Mkts secure gains in choppy '24; face volatility risks in '25

Despite a near 10 per cent pullback from their peak, the domestic equity markets secured their ninth consecutive annual gain in 2024.

- SAMIE MODAK

But, the pace of growth decelerated compared to the previous year, as investors contended with sluggish earnings growth, a weakening rupee, and the allure of a strong rally in US markets.

Both equity benchmarks—the Sensex and the Nifty 50—closed flat on the final trading day of the year, at 78,139 and 23,645, respectively.

The Sensex registered an 8.2 per cent gain for 2024, while the Nifty 50 rose by 8.8 per cent—significantly slower than the previous year's nearly 20 per cent surge for both indices.

Meanwhile, the broader market indices, Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100, outperformed, with gains of 24 per cent.