Indian Equity Markets Decline Amid Global Trade Concerns

Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty fell sharply in early trading as renewed US-China tariff fears triggered a global risk-off sentiment. The Nifty 50 dropped 130 points while the Sensex lost 450 points, with IT, FMCG, and metal stocks bearing the brunt of selling pressure. Foreign investor outflows and rupee weakness exacerbated the decline.

Sectoral performance showed stark divergence—PSU banks and financials demonstrated resilience while consumer durables and technology stocks dragged. Tata Motors and Infosys emerged as the worst performers among Nifty constituents, contrasting with gains in Adani Ports and Bajaj Auto.

Market breadth turned decidedly negative with 2,012 decliners overwhelming 963 advancers on the NSE. The rout extended to midcaps and smallcaps, both indices shedding nearly half a percent. Seventy-one stocks hit annual highs against eighty-two touching new lows, reflecting concentrated stress in specific sectors rather than broad-based capitulation.