NSE to Remain Closed on Maha Shivratri, Reflecting on Monday’s Performance

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As India prepares to celebrate Maha Shivratri on February 26, 2025, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain closed for trading.

This pause comes after a tumultuous Monday, where the NSE’s benchmark Nifty50 index faced significant challenges, reflecting broader global market uncertainties.

Monday’s Market Performance

On Monday, February 24, 2025, the NSE witnessed a continuation of the downward trend that has characterized February.

The Nifty50 opened in negative territory for the fifth consecutive session, with most sectors trading in the red by mid-morning.

The index slipped below 22,600, marking a nearly 4% decline for the month—the steepest since 2020. This downturn is part of a larger correction that has seen the Nifty50 drop over 14% from its September high of 26,277.

The Nifty IT sector emerged as the top loser, plummeting nearly 2.5% as all its constituent stocks recorded losses.

Key draggers included prominent names like HDFC Bank, Infosys, and ICICI Bank. Conversely, sectors such as Nifty Pharma and Auto managed modest gains, with increases of 0.22% and 0.08%, respectively.

Global Influences

The recent performance of the NSE has been heavily influenced by global market trends. Concerns over softening consumer demand and uncertainty related to tariffs have contributed to a sharp sell-off in international markets.

The US consumer sentiment reaching a 15-month low in February added to the pressure on international investors, impacting market moods worldwide.

Outlook for the Week

As the NSE remains closed on Tuesday for Maha Shivratri, investors will be watching closely for signs of recovery when trading resumes on Wednesday.

The February 2025 futures contracts, which expire on February 27, closed at a premium of 50.65 points compared to the cash market, indicating some optimism about future market movements.

The India VIX, a gauge of market volatility, eased slightly on Monday, which could be a positive sign for investors looking for stability. However, with global uncertainties persisting, the market’s trajectory remains uncertain.

In summary, while the NSE faces a temporary pause due to Maha Shivratri, its recent performance reflects broader global challenges.

As trading resumes, investors will be keenly observing both domestic and international factors to gauge the market’s direction.

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