Stock markets halt 6-day rally; Nifty ends below 26,000-mark on profit taking

Snapping the six-day winning streak, benchmark Sensex dropped by nearly 278 points, and the Nifty closed below the 26,000-mark due to profit-taking in IT, metal and capital goods shares amid a weak trend in global markets.

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined by 277.93 points or 0.33% to settle at 84,673.02. During the day, it dropped 392.59 points or 0.46% to 84,558.36.

The 50-share NSE Nifty dipped 103.40 points or 0.40% to 25,910.05.

Among Sensex firms, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Eternal, Adani Ports, Hindustan Unilever and Bharat Electronics were the major laggards.

However, Bharti Airtel, Axis Bank, Asian Paints and Titan were among the gainers.

“The domestic equity market edged lower as investors booked profits after the recent rebound, mirroring weak global sentiment. Expectations of a U.S. Fed rate cut in December have diminished, weighing on sentiment, with IT, metal, and realty stocks declining amid a stronger dollar,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

In Asian markets, South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index settled sharply lower.

European markets were trading in the red. U.S. markets ended in negative territory on Monday (November 17, 2025).

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday (November 18) said “you will hear a good news” on the proposed trade pact between India and the U.S. once the deal is fair, equitable and balanced.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth ₹442.17 crore on Monday (November 17), according to exchange data. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) also bought stocks worth ₹1,465.86 crore in the previous trade.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, dipped 0.40% to $63.94 per barrel.

Rallying for the sixth consecutive day on Monday (November 17), the Sensex climbed 388.17 points or 0.46% to close at 84,950.95. The Nifty edged higher by 103.40 points or 0.40% to settle at 26,013.45.