Domestic indices trade slightly in red in late morning deals

Domestic equity markets erased all of their gains and were trading slightly in red in late morning deals on account of selling in Bajaj Finserv, Tata Motors, Ultratech Cement, Reliance Industries and Larsen & Toubro companies’ stocks. The broader indices were also trading in red with BSE Small cap index and Mid cap index falling in the range of 0.10-0.50 percent. Sentiments were weak as the government data showed that India's eight core infrastructure sectors' growth slowed down to 1.7 per cent in June 2025 from 5 per cent in the same month last year. Further, cautiousness also prevailed in the markets as private report said that a mini trade deal between India and the United States is unlikely before the August 1 deadline.

On the global front, Asian markets were trading mixed, amid continued uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs on imports from trading partners. Back home, on the BSE sectoral front, traders were seen pilling up positions in Consumer Disc, Metal, Basic Materials, IT and Consumer Durables, while selling was witnessed in Realty, Telecom, Auto, Healthcare and Power. 

The BSE Sensex is currently trading at 82145.19, down by 55.15 points or 0.07% after trading in a range of 82120.11 and 82538.17. There were 10 stocks advancing against 20 stocks declining on the index.

The broader indices were trading in red; the BSE Mid cap index was down by 0.47%, while Small cap index down by 0.11%.

The top gaining sectoral indices on the BSE were Consumer Disc up by 0.18%, Metal up by 0.18%, Basic Materials up by 0.10%, IT up by 0.04% and Consumer Durables up by 0.05%, while Realty down by 0.99%, Telecom down by 0.89%, Auto down by 0.80%, Healthcare down by 0.72% and Power down by 0.58% were the top losing indices on BSE.

The top gainers on the Sensex were Eternal up by 8.61%, Titan up by 1.37%, ICICI Bank up by 0.62%, TCS up by 0.48% and Trent up by 0.46%. On the flip side, Bajaj Finserv down by 1.65%, Tata Motors down by 1.35%, Ultratech Cement down by 1.11%, Reliance Industries down by 1.06% and Larsen & Toubro down by 1.01% were the top losers.

Meanwhile, Symbolising a decisive move away from India’s colonial past, Rajya Sabha has passed ‘Bills of Lading, 2025’ bill on the first day of monsoon session paving the way for Presidential Assent. The bill, already passed by the Lok Sabha, now awaits Presidential assent to become law. Post Presidential Assent, the law will replace the 169 years-old colonial era Indian Lading Act, 1856 with a modern, simplified, and globally aligned legal framework for maritime shipping documentation in India. 

The new law replaces archaic terminology with clear & business friendly language, streamlining rights & obligations for carriers, shippers and lawful holders; reducing ambiguity in shipping documentation to lower litigation risks as well as strengthening India’s position in global trade by aligning with international norms. Further, by incorporating a standard repeal and saving clause, the legislation ensures continuity and legal validity of past actions under the old Act. These reforms aim to enhance clarity, promote ease of understanding, and enable smoother enforcement in line with contemporary trade and legal standards enabling Ease of Doing Business (EODB) in India.

Talking about the bill, the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal indicated that the bill reflects country’s constitutional values and marks a vital step in replacing outdated colonial laws with a modern, accessible framework. Besides, this reform is expected to boost ease of doing business, reduce disputes, and strengthen India’s global trade standing.

The CNX Nifty is currently trading at 25060.45, down by 30.25 points or 0.12% after trading in a range of 25047.00 and 25182.00. There were 16 stocks advancing against 34 stocks declining on the index.

The top gainers on Nifty were Eternal up by 8.41%, Titan up by 1.41%, HDFC Life Insurance up by 0.71%, ICICI Bank up by 0.70% and Hindalco up by 0.67%. On the flip side, Bajaj Finserv down by 1.75%, JIO Financial down by 1.67%, Ultratech Cement down by 1.65%, Eicher Motors down by 1.56% and Bajaj Auto down by 1.51% were the top losers.

Asian markets were trading mixed; Straits Times fell 7.57 points or 0.18% to 4,199.56, KOSPI dropped 47.27 points or 1.47% to 3,163.54, Nikkei 225 slipped 114.18 points or 0.29% to 39,704.93 and Taiwan Weighted lost 313.07 points or 1.36% to 23,027.49. However, Hang Seng advanced 104.89 points or 0.42% to 25,099.03, Jakarta Composite gained 15.12 points or 0.2% to 7,413.31, Shanghai Composite strengthened 21.79 points or 0.61% to 3,581.58.