June 18, 2025 – Mumbai The Indian stock market opened on a mixed note today with the benchmark BSE Sensex slipping by 100 points amid cautious investor sentiment. While the broader market showed resilience—especially in the small-cap segment—key heavyweight stocks painted a mixed picture. Notably, IndusInd Bank surged over 5%, while Hindustan Zinc dropped sharply by nearly 6% after a weak earnings outlook.
Key Highlights:
- Sensex down by 100 points in early trade
- Nifty held above the 22,400 markhttps://mediawala.live
- IndusInd Bank rose 5% after strong Q1 guidance
- Hindustan Zinc plunged 6% following metal price concerns
- Small-cap index outperformed broader indices
- Global markets traded in a tight range as investors awaited US Fed commentary
IndusInd Bank Surges on Strong Forecast
Shares of IndusInd Bank rallied over 5% during intraday trade after the private lender reported robust business momentum in its Q1 FY26 update. Analysts credited the stock’s rise to strong growth in net advances, stable asset quality, and a positive management commentary for the upcoming quarters.
Brokerages such as CLSA and Morgan Stanley upgraded their target prices on the stock, citing its improved retail loan portfolio and better-than-expected NIM (Net Interest Margin) trajectory.
Hindustan Zinc Slumps on Metal Market Weakness
In contrast, Hindustan Zinc witnessed a sharp sell-off, shedding 6% in today’s session. The decline came after global zinc prices saw a correction due to oversupply concerns and weakening demand from China.
Market participants are also reacting to subdued operating margins and concerns around higher energy costs, which may impact the company’s near-term profitability.
Broader Markets & Sectoral Trends
Despite the dip in Sensex, the Nifty Smallcap 100 and Nifty Midcap 100 indices gained over 0.4%, signaling strong investor interest in broader markets. Sectorally, Banking, Auto, and IT stocks traded with mild gains, while Metals and FMCG stocks remained under pressure.
The Nifty Metal index was down nearly 1.2%, weighed by the fall in Hindustan Zinc and Tata Steel.
Global Cues Mixed Ahead of Fed Comments
Asian markets traded mixed, with Japan’s Nikkei flat and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng showing minor gains. Investors remain cautious globally as they await further signals from the US Federal Reserve on interest rate direction and inflation outlook.
US markets ended flat on Tuesday, and futures pointed to a muted opening for Wall Street later today.
Expert Commentary
According to Anuj Mehta, Equity Strategist at Axis Securities:
“The Indian market is consolidating at higher levels. Selective stock movements are now driving index action. Investors should keep an eye on global commodity trends, especially in metals, which are increasingly dictating short-term moves.”
What Should Investors Do?
- Short-term traders may find opportunities in banking stocks like IndusInd and Axis Bank.
- Long-term investors are advised to stay cautious in the metal space until global cues stabilize.
- Smallcap and midcap stocks continue to present value but demand careful selection amid volatility.
Closing Note
The Indian stock market’s mixed mood reflects a balance between strong domestic earnings and global uncertainties. As the Sensex consolidates, stock-specific action—driven by fundamentals—remains the key theme for the trading week.
