Sensex, Nifty End Lower; Midcaps Hold Ground Amid Global Jitters

A cautious mood prevailed on Dalal Street as investors digested rising crude-oil prices and fresh geopolitical concerns. The Sensex shed nearly 480 points to close at 76,009, while the Nifty settled 118 points lower at 23,913. Banking majors such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank led the decline, along with select IT names. Broader markets, however, remained resilient. The mid-cap index climbed 332 points, and the small-cap gauge added 64 points, signaling continued appetite for high-growth domestic stories. Gains in metals and energy counters offset losses in financials and realty. Experts say foreign-investor selling has been absorbed by robust domestic fund flows, keeping sentiment from deteriorating further. With weekly crude prices still lower than recent peaks, traders are watching for any signs of easing tensions in the Middle East that could trigger a relief rally.