Although the benchmark indices opened lower, they traded negatively throughout the session and ultimately closed red.

Indian equity benchmarks, Sensex and Nifty50, snapped a three-day winning streak on Friday as investors turned cautious ahead of the much-awaited Union Budget 2026, scheduled to be announced over the weekend.

At the closing bell, the BSE Sensex closed lower by 297 points (down 0.4%).

Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty closed 98 points lower (down 0.4%).

M&M, SBI, and ITC are among the top gainers today

Tata Steel, ICICI Bank, and HCL Tech, on the other hand, were among the top losers today.

The GIFT Nifty was trading at  25,43,3, lower by 83 points at the time of writing.

The BSE MidCap index ended 1.5% lower, and the BSE SmallCap index ended 2.2% lower.

Sectoral indices are trading mixed today, with stocks in the metal sector and the power sector witnessing buying. Meanwhile, stocks in the IT sector and the auto sector witnessed selling pressure.

The rupee is trading at Rs 90 against the US$.

Gold prices for the latest contract on MCX are trading 7% lower at Rs 169,652 per gram.

Meanwhile, silver prices were trading 16% lower at Rs 3,35,305 per 1 kg.
 

Cupid Q3 Results

In the news from consumer sector, shares of Cupid came into focus after the company reported its Q3 FY26 results.

The company's total revenue jumped 105.6% year-on-year to Rs 10.44 billion (bn) during the quarter, up from Rs 5.08 bn in Q3 FY25.

EBITDA grew 201.3% year-on-year, reaching Rs 3.43 bn from Rs 1.14 bn a year ago.

Cupid's net profit surged 196.3% year-on-year to Rs 3.28 bn in the December quarter (Q3 FY26) from Rs 1.11 bn in the same quarter last year (Q3 FY25).

Additionally, Cupid's board has approved a plan to issue bonus equity shares at a ratio of 4:1, pending necessary approvals from shareholders and regulatory authorities.
 

Aurobindo Pharma Gains on Import Price

Moving on to the news from pharma sector, shares of Aurobindo Pharma came into focus after the government imposed a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of Rs 2,216 per kg for Penicillin G, which is expected to benefit the company significantly.

The government has also fixed MIPs for other key drugs: Rs 2,733 per kg for Amoxicillin and Rs 3,405 per kg for 6-APA. These drugs have been moved from the free import category to the restricted category if imported below the set prices.

The MIP rules are effective immediately and will remain in place for one year, until January 2027. Aurobindo has a total Penicillin G capacity of 15,000 tonnes, with 6,000 tonnes earmarked for merchant sales. The new MIP ensures that imports below the prescribed price are restricted, which is expected to improve profitability for the company.
 

Mamata Machinery Rises on EU Patent

Moving on to the news from engineering sector, shares of Mamata Machinery came into focus came after the company announced that it has been granted a patent in the European Union (EU) for its invention A Cross Sealing Device.

Mamata Machinery, a leading global provider of flexible packaging machinery, has developed a proprietary cross sealing technology, already patented in India and the US.

With the EU patent now secured, the company can offer this innovative sealing solution to customers across Europe, strengthening its global presence.

With over 35 years of experience and more than 5,000 machines installed in 80 countries, Mamata is known for continuous innovation and introducing industry-first products.

The company focuses on technology, quality, and customer-centric design, making it a trusted partner for businesses seeking efficient and reliable flexible packaging solutions worldwide.

More By This Author: