Indian markets opened with marginal gains on Friday, October 31, 2025, with the Sensex rising 182.98 points to 84,587.44. This subdued performance reflects cautious investor sentiment, influenced by mixed global cues and significant foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows of ₹3,077 crore.
The cautious opening underscores investor apprehension, particularly after U.S. indices closed lower overnight due to global growth and policy uncertainty concerns, posing challenges for domestic equity performance.
As of market close, FIIs sold equities worth ₹3,077 crore, while DIIs bought ₹2,469 crore. Sensex moved from 84,404.46 to 84,587.44 (+0.22%).
We delve into the market’s nuanced movements and expert outlooks.
| Metric | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensex | 84,404.46 | 84,587.44 | +0.22% |
| Nifty 50 | 25,877.85 | 25,920.80 | +0.17% |
| FII Selling (Cr) | N/A | 3,077 | – |
| DII Buying (Cr) | N/A | 2,469 | – |
Expert Market Analysis
Indian equity markets commenced Friday’s trading session with a tepid upward bias on October 31, 2025. The benchmark Sensex registered a modest gain of 182.98 points, reaching 84,587.44, while the Nifty 50 added 42.95 points to trade at 25,920.80. This cautious opening mirrored a broader global sentiment of apprehension, exacerbated by overnight declines in U.S. indices due to concerns surrounding global growth prospects and prevailing policy uncertainties. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) continued their selling spree, offloading domestic equities worth ₹3,077 crore on Thursday, a move that exerted pressure on the rupee and weighed on the overall market sentiment as trading approached the weekend. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) provided some cushion, offsetting a portion of the sell-off by purchasing equities worth ₹2,469 crore on the same day. The anticipation surrounding the much-discussed Xi–Trump meeting and the U.S. Federal Reserve’s anticipated 25 basis points rate cut failed to provide a sustained boost, suggesting a ‘buy on rumour, sell on fact’ dynamic observed in market reactions. Market participants expressed disappointment as the Trump-Xi summit yielded only a one-year truce in the U.S.-China trade war, falling short of expectations for a breakthrough trade deal.
Technically, the Nifty 50 continues to encounter resistance in the 26,050–26,100 zone, having closed below the 25,900 mark on Thursday after a narrow-range trading session. Maintaining a position above 25,800 is crucial for near-term positive bias, with a decisive move beyond 26,100 potentially reigniting momentum towards the 26,250–26,400 levels. The Bank Nifty concluded the session near the 58,000 mark, precisely at its critical support zone, with immediate support identified between 58,000–57,500 and resistance observed in the 58,300–58,500 range. The current market rally in India appears to be losing steam as it approaches the record high of 26,277 established in September 2024. Renewed selling pressure from FIIs is anticipated to continue exerting downward pressure on the market in the short term, as they perceive Indian valuations as relatively elevated, especially in light of modest earnings growth projections. According to recent exchange data, FII selling of ₹3,077 crore highlights this trend.
In terms of sector performance, Eicher Motors emerged as a top gainer on the Nifty 50, surging 2.10% to ₹7,033.50, followed by Maruti Suzuki at 1.40% to ₹16,433, and ITC at 1.33% to ₹424.30. Bajaj Finance and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles also showed positive movement. Conversely, NTPC experienced a decline of 1.72% to ₹339.20, Cipla fell 1.68% to ₹1,514.30, and Max Healthcare dropped 1.61% to ₹1,159.50. IndiGo and Kotak Mahindra Bank also registered losses. This varied performance highlights sector-specific trends influenced by individual company news and broader economic factors. Competitors in the automotive sector like Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki are navigating changing consumer demand and supply chain dynamics, while FMCG players like ITC are managing input costs and competitive pressures. The banking sector, represented by Kotak Mahindra Bank, is contending with evolving regulatory landscapes and interest rate sensitivities.
Expert commentary suggests a cautious approach for traders and investors. Given the heightened volatility and mixed global economic indicators, maintaining a ‘buy-on-dips’ strategy is recommended, especially when employing leverage. Fresh long positions are advisable only if the Nifty sustains above the 26,100 mark. The renewed selling by FIIs, attributed to perceived higher Indian valuations relative to earnings growth, presents a near-term risk. Investors are advised to monitor global economic data, central bank policy announcements, and geopolitical developments closely. The upcoming OPEC+ meeting and further clarity on U.S.-China energy trade talks will be key catalysts for crude oil prices. The current market environment necessitates a disciplined trading approach, focusing on risk management and selective entry points. The outlook for the broader market remains cautiously optimistic, contingent on global economic stability and domestic policy effectiveness, as analyzed by our team at Stocks99.in.
Related Topics:
Sensex, Nifty 50, FII Outflows, Indian Stock Market 2025, Market Analysis October 2025, Eicher Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Nifty 50 Technical Analysis, FII Selling India, Global Market Cues
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