Sensex and Nifty Dip as Midcaps Tumble; Hindustan Zinc Falls After Vedanta Share Sale

Equity Markets Under Pressure: Midcaps Lead Fall, Hindustan Zinc Slides After Stake Sale

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: June 18, 2025

Summary: Markets began lower, with midcaps under severe selling pressure. Hindustan Zinc fell substantially as Vedanta sold a large number of shares, depressing investor sentiment.

Indian stock markets saw a downward shift today, led by weakness in midcap stocks and pressure on select metal counters.

Hindustan Zinc was among the top losers, sliding over 6% in a single session and about 15% over six days. The sharp drop followed reports of Vedanta selling a 1.7% stake in the company via a block deal worth ₹3,323 crore. The stock was allegedly sold at a 10% discount, raising concerns about promoter activity and long-term expansion uncertainties.

The impact was seen throughout the Nifty Midcap 100 index, with 90 out of 100 equities in the red. Broader sentiment fell further as investors became more cautious, particularly in sectors prone to global volatility such as metals and mining.

Even while midcap stocks were down, certain large-cap firms provided a slight support, which limited the overall losses. However, the market mood was muted.

As the trading day progressed, some investors expressed anxiety about potential further losses, particularly in midcap equities, while others saw the dip as a buying opportunity, albeit with caution.