Indian equity benchmark indices ended lower on Wednesday as persistent selling pressure across major heavyweights dragged the market down. The BSE Sensex dropped 429.11 points (-0.59%) to close at 72,638.70, while the NSE Nifty 50 declined by 173.05 points (-0.76%) to settle at 22,603.05.
Sectorally, IT, Auto, and Banking faced significant profit booking, whereas FMCG and Pharma bucked the trend to close in the green. Major tech exporters and metal counters featured among the top intraday laggers, while selective buying in defensive healthcare stocks provided minor relief.
Macroeconomic triggers weighed heavily on investor sentiment. Firming crude oil prices coupled with steady Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) outflows added to the downside, even as Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) offered cushion at lower levels. The Indian Rupee traded largely range-bound against the US Dollar amidst cautious global market cues.