Indian Markets Post Sixth Straight Weekly Loss Amid West Asia Tensions
MUMBAI — Indian equity markets ended lower for a sixth consecutive week as escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and currency volatility weighed on investor sentiment during a shortened trading week.
The Sensex closed at 73,319.55 on Thursday, down 263.67 points, or 0.35 percent, from the previous week’s close. The Nifty 50 settled at 22,713.10, falling 106.50 points, or 0.46 percent, on a week-on-week basis.
Markets saw sharp declines in the final session after comments from U.S. President Donald Trump warning of possible military strikes on Iran within weeks rattled investors. Both indices plunged in early trade — with the Nifty dropping more than 500 points and the Sensex falling over 1,500 points — before recovering some losses by the close.
Among Nifty 50 stocks, HDFC Life Insurance, Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, NTPC, and Cipla were among the biggest losers for the week.
In the broader market, the BSE Midcap 150 declined 0.6 percent, underperforming the benchmarks, while the BSE Smallcap 250 rose 0.8 percent, bucking the overall trend.
Sectorally, realty, healthcare, and banking stocks led gains, rising about 3 percent, 2.7 percent, and 1 percent, respectively. Metal, power, and consumer durables sectors were the worst performers, each falling more than 2 percent.
Analysts said markets are likely to remain volatile in the near term, with investor sentiment closely tied to developments in the West Asia conflict.
“Indian equities are likely to remain volatile, with investor sentiment closely tied to evolving developments in the ongoing West Asia conflict. While the U.S. continues to assess its response, recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump indicate a more assertive stance, warning of possible military action if negotiations fail, while still leaving room for diplomacy,” market experts said.
They added that any signs of de-escalation could support markets through softer crude oil prices and improved currency stability, while further escalation may prolong risk aversion and pressure foreign investment flows.
Brent crude prices remained elevated near $107 per barrel.
Looking ahead, markets will resume trading after a three-day break and are expected to track key developments including the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy decision, the release of U.S. Federal Reserve meeting minutes, and the start of the fourth-quarter earnings season.
Stock exchanges will remain closed on Friday for Good Friday. (Source: IANS)
