Sensex, Nifty Tumble as Escalating U.S.-Iran Tensions Weigh on Markets
MUMBAI — Indian equity markets ended sharply lower Monday as rising tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran unsettled investors and sparked broad-based selling across sectors.
The benchmark Nifty 50 dropped 312.95 points, or 1.24 percent, to close at 24,865.70. The BSE Sensex fell 1,048.34 points, or 1.29 percent, to settle at 80,238.85 — its lowest closing level since September 2025.
Although both indices trimmed some losses from intraday lows, they remained firmly in negative territory at the close.
Market analysts said the Nifty’s immediate support level is around 24,600.
“A decisive breakdown below this level could trigger a deeper correction in the market. On the higher side, resistance is seen at 25,000,” one analyst said.
“Until the Nifty sustains above 25,000, overall sentiment is likely to remain tilted in favour of the bears,” another expert noted.
Among the 30 Sensex stocks, Bharat Electronics Ltd., Sun Pharma and ITC were the only gainers. InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, led the losers with a decline of 6.25 percent.
Other major laggards included Maruti Suzuki India, Asian Paints, Bajaj Finserv and Reliance Industries.
Investor anxiety was reflected in the surge in the India VIX, the NSE’s volatility index, which jumped 25.01 percent to close at 17.13 — signaling heightened fear in the market.
Broader indices fared worse than the headline benchmarks. The Nifty MidCap index fell 1.58 percent, while the Nifty SmallCap index declined 1.75 percent.
Sectorally, auto and oil and gas stocks bore the brunt of the sell-off. The Nifty Auto index was the worst performer, dropping 2.20 percent.
In contrast, the Nifty Metal index managed to buck the broader trend, closing 0.24 percent higher.
Market participants said the intensifying geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East has dampened risk appetite, prompting investors to book profits and reduce exposure.
“Market sentiment remained heavily dented amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with risks now translating into visible economic concerns across sectors,” an analyst said. (Source: IANS)
