Benchmark indices traded lower on Thursday as traders remained cautious on a number of weak signals from the global markets. However, losses were capped thanks to buying in PSU banks, realty and metal stocks.

After long years of underperformance, stocks of govt-owned companies have started showing outperformance. CPSE ETF is the best way to bet on PSU stocks, said an analyst. In the 50-share pack Nifty, Adani Ports was the biggest gainer, up 1.81 per cent.

Dr Reddy’s Labs, Coal India, Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Bajaj Finserv and Wipro were among other gainers. PowerGrid was the top loser in the pack, down 1.59 per cent. ONGC, Bajaj Auto, Indian Oil, Eicher Motors, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Cipla and Tata Consumer were among those that traded in the red.