India's stock benchmarks flat as rise in metals offsets broader pullback

** Benchmark Nifty 50 NIFTY and Sensex SENSEX trade little changed as gains in metals offset broader pullback after rallying in the previous session

** In contrast, broader small- CNXSMALLCAP, mid-caps CNXMIDCAP rise 0.3% each

** Ten of 16 major sectors decline; financials CNXFINANCE trade marginally lower after 1.4% jump on Wed on RBI's fresh lending reforms

** Metals CCNXMETAL jump 2.4% to record high on supply disruptions at Freeport's Grasberg mine and dollar weakness on firming hopes of Oct U.S. rate cut

** Despite benchmarks trading flat on Fri, both are up 0.7% for the week

** Among stocks, Axis Bank AXISBANK gains 1.5% after Morgan Stanley hikes PT citing likely improvement in earnings in second half of FY2026

** Nuvama Wealth NUVAMA advances 3% on regulatory nod to set up mutual fund business