Indian markets traded steady on October 25 as early-session volatility eased. The Sensex hovered near 84,500 while Nifty stayed above 25,800, supported by auto and banking stocks. Metal counters lagged on weak export demand. Traders expect range-bound movement before next week’s F&O expiry, citing mixed global cues and steady foreign inflows. Analysts advise selective accumulation in private banks and consumer staples amid ongoing profit-taking in broader indices.