Sensex and Nifty Decline in Early Trading Amid Global Market Turmoil
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, March 27 (NationPress) The domestic equity indices commenced the trading session lower on Friday, influenced by negative global signals and high Brent crude prices as optimism regarding a resolution to the Iran conflict continues to wane.
The Nifty index started at 23,173.55, down by 132.90 points or 0.57 percent, while the Sensex dropped nearly 400 points to 74,883.79 in early trading.
Broader market indices also faced downward pressure, with midcap and smallcap sectors trading lower.
Sector-wise, most indices were in the negative territory, with real estate, metal, public sector banks, and automobile stocks experiencing declines of up to 1 percent. Financial and consumer durable sectors also faced selling pressure.
In contrast, IT and oil & gas stocks managed to resist the downward trend and posted modest increases.
Among major stocks, HDFC Bank and Bajaj Finance were noted as significant laggards.
The market sentiment remained cautious amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. US President Donald Trump announced that the suspension of attacks on Iran’s energy facilities would be prolonged, although uncertainty remains as Iran dismissed a US proposal as “one-sided.”
Global markets displayed a risk-averse attitude, with US indices closing sharply lower; the S&P 500 dropped by 1.74 percent and the Nasdaq fell by 2.38 percent. Asian markets mirrored this trend, with Japan’s Nikkei declining by over 1 percent and South Korea’s Kospi dropping approximately 3 percent.
Crude oil prices saw fluctuations, easing slightly with Brent crude down 2.29 percent at $105.53 per barrel, while WTI crude decreased by 2.54 percent to $92.08.
Analysts suggest that market volatility is expected to persist amid global uncertainties. Immediate support for Nifty is anticipated in the 23,050–23,000 range, while resistance is seen around 23,450–23,500.
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have remained net sellers, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) have provided market support.
It is noteworthy that Indian markets resumed trading on Friday following a holiday on Thursday for Ram Navami.