Indian equity markets closed lower on Friday, with the newly launched closing auction session continuing to create a divergence between the benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty. 27%) to end the session at 24,571.

Here's how analysts read the market pulse: Market sentiment remains measured as the absence of a definitive geopolitical resolution in the Middle East continues to keep crude oil prices volatile, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services. Meanwhile, gold has strengthened on renewed safe-haven demand and a softer US dollar, with investors closely tracking the upcoming US non-farm payrolls data for further clarity on the Fed's policy trajectory, he added."

Domestically, earnings from several industry bellwethers have been in line with or ahead of expectations, providing a constructive backdrop for sector-specific optimism and investment opportunities. Notably, SBI's strong performance, underpinned by healthy credit growth, improving asset quality and resilient margins, has reinforced confidence in the banking and PSU banking segments, offering an important pillar of support to the broader market outlook," according to the analyst.

US stocksUS stocks rallied on Friday after data showed employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs last month, raising hopes that the Federal Reserve will hold off on interest rate hikes. 3%.

25, marking a fourth straight weekly gain. -Iran agreement.

Technology shares led sectoral gains, tracking Wall Street strength, while healthcare stocks also advanced, boosted by Genmab’s strong results and upgraded outlook. S.

payroll data, showing an unexpected decline in jobs, further lifted sentiment by reducing expectations of a near-term Federal Reserve rate hike. Tech viewGoing ahead, the immediate resistance for Nifty is placed in the 24,700-24,730 zone, according to SBI Securities.

Any sustainable move above this zone could result in Nifty extending its up move towards 24,850, followed by 25,000 in the short term, it added. On the downside, the immediate support for Nifty is placed in the 24,430-24,400 zone, the domestic brokerage said.

Most active stocks in terms of turnoverSBI (Rs 3,246 crore), Siemens Energy (Rs 2,897 crore), ICICI Bank (Rs 2,063 crore), Kalyan Jewellers (Rs 2,053 crore), Samvardhana Motherson (Rs 1,927 crore), Bajaj Finance (Rs 1,702 crore) and LIC (Rs 1,432 crore) were among the most active stocks on NSE in value terms. Higher activity in a counter in value terms can help identify the counters with the highest trading turnovers in the day.