Markets end higher in choppy trade ahead of Fed policy, despite F&O expiry pressure

The Indian stock market ended higher on Wednesday in a volatile session, as traders navigated monthly F&O expiry pressures and global uncertainty ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy announcement.

The Nifty settled at 24,855.05, up 33.95 points or 0.14%, supported by gains in IT, FMCG, and capital goods sectors. However, selling pressure in auto, PSU banks, and realty stocks capped the upside.

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The Sensex closed 143.91 points or 0.18% higher at 81,481.86.

Meanwhile, the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices posted marginal gains. The overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms rose to nearly ₹452.3 lakh crore, up from ₹451.44 lakh crore in the previous session.

Among Nifty constituents, Larsen & Toubro surged 4.68%, followed by Sun Pharma (up 1.51%) and Tata Consumer (up 1.36%).

On the losing side, Tata Motors declined 3.52% amid reports of a potential $4.5 billion deal with Iveco, while Hero MotoCorp and Power Grid Corporation of India fell 1.95% and 1.06% respectively.

Out of the 50 Nifty stocks, 29 ended in the red.

A total of 144 stocks hit their 52-week highs, including Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd, Bosch Ltd, Coromandel International Ltd, EID Parry India Ltd, HDFC AMC, HDFC Bank, Laurus Labs, Maharashtra Scooters, Navin Fluorine, Nuvoco Vistas, Piramal Enterprises, Hitachi Energy India, Ramco Cements, Sai Life Sciences, Schneider Electric Infra, Shyam Metalics, Sumitomo Chemical, and Torrent Pharma.

In contrast, 66 stocks touched 52-week lows, including Easy Trip Planners, NIIT Learning Systems, Kalpataru Ltd, S.A.L. Steel, Shalimar Paints, and Venkys (India) Ltd.

Shares of New India Assurance rallied nearly 15% after the PSU insurer posted strong Q1 FY26 earnings. L&T rose nearly 5% as investors responded positively to its robust June-quarter results. Tata Motors declined over 3% amid speculation of an impending $4.5 billion deal with Iveco.

Investors remained cautious ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy decision and a looming U.S. tariff deadline. In a post-market surprise, US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods, effective August 1. The market’s reaction to this development will be closely watched when trading resumes on Thursday.