What's going on with the markets today?

Indian stock markets experienced a volatile session today, Wednesday, December 24, 2025, with major indices closing slightly lower, giving up early gains due to selling pressure in IT, Oil & Gas, and pharma stocks . Market Performance & Key Drivers The benchmark indices opened with a positive bias, driven by stronger-than-expected US economic growth data, but ultimately failed to hold these gains . The S&P BSE Sensex (INDEXBOM:SENSEX) ended down by approximately 116 points (0.14%) to close at 85,408.70. The NSE Nifty 50 (INDEXNSE:NIFTY_50) also slipped, falling about 35 points (0.13%) to settle at 26,142.10. Broader markets were mixed, with the midcap index underperforming, while the smallcap index ended flat or slightly higher . The primary reasons for the decline included continued foreign fund outflows and sector-specific pressures. Information Technology (IT) stocks were notably hit for a second consecutive session after the US modified its H-1B visa selection process, raising concerns about the near-term outlook for the sector . Sector and Stock Highlights Most sectoral indices ended the day in the red, with IT, Pharma, Oil & Gas, and PSU banks seeing the most significant declines . Media and metal sectors were the only gainers . Top Gainers on the Nifty 50 included : Trent Ltd Shriram Finance Ltd (NSE:SHRIRAMFIN) Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (NSE:APOLLOHOSP) Hindalco Industries Ltd (NSE:HINDALCO) Top Losers on the Nifty 50 included : Interglobe Aviation Ltd (NSE:INDIGO) Wipro Ltd (NSE:WIPRO) Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd (NSE:DRREDDY) Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NSE:SUNPHARMA) In stock-specific news, Castrol India Ltd (BOM:500120) shares surged after its parent company BP agreed to sell a majority stake. Shares of Manappuram Finance Ltd (BOM:531213) and other gold finance companies rallied as gold prices hit record highs.