Indian equity markets ended the last trading session of financial year 2025–26 on a weak note on Monday, amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that dampened investor sentiment.
The benchmark indices witnessed sharp declines, with the Nifty falling 488.20 points, or 2.14 per cent, to close at 22,331.40. The Sensex dropped 1,635.67 points, or 2.22 per cent, to settle at 71,947.55.
Market participants remained cautious as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East raised concerns over global economic growth and inflation, triggering broad-based selling across sectors.
Financial stocks led the decline, with Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance and State Bank of India among the major losers on the Nifty. On the Sensex, most stocks ended in the red, with Bajaj Finance, IndiGo, Bajaj Finserv, Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank among the top laggards. Tech Mahindra and Power Grid were the only stocks that managed to close in positive territory.
The broader markets also mirrored the weakness. The Nifty MidCap index declined 2.68 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index fell 2.66 per cent.
Sectorally, banking and financial indices were the worst performers, including the Nifty PSU Bank, Nifty Bank and Nifty Financial Services indices. Metal and oil and gas stocks, however, saw relatively smaller losses compared to other sectors.
Experts said heightened geopolitical tensions, including escalation in the Middle East and concerns over rising energy prices, have pushed investors towards a risk-averse approach.
-IANS
