Indian stock market, July 31 -- Benchmark indices paused for breath in July after a stellar multi-month rally, as disappointing corporate earnings and persistent foreign outflows weighed on sentiment. Investor caution was further heightened by uncertainty around a potential trade deal, which ultimately failed to meet expectations.

US President Donald Trump threw a curveball in the form of a 25% tariff on imports, along with a warning of unspecified penalties for energy and defence-related purchases from Russia. This promoted worries that August, which is generally a positive month for the Indian stock market, may see tempered gains as global headwinds and cautious investor sentiment persist.

Historically, July and August are among the m...