Why Did Sensex and Nifty Decline by Approximately 2.5% This Week Amid Global Uncertainties?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, Jan 10 (NationPress) The Indian equity benchmarks experienced a decline of roughly 2.5 percent this week, marking a continued downturn over five trading sessions due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the US-India tariff discussions and rising geopolitical tensions. Profit-taking in sectors such as automobiles, metals, and oil and gas exerted pressure on the indices, while modest buying in consumer durables provided a fleeting sense of relief amidst hopes for a demand recovery.
The Nifty index fell by 2.45 percent for the week, with a 0.75 percent drop on the final trading day, concluding at 25,638. The Sensex also showed a decline, dropping 604 points or 0.72 percent to settle at 83,576, reflecting a 2.55 percent decrease over the week.
According to analysts, the Bank Nifty has formed a dark cloud cover candlestick pattern on the weekly chart, indicating potential selling pressure at elevated levels.
Domestic markets have remained risk-averse, particularly due to concerns regarding potential US trade actions linked to sanctions against Russia. Market sentiment has been dampened by global challenges, including the Venezuela-US tensions, worries over Russian oil imports, restrictions from China on rare earth exports, and persistent foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows.
Broader market indices mirrored the benchmark indices this week, with the Nifty Midcap100 down by 2.64 percent and the Nifty Smallcap100 declining 3.08 percent.
Investors are closely watching for the upcoming key Q3 FY26 IT earnings, scheduled for release next week.
Additionally, a ruling from the court is anticipated regarding US President Donald Trump’s invocation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad global tariffs, which include a 10 percent base levy and higher reciprocal duties on significant trading partners.
According to analysts, volatility is expected to persist in the near term, particularly in US-sensitive sectors like metals and oil and gas.
Overall, analysts predict that the markets will remain range-bound with a mixed outlook, balancing external risks against domestic fundamentals.
aar/na