Stock Market Today: Nifty Tumbles Below 25,000, Dragged by Bajaj Finance and Infosys Shares

Key Takeaways

• Nifty and Midcaps Hit Hard: The Nifty 50 fell over 200 points to close at 24,846.25. The broader market was hit harder, with the Nifty Midcap 100 dropping over 700 points. 

• Bajaj Finance and Infosys Lead: Major stocks like Bajaj Finance (-4.52%) and Infosys (-2.47%) saw sharp corrections due to concerns around retail credit growth. 

• RBI Outlook: RBI Governor’s cautious comments on inflation and policy direction signaled no immediate stimulus, dampening investor appetite.

The Indian stock market experienced a sharp sell-off on July 18, 2025, at press time. The benchmark indices extended their losing streak on overvaluation concerns and continuous FII selling.

The NSE Nifty 50 tumbled by 204 points or 0.82%, closing at 24,846.25, slipping below the psychologically important 25,000 mark. The BSE Sensex dropped 653 points or 0.79% to settle at 81,531. The correction wasn't limited to large-caps. Broader indices bled profusely, with the Nifty Midcap 100 plunging by over 700 points and the Nifty Smallcap 100 falling more than 1.5%.

Investor sentiment turned risk-averse as GIFT Nifty indicated a gap-down opening, eventually materializing with 43 of the 50 Nifty stocks ending in the red. This downturn pushed the Nifty below its 50-Day Moving Average of 25,058, signaling increased bearish pressure in the short term.

Top Gainers on Nifty 50

Despite the broader market weakness, a few stocks managed to post gains, according to Moneycontrol data. Cipla led the gainers' pack with an impressive 4.26% rise to ₹1,551.30. The hike was backed by bullish sentiment ahead of earnings. SBI Life Insurance climbed 2.43% to ₹1,837.20, supported by strong institutional interest.

Apollo Hospitals gained 1.28% to ₹7,458. At the same time, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and HDFC Life also showed resilience, gaining 1.15% and 1.04% respectively. Sun Pharma and Bharti Airtel registered marginal upticks of 0.33% and 0.12%.

Top Losers on Nifty 50

Moneycontrol data on top losers on Nifty 50 showed that Bajaj Finance emerged as the worst performer, falling 4.52% to ₹915.65 amid investor concerns over slowing loan growth. Shriram Finance followed with a 3.60% drop to ₹610.75. Bajaj Auto, IndusInd Bank, and Bajaj Finserv declined between 2.5% to 2.6%.

Infosys slid 2.47% to ₹1,514.10, hurt by IT sector downgrades, while Power Grid, Tech Mahindra, and Adani Enterprises all posted declines of over 2%. Nestle, Trent, Tata Consumer Products, and Tata Motors also ended deep in the red, dragging down sentiment further.

Also Read: Bajaj Finance Slumps 5.21% to Rs. 909 Amid Q1 Results Reaction

Stock-Specific Buzz: Laurus Labs and Tatva Chintan

Laurus Labs shares traded in the red ahead of its Q1 results despite hitting a 52-week high earlier in the day. The stock had gained 25% in the past month, but investors booked profits anticipating volatile earnings. On the other hand, Tatva Chintan Pharma surged 20% after reporting strong revenue and margin expansion in Q1 FY26. Thus, defying the broader market downturn.

FPI Activity and Market Sentiment

Foreign institutional investors continued to offload shares aggressively, contributing to the downward spiral. With more than ₹10,000 crore withdrawn from secondary markets in July, the selling trend shows no signs of reversal. While primary issuances still attract attention, the absence of broad-based buying points to selective conviction among investors.

Macro Outlook and RBI Signals

Adding to the cautious mood, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das addressed regulatory and inflation concerns. He emphasized the central bank’s commitment to price stability, stating that while the battle against inflation has seen progress, the war is far from over.

He also indicated that the MPC would adopt a forward-looking approach in its upcoming meeting. Transmission of earlier rate cuts is gradually reflecting in the credit system, which he noted should aid future growth. However, the remarks offered little near-term relief for equity markets weighed by valuation worries and lack of immediate triggers.

Investors should stay updated on the upcoming regulatory policy changes  and macroeconomic developments as near-term volatility remains.

Also Read: Stock Market LIVE Updates: Key Index Movements and Sector-Wise Highlights

FAQs

1. Why did the stock market fall today?

The market fell due to a combination of factors including persistent FII selling, overvaluation concerns, and weak global cues. The Nifty dropped over 200 points, breaching the 25,000 mark, and broader indices like midcaps and smallcaps faced steeper losses.

2. Which stocks led the decline on July 18?

Bajaj Finance was the biggest loser, down 4.52%, followed by Shriram Finance, Infosys, Bajaj Auto, and Adani Enterprises, all witnessing sharp sell-offs due to weak investor sentiment and sector-specific pressures.

3. Were there any gainers in today’s market?

Yes, Cipla rose over 4% on strong expectations ahead of earnings. SBI Life Insurance, Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Reddy’s Labs, and HDFC Life also posted gains, showing sectoral divergence even in a falling market.

4. What did the RBI Governor say today?

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das spoke about policy transparency, continued inflation vigilance, and regulatory streamlining. He emphasized that monetary policy will remain forward-looking and signaled that inflation remains a key focus ahead of the MPC meeting.

5. What should investors watch next?

Investors should monitor earnings results from Laurus Labs and other large-cap companies next week, RBI policy commentary, and FPI activity trends. The 25,058 level on Nifty will act as a technical resistance in the coming sessions.