Indian stock markets ended the week on a negative note as global tariff uncertainties spooked investors, leading to a broad-based selloff.
The Sensex plunged 733 points (0.90%) to close at 80,426.46, while the Nifty50 dropped 236 points (0.95%) to 24,654.70. The Nifty Bank index also fell by 1.08%, reflecting pressure on financial stocks.
Broader Market Impact
- Midcap and Smallcap Selloff: The BSE Midcap index lost 1.96% and the Smallcap index tumbled 2.05%, significantly underperforming frontline indices.
- Volatility Surge: The India VIX (fear gauge) rose 5.95%, highlighting growing nervousness among investors.
Sector & Stock Highlights
- Top Gainers: Despite overall weakness, L&T (+3%), Tata Motors, ITC, and Reliance managed to stay in the green, offering partial support.
- Top Losers: Heavy selling dragged down blue-chip counters — M&M (-3.6%), Tata Steel (-2.8%), Bajaj Finance (-2.8%), Sun Pharma (-2.6%), and Asian Paints (-2.6%).
Market Sentiment
The decline was attributed to global concerns over tariffs and trade tensions, sparking a risk-off mood among investors. Analysts expect volatility to remain high in the near term as markets digest policy uncertainties and global cues.
