Why Did the Indian Stock Markets Close Lower After the US Tariff Announcement?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Indian stock market closed lower due to US tariffs.
- Sensex and Nifty experienced significant declines.
- Pharma and IT sectors were among the top losers.
- Critical support levels for Nifty are near 24,450.
- Investors should remain cautious amidst market fluctuations.
Mumbai, Aug 1 (NationPress) The Indian stock market concluded the trading session on a negative note on Friday, following the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding a 25 percent tariff on imports from India.
The Sensex finished at 80,599.91, reflecting a decrease of 585.67 points or 0.72 percent. The 30-share index began the day in the red at 81,074.41, compared to the previous session's close of 81,185.58, influenced by the tariff threat from the US. This downward trend escalated due to widespread selling, particularly in the Pharma and IT sectors. The index reached an intra-day low of 80,495.57.
The Nifty wrapped up at 24,565.35, down 203 points or 0.82 percent.
Top losers from the Sensex included Tata Steel, Maruti Suzuki, Infosys, Tata Motors, Tech Mahindra, Bharti Airtel, BEL, Bajaj FinServ, ICICI Bank, HCL Tech, Mahindra and Mahindra, and TCS. Conversely, Trent, Asian Paints, Hindustan Unilever, and ITC managed to remain in the green.
Most sectoral indices closed lower, with Nifty Pharma dropping 759 points or 3.33 percent. Nifty Auto decreased by 244.90 points or 1.04 percent, Nifty IT fell 652 points or 1.85 percent, and Nifty Bank ended down 344.35 points or 0.62 percent. However, Nifty FMCG saw an uptick, gaining 384 points.
The broader indices mirrored this trend, with Nifty Midcap 100 declining by 763 points or 1.33 percent, Nifty Small Cap 100 dropping 298 points or 1.66 percent, and Nifty 100 finishing the day 230 points or 0.91 percent lower.
Analysts noted that the markets kicked off the August series on a negative trajectory, extending the ongoing corrective trend, and concluded lower by more than half a percent.
In terms of sector performance, pharma, metal, and IT emerged as the biggest losers. The broader indices also suffered significant declines, with each losing nearly 1.5 percent, which greatly affected market breadth.
“The markets are facing challenges due to a mixed earnings season, and the recent tariff announcement coupled with ongoing foreign fund outflows are adding to the negative sentiment. The Nifty is nearing a critical support level at 24,450; a breach could lead to a retest of the long-term moving average, the 200-day EMA, around 24,180, ” stated Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd.
Rupak De from LKP Securities mentioned that further declines are possible if it drops below 24,400; otherwise, a recovery might be on the horizon. Resistance is anticipated at 24,600–24,650 and 24,850.