Domestic equity markets were largely flat in mid-session trade on Thursday, with benchmarks showing minimal movement but broader market indices facing notable pressure.

At 12:25 PM, the BSE Sensex was down 15.30 points at 81,429.35, while the Nifty 50 slipped 2 points to 24,810.05. Both indices are trading just off record highs, reflecting consolidation amid lack of fresh triggers.

Sectoral performance was mixed. Most sectors were trading in the red with losses led by information technology, media, metals, oil & gas, and PSU banks, each down by nearly 1 per cent. Weakness in global tech stocks and soft commodity prices weighed on investor sentiment in these segments.

The auto sector was the only outlier, showing modest gains in an otherwise subdued market. Stocks in the sector found support on the back of consistent domestic demand trends and anticipation of higher sales ahead of the festive season.

The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices were also down around 1 per cent, underperforming the benchmarks. Investors remained cautious on the broader market due to valuation concerns and recent volatility in select pockets.

On the NSE, the most actively traded shares included Swiggy, Inventurus Knowledge Solutions, Mazagon Dock, BSE Limited, and Vishal Mega Mart. These stocks saw higher volumes, indicating focused participation.

Overall, the market remained in a narrow range as participants awaited global cues and upcoming macroeconomic data. While the benchmarks were mostly stable, the decline in midcap and smallcap indices reflected a defensive approach among investors.