New Delhi, 13 May (H.S.):

Indian equity benchmarks closed with modest gains on Wednesday after a volatile session, as mixed domestic sectoral cues and persistent international uncertainty kept trading subdued. The BSE Sensex ended up by 49.74 points at 74,608.98, while the NSE Nifty 50 rose 33.05 points to settle at 24,340.95, reflecting a cautious market mood amid heightened crude prices and awaiting global diplomatic developments.

Rising metals, oil-linked and infrastructure stocks led the advance, while IT and auto names faced selling pressure. The Nifty Metal index posted the strongest sectoral gains, driven by firm commodity prices and renewed buying interest in cyclical names. By contrast, IT and auto stocks lagged as investors booked profits following recent rallies.

Financials and realty also underperformed marginally due to selective profit‑taking.

Macro and global forces

Traders said elevated crude oil prices — sustained by tensions in the Middle East and supply‑side anxieties — weighed on sentiment, keeping inflation and import‑bill worries front of mind for market participants. The rupee opened stronger intraday but volatility in currency and FII flows tempered broader optimism, with foreign institutional investors continuing to remain cautious amid mixed global cues.

Market breadth was mixed, with a narrow set of sectors driving the rise; breadth indicators showed a modest number of gainers relative to losers. Mid‑cap and small‑cap segments saw selective buying, though overall participation was thin as investors awaited clarity from upcoming global policy meetings and domestic macro releases.

Market strategists described the session as a consolidation after recent declines, noting that technical patterns pointed to a tentative recovery but warned that upside would be limited unless global risk‑off triggers recede and crude eases. They advised selective exposure to cyclical and commodity‑linked names while keeping defensive allocations in healthcare and consumer staples.

Key data points at close

Sensex: 74,608.98, up 49.74 points.

Nifty 50: 24,340.95, up 33.05 points.

Major gainers: Metal, Oil & Gas, Cement, Construction.

Major laggards: IT, Auto, Banking (some segments).

Domestic currency: Rupee showed intraday strength but remained sensitive to crude and FII flows.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar