Stay informed about stock trends, market movements, and top gainers and losers in today’s stock market analysis
The Indian stock market closed in the green on March 17, 2025, with Sensex and Nifty 50 making modest gains, led by pharmaceutical and auto stocks. The broader market also witnessed positive momentum as BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices gained 0.5% each. However, IT and PSU bank stocks remained under pressure, dragging the indices down.
Key Market Indices Performance
The benchmark indices recorded positive momentum during the trading session:
| Index | Closing Price | Change | Change % |
| Sensex | 74,155.32 | +326.41 | +0.44% |
| Nifty 50 | 22,479.05 | +81.85 | +0.37% |
| Nifty Bank | 48,406.95 | +346.55 | +0.72% |
The Nifty 50 registered an intraday high of 22,481.20, closing the session with a gain of 0.38%. The banking sector outperformed the broader market, with Nifty Bank rising 0.72%, boosted by gains in IndusInd Bank and SBI Life Insurance.
Sectoral Performance
The sectoral indices displayed mixed trends, with Nifty Pharma emerging as the best-performing sector, while Nifty IT faced a decline.
| Sector | Closing Price | Change | Change % |
| Nifty Pharma | 20,692.80 | +268.80 | +1.32% |
| Nifty IT | 35,866.80 | -443.85 | -1.22% |
While auto, metal, and pharma stocks gained 1% each, IT and PSU Bank stocks witnessed selling pressure, dragging down the broader sentiment in those sectors.
Top Gainers and Losers on Nifty 50
Several stocks from the pharmaceutical and banking sectors were among the major gainers, while FMCG and IT stocks were the biggest laggards.
Biggest Gainer
| Stock | Closing Price | Change | Change % |
| Dr Reddy’s Labs | 1,142.10 | +34.15 | +3.08% |
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories led the gainers’ list, surging 3.08%, fueled by strong demand in the pharmaceutical sector.
Biggest Loser
| Stock | Closing Price | Change | Change % |
| BPCL | 259.83 | -4.58 | -1.73% |
BPCL saw the highest decline, dropping 1.73% amid profit-booking and weak crude oil price trends.
Other Major Gainers
Bajaj Finserv
Dr Reddy’s Labs
IndusInd Bank
SBI Life Insurance
Adani Enterprises
Other Major Losers
Nestle India
Britannia Industries
BPCL
Asian Paints
HCL Technologies
Market Trends and Key Highlights
Pharma Sector Leads Gains
The pharmaceutical sector witnessed strong buying interest, pushing Nifty Pharma up 1.32%. Dr Reddy’s Labs led the rally, while other pharma stocks also gained on positive global demand outlook and domestic growth factors.
Auto and Metal Sectors Show Strength
The auto and metal sectors closed with 1% gains, supported by robust demand and an improved outlook for industrial and export growth. Stocks such as Tata Motors and JSW Steel contributed to sectoral gains.
IT Stocks Under Pressure
The IT sector saw a decline of 1.22%, making it the worst-performing sector of the day. Heavyweights such as HCL Technologies and Infosys dragged the index lower amid weak global cues and concerns over US interest rates.
Broader Market Performance
The broader indices performed in line with the benchmark, reflecting continued investor interest in midcap and smallcap stocks.
BSE Midcap Index rose 0.5%
BSE Smallcap Index gained 0.5%
This indicates a balanced market trend, where investors continued to favor select growth stocks in niche segments.
Key Market Drivers
Global Cues and Economic Outlook
Global markets remained cautious ahead of US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later in the week.
European markets showed mixed trends, while Asian markets remained stable.
Foreign Institutional Investment (FII) and Domestic Institutional Investment (DII)
FIIs remained net buyers, adding positive momentum to banking and pharma stocks.
DIIs also showed buying interest, particularly in midcap and auto stocks.
Crude Oil Price Movement
Volatility in crude oil prices impacted stocks like BPCL and other energy sector companies, leading to profit booking in select stocks.
Upcoming RBI Policy Outlook
Market participants remain focused on the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) monetary policy stance, expected in early April.
Technical Analysis of Nifty 50
Support Level: 22,350
Resistance Level: 22,550
Nifty 50 managed to stay above 22,450, indicating strong support around this level. If the index sustains above 22,500, further bullish momentum may drive it towards 22,600-22,700 levels. However, any dip below 22,350 could trigger short-term weakness.
Outlook for the Next Trading Session
Bullish Sectors: Pharma, Auto, Metal
Weak Sectors: IT, PSU Banks
Key Levels to Watch:
Nifty above 22,500 may attract further buying.
Midcap and smallcap indices are expected to continue their positive momentum.
Final Thoughts
The Indian stock market ended the session on a positive note, supported by strong buying in pharmaceutical, auto, and metal stocks. Despite weakness in IT and PSU banks, the overall sentiment remained bullish, with midcap and smallcap indices gaining 0.5% each.
Market participants will closely watch global cues, FII/DII activity, and crude oil prices in the upcoming sessions. Nifty 50’s movement around 22,500 will play a crucial role in determining the short-term trend.
With pharma leading the way and IT under pressure, investors will look for opportunities in stronger-performing sectors in the days ahead.
