Indian equity benchmark -- Nifty ended lower for fifth straight session on Friday as ongoing West Asia tensions sparked crude oil prices near $100 per barrel and reignites inflation fear for energy importing countries like India. Index made a gap-down start following weak cues from other Asian markets. Soon, index extended its losses as India's private sector growth skidded to its weakest in over four years in July as a sharp slowdown in services constrained overall expansion even though rising export orders and hiring offered limited support. HSBC's flash India Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, fell ?to 54.3 ?in July from June's 57.1. However, in second half of the session, Index trimmed most of its losses but remained weak till end of the session. Finally, Nifty ended lower with cut of 0.43%.
Most of the sectorial indices ended in red led by Auto, Metal, and Realty stocks. The top gainers from the F&O segment were KPIT Technologies, Tata Elxsi and Godfrey Phillips India. On the other hand, the top losers were Motilal Oswal Financial Services, Swiggy and Hitachi Energy India. In the index option segment, maximum OI continues to be seen in the 24900 - 25100 calls and 22900 - 23100 puts indicating this is the trading range expectation.
India Volatility Index (VIX), a gauge for market’s short-term expectation of volatility increased by 4.11% and reached 14.03. The 50 share Nifty down by 102.15 point or 0.43% to settle at 23,767.45.
Nifty July 2026 futures closed at 23830.00 (LTP) on Friday, at a premium of 62.55 points over spot closing of 23767.45, while Nifty August 2026 futures ended at 23890.00 (LTP), at a premium of 122.55 points over spot closing. Nifty July futures saw a contraction of 2,066 units, taking the total open interest (Contracts) to 1,79,610 units. The near month derivatives contract will expire on July 28, 2026. (Provisional)
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