The first week of February 2025 saw the Indian stock market grappling with mixed signals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), persistent foreign outflows, and sectoral rotations. While benchmark indices ended the week with modest gains, broader markets faced headwinds, and investor caution prevailed. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the week’s key developments:
1. Benchmark Indices: A Tale of Two Halves
Index
Closing (Feb 7)
Daily Change
Weekly Change
Key Triggers
Nifty 50
23,559.95
-0.18%
+2.3%
RBI rate cut (6.25%), FII selling (₹3,549.95 Cr on Feb 6).
Sensex
77,860.19
-0.25%
+1.8%
Banking/FMCG drag vs. metals/telecom support.
2. Sectoral Spotlight: Metals Shine, FMCG Slumps
Top Gainers
Sector
Weekly Change
Key Drivers
Top Stock Movers
Metals
+2.66%
Global demand, infrastructure push.
Tata Steel (+4.35%), Hindalco (+3.2%)
Telecom
+1.85%
Bharti Airtel’s 460% YoY profit surge.
Bharti Airtel (+3.6%), Indus Towers (+2.1%)
Renewables
+1.50%
₹968 Cr solar order wins.
Gensol Engineering (+12%), Waaree Energies (+7%)
Top Losers
Sector
Weekly Change
Key Drivers
Top Stock Decliners
FMCG
-1.30%
Weak rural demand, profit-booking.
ITC (-2.38%), HUL (-1.8%)
PSU Banks
-1.38%
Asset quality concerns despite profit growth.
SBI (-2.03%), PNB (-1.6%)
Auto Components
-0.95%
EV adoption slowdown, supply chain issues.
Bosch Ltd (-3.1%), Motherson Sumi (-2.4%)
3. Broader Markets: Midcaps and Smallcaps Struggle
Final Thought While the RBI’s rate cut provided short-term relief, structural challenges like FII outflows and global uncertainty kept markets on edge. Investors should brace for volatility but stay selective, focusing on sectors aligned with India’s growth narrative: renewables, defence, and digital infrastructure.
Data as of February 7, 2025. All figures sourced from NSE, BSE, and regulatory filings.
