The Indian stock market today (July 22 2025) saw benchmark indices ending nearly flat despite high activity from quarterly results and global movements. The BSE Sensex closed at 82,186.81, declining just 13.53 points or 0.02 percent from the previous session. The NSE Nifty 50 finished at 25,060.9, slipping by 29.8 points or 0.12 percent. During the session, Nifty managed to hold above the 25,000 mark, showcasing resilience amidst sectoral pressures. Broader indices underperformed, with the Nifty Midcap index down 0.61 percent and the Nifty Smallcap index lower by 0.34 percent. Volatility, as measured by the India VIX, settled lower by 4.04 percent at 10.75 points, indicating reduced investor anxiety.

Sector Performance Highlights
The banking sector showed mixed trends. While private players like HDFC Bank extended their gains thanks to strong Q1 results, the Nifty PSU Bank index fell by 1.57 percent, extending its losing streak and underperforming the broader space.

Information technology stocks declined as the Nifty IT index ended in the red for the second consecutive session. Global cues and cautious sentiment impacted frontline IT majors, reflecting overall weakness in the sector.

The auto sector was under pressure mainly due to a sharp drop in stocks like Bajaj Auto and Eicher Motors, both among the top Nifty 50 losers for the day. Sentiment was subdued on the back of volume growth concerns and global mobility trends.

Pharma stocks also faced selling, with the Nifty Pharma index slipping 1 percent for the third straight session. This decline comes as profit booking set in post recent gains, despite defensive buying amid global uncertainties.

Top 5 Gainers
Eternal (Zomato) +10% to +15%
HDFC Life Significant gain
Hindalco Significant gain
Titan Moderate gain
BEL Moderate gain

Top 5 Losers
Shriram Finance Significant loss
Eicher Motors Significant loss
Jio Finance Loss
Adani Ports Loss
Bajaj Auto Loss

FII/DII Net Flows
Foreign institutional investors (FII) remained net sellers, offloading shares worth Rs 1681 crore on July 21 2025 (the most recent available data). In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DII) were net buyers, adding stocks worth Rs 3578 crore in response to attractive valuations and company earnings.

Key Macro-Economic & Global Drivers
Global cues continue to guide domestic sentiment. The US markets set fresh highs, boosting optimism in Asia. However, traders kept a cautious stance ahead of upcoming Q1 earnings and awaited progress in India-US trade negotiations, set to conclude before August 1. Fears of lower global demand hit oil prices, influencing cost-sensitive sectors in India. Additionally, the rupee weakened against the US dollar, reflecting broad-based risk-off moves and higher imported inflation, as noted by RBI commentary.

What to Watch Next
Investors should closely monitor ongoing Q1-FY26 earnings for sector trends and management outlooks. Market participants are watching the India-US trade deal talks for cues on tariffs and sectoral impacts. Watch for further moves by government and RBI on rupee volatility, bond yields, and liquidity measures. Auto and IT results later this week could trigger sector-wide re-ratings. Keep an eye on primary market action, such as the upcoming Milky Mist IPO, for insights on investor risk appetite.