Stock markets retreated Monday as global trade war concerns snapped a brief recovery rally, with the benchmark Sensex falling 217.41 points or 0.29 per cent to close at 74,115.17, while the Nifty 50 dipped 92.20 points or 0.41 per cent to end at 22,460.30.
The indices began the session on a positive note, with Nifty reaching an intraday high of 22,676 before encountering resistance at the 20-day Exponential Moving Average. However, selling pressure intensified in the second half of trading, dragging the market lower amid renewed concerns over global trade tensions and weak cues from Asian markets.
Top gainers
Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. led the gainers, surging 3.12 per cent to ₹271.40 as investors sought defensive bets amid market volatility. Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) followed, rising 1.99 per cent to ₹2,247.75, supported by strong demand for FMCG stocks.
Infosys Ltd. gained 1.01 per cent to close at ₹1,702.75, benefitting from stability in IT sector earnings expectations. Nestlé India Ltd. advanced 0.66 per cent to ₹2,252.00, while Asian Paints Ltd. added 0.45 per cent to end at ₹2,279.30.
Top losers
IndusInd Bank Ltd. emerged as the biggest loser, falling 3.86 per cent to ₹900.60 due to profit-booking after last week’s rally. Zomato Ltd. slipped 2.58 per cent to ₹211.20 amid concerns over food delivery sector growth.
Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T) declined 2.10 per cent to ₹3,177.45, weighed down by weakness in infrastructure stocks. Titan Company Ltd. dropped 1.83 per cent to ₹3,026.70, while Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) lost 0.97 per cent to ₹2,701.75.
The broader market sentiment remained cautious, with investors tracking geopolitical risks and key inflation data expected later this week.