Sensex Slips 21 Points Amid Mixed Markets After Fed Rate Hike

Indian equities ended the range bound trade mixed on Thursday, following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates by 25 basis points in its first rate hike since 2023. Sentiments remained cautious across trading desks due to continuous selling by Foreign Institutional Investors, who offloaded securities worth Rs 2,032.61 crore on Wednesday.

Key Index Performance

The BSE Sensex closed slightly below the neutral line at 74,314.59, down by 21.86 points or 0.03% after trading in a range of 74,163.95 and 74,677.56 on a provisional basis. Selling pressure in banking heavyweight stocks and caution ahead of the weekly F&O contract expiry dragged the index down, while Nifty managed to finish higher.

• Sensex Close: 74,314.59
• Sensex Move: Down 21.86 points or 0.03%
• Day Range: 74,163.95 to 74,677.56
• Advances/Declines: 20 advancing against 10 declining stocks
• FII Outflow: Rs 2,032.61 crore on Wednesday

Sectoral Trends and Top Gainers

Broad-based buying supported Nifty higher, particularly across Industrials, Insurance, and Financial Services counters. Sectoral gainers on the BSE were led by Capital Goods up by 1.96%, Industrials up by 1.96% or rather 1.51%, Realty up by 1.47%, Healthcare up by 1.36%, and Power up by 1.34%.

• Capital Goods: Up 1.96%
• Industrials: Up 1.51%
• Realty: Up 1.47%
• Healthcare: Up 1.36%
• Power: Up 1.34%

On the losing side, Bankex fell 0.50%, Energy dropped 0.35%, Oil & Gas dipped 0.25%, and TECK declined 0.08%. Top gainers on the Sensex included Tata Steel up by 2.68%, Eternal up by 2.04%, Interglobe Aviation up by 2.02%, Bharat Electronics up by 1.94%, and TCS up by 1.90%.

Broader Drivers and Global Cues

Traders digested multiple macroeconomic updates during the session, noting that International Monetary Fund Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke stated India remains a key driver of global growth and the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Sentiment also found support as the Indian government cut the windfall gains tax on the export of petrol, diesel, and Aviation Turbine Fuel for the fortnight beginning September 16, 2026. Additionally, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Bhutanese counterpart D N Dhungyel in Bumthang on September 16, 2026, discussing development partnership, energy, trade, and connectivity.

Global equities showed positive momentum as European stocks traded higher and the global bond selloff paused following Wednesday’s hawkish Fed hike. Asian markets closed mostly in the green, aided by easing Middle East supply concerns after reports of Saudi Arabia loading crude cargoes via Oman.