Nifty ends near day’s low point amid geopolitical tensions

18 Oct 2023 Evaluate

Indian equity benchmark -- Nifty -- ended Wednesday’s trading session on a lower note amid fear of US Fed interest rates hike. After making a cautious start, soon index turned volatile, as investors assessed geopolitical developments after a huge explosion at a Gaza hospital derailed the diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. to mobilize support for Israel's right to defend itself. Israel blamed a failed missile from militant group Palestinian Islamic Jihad for the blast, which killed about 500 people. Some cautiousness also came in as ratings agency ICRA said borrowing costs for state governments and union territories are expected to increase in the second half of Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24) on rising bond yields and widening of spreads up to 15 basis points.

Index slipped into deep red in afternoon session, as traders were cautious with a private report stating that the much anticipated free trade agreement between India and the United Kingdom is likely to be delayed yet again owing to certain differences between the two countries, especially on the question of trade in goods and services. Traders also remained worried as the world’s second-largest economy -- China’s economy slowed in the third quarter, amid muted global demand, deflationary pressures and an ailing property sector. In last leg of trade, index ended near day’s low point, as data showing a bigger than expected increase in U.S. retail sales in September raised concerns the US Fed will keep interest rates higher for longer or even announce a rate hike this year.

Traders were seen piling up positions in Healthcare, Pharma and Media stocks, while selling was witnessed in PSU Bank, Bank and Financial Services. The top gainers from the F&O segment were Cipla, Sun TV Network and Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals. On the other hand, the top losers were Syngene International, Biocon and L&T Technology Services. In the index option segment, maximum OI continues to be seen in the 19700 - 19900 calls and 18900 - 19100 puts indicating this is the trading range expectation.

© 2026 The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. MoneyWorks4Me ® is a registered trademark of The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd.

×