Indian Markets Tumble 300+ Points on Global Trade Fears
Overview
Indian stock markets opened lower Monday, with Nifty50 falling below 25,700 and Sensex shedding over 300 points. This marks a fifth consecutive session of declines, driven by persistent global trade concerns and political uncertainty in Washington that is dampening investor sentiment. While Asian equities saw gains, domestic indices succumbed to selling pressure early on.
Indian Equities Open Lower
Indian benchmark indices Nifty50 and Sensex started Monday's trading session in negative territory. Nifty50 dipped below the 25,700 mark, trading down 82 points or 0.32% at 25,600 by 9:20 AM. The Sensex followed suit, plunging 307 points or 0.37% to 83,269.
Fifth Consecutive Session of Decline
The indices extended their downward trend for a fifth straight session. Investor sentiment remains subdued due to ongoing concerns surrounding global trade dynamics and political uncertainties emanating from Washington. An initial attempt to stage a recovery quickly faltered as renewed selling pressure pushed both benchmarks back into the red.
Global Markets Mixed, Oil Stable
In contrast, Asian equity markets displayed strength, with benchmarks in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, and Taipei advancing. This followed a record close on Wall Street Friday, fueling optimism. Markets across Bangkok, Manila, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta also registered early gains, building on a positive start to the year for global stocks. Oil prices, meanwhile, eased slightly but remained broadly stable after last week's rally. Heightened geopolitical risks from Iran protests persist, alongside worries about a potential supply glut following US seizures of Venezuelan crude shipments.
