Stock market today: 66 stocks hit 52-week lows, 144 stocks at 52-week high as Nifty 50, Sensex end higher

Benchmark Indices Close Higher Amid Volatility

The Indian stock market concluded Wednesday’s session on a positive note with both benchmark indices — the Nifty 50 and the BSE Sensex — registering moderate gains. Despite global headwinds and sector-specific weaknesses, the broader market sentiment was buoyant, driven by selective buying in heavyweights and optimism around earnings.

The Sensex ended the day up by 172.48 points, or 0.23%, at 75,624.89, while the Nifty 50 rose 52.15 points, or 0.23%, to close at 23,004.35. Market breadth, however, showed mixed signals as volatility persisted throughout the session.

Contrasting Trends: 144 Stocks Hit 52-Week Highs, 66 at 52-Week Lows

A total of 144 stocks touched their 52-week highs on the BSE, indicating strong investor interest in fundamentally resilient and growth-oriented companies. Meanwhile, 66 stocks slumped to their 52-week lows, suggesting continued underperformance in certain sectors and mid-cap counters.

Top performers at 52-week highs included names like Apar Industries, Tata Chemicals, Mazagon Dock, Indian Bank, and Cochin Shipyard. On the flip side, Dish TV, IRB Infrastructure, PVR INOX, and Coffee Day Enterprises were among the laggards hitting fresh 52-week lows.

Sector-Wise Performance: PSU Banks, Energy Stocks Lead Gains

Sectorally, PSU banks, energy, and capital goods emerged as the top gainers, while media, IT, and consumer durables saw mild profit-booking.

• The Nifty PSU Bank index jumped nearly 1.6%, aided by gains in Bank of Baroda, Union Bank, and Indian Bank.

• The Nifty Energy index gained 1.2%, with stocks like ONGC, IOC, and Power Grid witnessing buying interest.

• The IT sector, however, was weighed down by weak global cues and margin pressures, pulling names like TCS, Infosys, and Tech Mahindra into the red.

Market Sentiment: Cautious Optimism Amid Global Uncertainty

Analysts believe the market is navigating through an “uncertain but cautiously optimistic” phase.

“Despite global growth concerns and mixed corporate earnings, domestic fundamentals remain strong. Investors are rotating into defensives and value-driven counters, which is reflected in the rising number of 52-week highs,” said Siddharth Khemka, Head of Retail Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

“However, the number of stocks at 52-week lows reminds us that the rally is not broad-based. Selective participation and stock-specific volatility will continue,” added Apurva Sheth, Technical Analyst at Samco Securities.

Foreign Institutional Flows Turn Positive

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) returned as net buyers in Tuesday’s session, bringing relief to the market. According to provisional data from exchanges, FIIs bought shares worth ₹1,376 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained net buyers with inflows of ₹923 crore.

Positive flows from global investors indicate a gradual return of risk appetite as India's macroeconomic stability — including moderate inflation, steady GDP growth, and political continuity — supports investor confidence.

Global Market Snapshot

Global cues remained mixed with US and European indices hovering in a narrow range amid persistent inflation worries and central bank commentary. Asian peers like Nikkei and Hang Seng were mostly subdued, though Shanghai Composite saw a mild uptick due to better-than-expected industrial production data from China.

Technical View: Support and Resistance Levels to Watch

The Nifty 50 has successfully held the psychological 23,000 mark, with strong support seen near 22,850–22,900 zones. Analysts suggest resistance lies near 23,100–23,150, and a breakout above this range could propel the index toward 23,300 in the coming sessions.

“Nifty forming higher lows on the daily chart suggests a continuation of an uptrend, but participation remains narrow. Traders should watch for breakouts with volumes,” said Amol Athawale, Vice President - Technical Research, Kotak Securities.

Investor Outlook: Selective Bets, Earnings in Focus

With the Q1 earnings season in full swing, market participants are closely watching results from key companies across banking, IT, auto, and FMCG sectors. Positive surprises are being rewarded generously, while earnings misses are triggering sharp declines, especially in mid- and small-cap counters.

Retail investors are advised to stay cautious and avoid overexposure to high-beta or illiquid stocks despite their price action hitting yearly highs or lows.

“Chasing stocks just because they hit 52-week highs can be risky unless backed by strong fundamentals and volume support,” noted Rachit Chawla, CEO of Finway Capital.

The Indian stock market continues to demonstrate resilience amid global turbulence, supported by selective sectoral strength and improving foreign inflows. However, the divergence between stocks hitting 52-week highs and lows signals the need for discernment.

Investors should adopt a stock-specific approach, focus on companies with robust fundamentals, and monitor global cues and earnings season updates for further direction.