SENSEX drops 381 points, NIFTY50 slips below 25,300 in noon trade; Swiggy, ITC, Vedanta in focus
We saw volatility hit India’s stock markets on Friday, January 30, 2026, as major indices turned lower around midday. The SENSEX fell sharply, and traders across Dalal Street felt the heat. This downturn came even as key stocks such as Swiggy, ITC, and Vedanta drew heavy attention from investors and analysts alike.
Market at a Glance:
- SENSEX Fall: By noon trade, SENSEX was down 381 points, sliding 0.5%.
- NIFTY50 Level: NIFTY50 dipped below the 25,300 mark, hitting an intraday low near 25,218 before a slight recovery.
- Market Sentiment: The drop reflected a risk-off mood, with investors cautious ahead of key economic events.
- Market Breadth: More stocks declined than advanced, showing a broad-based sell-off.
Why Did SENSEX Slip?
Domestic Signals
- Profit Booking: Traders booked profits after recent gains.
- Budget Focus: Investors repositioned ahead of the upcoming Union Budget.
Global Cues
- Market Volatility: Weak signals from global markets weighed on sentiment.
- Macro Uncertainty: Inflation and policy concerns made traders cautious.
Institutional Activity
- FIIs Selling: Foreign Institutional Investors sold equities worth hundreds of crores.
- DIIs Buying: Domestic Institutional Investors bought stocks, but it wasn’t enough to offset selling pressure.
Key Insight: Big fund movements often influence indexes like SENSEX more than individual stocks.
Leading Stocks in Focus
Swiggy
- Attention: Heavy trading volume despite weak overall markets.
- Investor Focus: Watching profitability and growth potential as it moves toward sustainable earnings.
- Sentiment Indicator: Swiggy often reflects broader tech and consumption trends.
ITC
· • Revenue & Profit: Revenue grew slightly; ITC’s standalone net profit stood at ₹5,088.83 crore, a decline of 9.7% from ₹5,638.25 crore in the same quarter last year.
- Profit Impact: One-time labor code costs reduced margins.
- Dividend: Interim dividend of ₹6.5 per share announced, showing balance-sheet strength.
Vedanta & Metal Stocks
- Performance: Mostly weak due to softening global metal prices.
- Sector Demand: Mixed expectations for metals.
- Global Influence: Weak global commodity demand pressured stocks.
Sectoral Movers & Shakers
Losers
- Heavyweights like Hindalco Industries, Tata Steel, Coal India, and Infosys dragged benchmarks down.
Gainers
- Select blue-chips like Tata Consumer Products, Apollo Hospitals, Nestle India bucked the trend.
- Shows that defensive sectors and strong fundamentals still attract investors even in weak markets.
Technical View: What Charts Suggest
- Support Break: NIFTY50 broke below 25,300, indicating short-term weakness.
- Key Levels: Holding above recent lows is critical for market stability.
- Risk: If support fails, further downside could occur as traders reassess positions.
- Algorithmic Impact: Breaks below major levels can trigger automated selling.
Analyst Take & Market Outlook
- Cautious Mood: Traders may reduce positions ahead of budget announcements.
- High Volatility: Global news on inflation, rates, or geopolitical tension can swing markets quickly.
- Selective Buying: Defensive sectors like FMCG and healthcare often gain during weak markets.
- Market Desk View: We think the SENSEX dip is likely short-term, not structural. Patience and focus on long-term trends help steady portfolios.
What Should Investors Watch Next?
- Union Budget: Key driver for volatility and sector rotation.
- FII/DII Flows: Foreign selling or domestic buying can shift market momentum.
- Corporate Earnings: Q4 results will influence confidence and sentiment.
- Global Markets: U.S., European, and Asian indices often affect Indian stocks.
Conclusion
Today’s trading saw the SENSEX fall sharply, with the NIFTY50 slipping below the key 25,300 level amid mixed sentiment and cautious positioning. Stocks like Swiggy, ITC, and Vedanta drew heavy focus, highlighting investor interest in both emerging and traditional sectors even in a weak market.
As we move into weekend trading and major economic announcements, markets may continue to show volatility. Smart investors will watch key support levels, follow flow data, and focus on quality names that can weather broader downturns.
FAQS
The SENSEX fell 381 points due to profit booking, cautious trading ahead of the Union Budget, and weak global cues.
Swiggy, ITC, and Vedanta attracted heavy attention, with ITC showing a 9.7% decline in standalone profit year-on-year.
The NIFTY50 slipped below 25,300, a key psychological support. Breaching this may signal further short-term weakness.
The dip is short-term. Investors should track budget updates, global markets, and stock-specific fundamentals for guidance.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
