Benchmark domestic equity indices today ended almost flat. The Sensex dipped 22 points to close at 74,315. The Nifty added 53 points to settle at 23,271.
In the broader market on the National Stock Exchange, the Midcap 100 index gained 0.9 per cent, while the Smallcap 100 index added 0.8 per cent.
Earlier, the markets opened mildly lower after a hawkish stance from the US Federal Reserve and concerns over geopolitical developments. However, both the indices soon recovered and traded with gains for most of the volatile session, supported by value buying.
In the Sensex pack, 21 out of 30 companies logged gains. Among the top performers, Tata Steel climbed 2.8 per cent, Bharat Electronics Limited surged 2.4 per cent and Indigo gained 2.3 per cent. In contrast, HDFC Bank declined 1.3 per cent, Titan dipped over 1.1 per cent and ICICI Bank fell one per cent.
In the sectoral indices on the BSE, 18 out of 28 sectors edged upward. Among the top gainers, Insurance advanced 3.2 per cent, Capital Goods jumped nearly two per cent, and Industrials gained one and a half per cent. In contrast, Top 10 Banks declined 0.7 per cent, Private Banks Index shed 0.6 per cent and Bankex dropped half a per cent.
The overall market breadth at the BSE was positive, as shares of 2 thousand 686 companies advanced, 1 thousand 642 declined and 207 remained unchanged.
