Rally pauses: Nifty, Sensex end flat as breadth stays strong

Indian benchmarks ended little changed after a six-session rally, with Sensex flat near recent highs and Nifty closing marginally lower, while more than 200 stocks printed new 52-week highs. Breadth remained positive as banks, autos and capital goods offset profit-taking in oil and select FMCG names. Traders cited stable global cues, easing volatility and steady domestic SIP flows. Derivatives positioning showed put writing at 25,800–26,000 strikes. Analysts said consolidation near record territory is constructive, with earnings commentary and macro prints likely guiding the next leg into November’s results-heavy calendar phase.