Benchmarks End Lower Amid Heavy Selling; Media Stocks See Sharp Decline

Domestic benchmark indices closed in the red on Thursday as broad-based selling pressure weighed on investor sentiment. Weak global cues and profit-booking in heavyweight stocks dragged the markets lower throughout the session.

The Sensex declined sharply, while the Nifty slipped below key support levels, reflecting cautious market participation. Selling was visible across sectors, with media stocks emerging as the worst performers of the day.

The Nifty Media index recorded significant losses as investors offloaded shares amid valuation concerns and muted earnings outlook. Several leading media companies witnessed sharp intraday declines, contributing heavily to the broader market weakness.

Market analysts attributed the fall to a mix of global uncertainty, rising bond yields, and cautious investor positioning ahead of upcoming economic data releases. Traders also pointed to technical resistance levels triggering fresh selling pressure.

Despite the overall weakness, select defensive sectors showed limited resilience, helping restrict deeper losses.

Investors are advised to remain cautious in the near term as volatility is expected to persist amid global and domestic macroeconomic developments.