lows, indicating persistent pressure in select pockets, especially among small-caps and sector-specific counters.

Benchmark Indices Climb

• BSE Sensex ended the day up by 284.75 points, or 0.40%, to close at 71,892.15.

• NSE Nifty 50 advanced 78.10 points, or 0.35%, to settle at 21,905.30.

The rally was led by sectors such as IT, banking, auto, and FMCG. Heavyweights including Infosys, HDFC Bank, Tata Motors, and ITC witnessed healthy buying.

Sectoral Performance

The Nifty IT index rose by 1.2%, buoyed by a weakening rupee and renewed expectations of stability in the U.S. economy, a key export market for Indian IT services.

The Nifty Bank index also performed well, adding 0.6% on the back of strong loan growth projections and firming yields.

However, realty and metals saw profit booking, with the Nifty Realty index falling by 0.8% and Nifty Metal down 0.3%.

52-Week Highs & Lows: Diverging Trends

• 178 stocks hit fresh 52-week highs, including names like Bharat Electronics, Mazagon Dock, Astra Microwave, and Tata Investment Corp.

• 43 stocks slipped to their 52-week lows, reflecting sectoral and stock-specific headwinds. Notable names include One97 Communications (Paytm), SpiceJet, and Manappuram Finance.

This divergence underlines a polarized market, where quality large-caps and industry leaders are being rewarded, while certain mid- and small-cap stocks continue to face investor skepticism.

Analyst Commentary

“Markets are showing resilience despite mixed global cues,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services. “The rally in large-caps and certain defensives indicates a shift in investor preference toward safer bets in uncertain times.”

Meanwhile, Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Retail Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, observed, “The bifurcation in stock performance is widening. Investors are chasing high-quality growth stocks, while the underperformance in smaller companies shows caution amid rich valuations.”

Global Influences

Globally, markets remained watchful ahead of key U.S. inflation data and the Federal Reserve’s rate decision due later this week. Asian stocks traded mostly higher, tracking Friday’s gains on Wall Street. The rupee ended marginally lower against the U.S. dollar at 83.42.

Crude oil prices rose marginally, with Brent crude hovering around $81 per barrel, offering some relief to Indian oil importers.

Market Breadth & Volatility

• Advances outnumbered declines on the NSE, with 1,438 stocks rising and 1,164 stocks falling.

• The India VIX, a measure of market volatility, eased by 3.4% to 13.12, indicating reduced fear in the market.

Investor Outlook

Investors are advised to stay selective, as valuations in some pockets remain stretched. The ongoing rally presents opportunities in defensives like FMCG, IT, and pharma, while sectors like real estate and metals may remain volatile in the near term.

“The rally has legs, but it is not uniform. Stock picking is crucial at this stage,” added Amit Goel, Chief Research Strategist at Pace360.

Additionally, with monsoon forecasts turning favorable and inflation showing signs of moderation, domestic macros are expected to support sentiment going forward.

Key Gainers and Losers

Top Gainers (Nifty 50):

• Infosys (+2.8%)

• Tata Motors (+2.5%)

• ITC (+2.1%)

• HDFC Bank (+1.8%)

Top Losers (Nifty 50):

• Hindalco (-1.4%)

• Adani Enterprises (-1.2%)

• JSW Steel (-0.9%)

Monday’s session reflected the ongoing theme of selective bullishness in the Indian equity market. While benchmark indices continue to scale higher, underlying data shows a market of two halves: thriving large-caps and struggling laggards. As global and domestic cues evolve, investors should stay vigilant, diversify portfolios, and avoid overexposure to high-beta stocks.