Indian stock markets began the week on a weak note, continuing their recent downward trend as investors reacted to muted third-quarter (Q3) corporate earnings and sustained foreign institutional investor (FII) selling. Both benchmark indices opened in the red, reflecting cautious sentiment amid global pressures.
BSE Sensex started at 74,893.45, down 417.61 points or 0.55 percent, while the Nifty 50 index opened at 22,609.35, falling by 186.55 points or 0.82 percent. Analysts attribute the market’s decline to disappointing Q3 earnings, high valuations, and global market volatility.
Ajay Bagga, a banking and market expert, said that the Q3 earnings in India have been lackluster, failing to uplift market sentiment. “Valuations have come down, and the premium of Indian markets compared to the MSCI World Index and other global markets is now much lower. Most brokerages have turned negative on the outlook for the next two quarters, leading to cautious sentiment,” Bagga added.
Sectoral indices were under pressure, with Nifty Metal declining by more than 1.3 percent and Nifty Bank falling by 0.62 percent. Nifty Auto and Nifty Realty also dropped by over 1.12 percent.
Among the Nifty 50 constituents, 42 stocks opened with losses, while only eight stocks showed gains. Top gainers included Dr. Reddy’s, Sun Pharma, and Maruti Suzuki, while Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Trent, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), and HCL Technologies were among the biggest losers.
“The Indian stock market has been under bearish control for the past thirteen sessions, despite the Nifty 50 index sustaining above the crucial support range of 22,750 to 22,800. Weak global market sentiment, fears of a trade war, and economic uncertainty fueled by Trump’s tariff policies are weighing on investors. Additionally, heavy selling by FIIs, driven by rising bond yields and a strong dollar, is contributing to the market’s downturn,” said Sunil Gurjar, SEBI-registered research analyst and founder of Alphamojo Financial Services.
The weakness in Indian markets mirrored broader Asian market trends. Taiwan’s Weighted Index fell by more than 0.69 percent, South Korea’s KOSPI index declined by 0.64 percent, and Japan’s Nikkei 225 remained closed for a holiday.
-ANI
