**Market Update: Decline Dominates as Financial Sectors Struggle**
Today’s market performance reflects a challenging environment, with only 2 sectors advancing against a staggering 36 declining sectors, resulting in a dismal advance-decline ratio of 0.06. The BSE 500 index recorded a one-day return of -0.97%, highlighting the prevailing bearish sentiment.

The NIFTYPHARMA sector emerged as a rare bright spot, gaining 0.63%, driven by strong performances from stocks like Ipca Labs, which surged by 3.21%. Similarly, the BSE Healthcare sector saw a modest increase of 0.40%, bolstered by IOL Chemicals, which climbed 5.29%.

Conversely, the financial sectors faced significant headwinds. The BANKEX sector plummeted by 1.40%, with ICICI Bank dragging down performance with a loss of 1.69%. The S&P BSE Financial Services and NIFTYFINANCE sectors also struggled, declining by 1.37% and 1.35%, respectively, with Cholaman Investment & Finance and 360 ONE contributing to the downturn.

As the market grapples with these challenges, investors remain cautious, particularly in the financial sector, which continues to face pressure.