Nifty 200

Sensex and Nifty fell over 1 percent amid weak Asian markets., Nifty closed at a six-month low, dropping 385 points., Rising oil prices and West Asia tensions spooked investors.

* Sensex and Nifty fell over 1 percent amid weak Asian markets.
* Nifty closed at a six-month low, dropping 385 points.
* Rising oil prices and West Asia tensions spooked investors.

Sensex and Nifty fell over 1% amid weak Asian markets and rising West Asia tensions, pushing oil prices higher. Nifty closed at a six-month low, with analysts warning of further downside if support levels are breached and suggesting a sell-on-rise strategy.

shorts/business/does-today-s-last-hour-selling-indicate-more-downside-for-sensex-nifty-here-s-what-analysts-say

* Sensex and Nifty fell over 1 percent amid weak Asian markets.
* Nifty closed at a six-month low, dropping 385 points.
* Rising oil prices and West Asia tensions spooked investors.

The benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty declined more than 1 percent on Wednesday, tracking weak Asian markets amid escalating tensions in West Asia that pushed oil prices higher.

Extending losses for the fourth straight session, the Sensex declined 1,122.66 points or 1.4 percent to settle at 79,116.19. During the day, it slumped 1,795.65 points or 2.23 percent to 78,443.20 before trimming some losses in the later half. However, renewed selling in the last hour dragged the index lower again.

The Nifty dropped 385.20 points or 1.55 percent to close at 24,480.50, its third consecutive session of decline and the lowest closing level in six months. In intra-day trade, it fell 560.30 points or 2.25 percent to 24,305.40.

Market participants said the late-session selling has raised concerns over the possibility of further downside.

Sudeep Shah, Head of Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities, said immediate support for Nifty is placed in the 24,350-24,300 zone, which had acted as a strong base in August 2025.

"Any sustainable move below this zone could result in Nifty extending its weakness towards 24,100, followed by 23,800 in the short term. On the upside, the 24,650–24,700 zone is likely to act as immediate resistance," he said.

Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said the Nifty continues to decline as rising crude oil prices have unsettled investors.

"The index has remained below the rising trendline on the daily timeframe, indicating increasing pessimism in the market. The RSI remains in a bearish crossover, confirming weak momentum. Immediate crucial support is placed at 24,200–24,000, while resistance is seen at 24,700. In the short term, the trend suggests a sell-on-rise strategy," he said.

Shah said Bank Nifty opened gap down and remained largely range-bound during the session, closing at 58,755, down 1.81 percent. The index has slipped below its 100-day EMA on the daily chart.

"With today’s move, Bank Nifty has fully filled the 1,106-point gap created on February 3 following the India-US trade deal. Immediate support is placed in the 58,200–58,100 zone. Any sustainable move below this zone could result in further weakness towards 57,700, followed by 57,300 in the short term. On the upside, the 59,200–59,300 zone is likely to act as immediate resistance," he added.

Tensions in West Asia intensified with Iran continuing strikes on several Gulf countries in retaliation for the joint attack by Israel and the US. The US and Israel have also carried out fresh strikes on Iran, adding to geopolitical concerns.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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Does today's last-hour selling indicate more downside for Sensex, Nifty? Here's what analysts say

The benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty declined more than 1 percent on Wednesday, tracking weak Asian markets amid escalating tensions in West Asia that pushed oil prices higher.

Extending losses for the fourth straight session, the Sensex declined 1,122.66 points or 1.4 percent to settle at 79,116.19. During the day, it slumped 1,795.65 points or 2.23 percent to 78,443.20 before trimming some losses in the later half. However, renewed selling in the last hour dragged the index lower again.

The Nifty dropped 385.20 points or 1.55 percent to close at 24,480.50, its third consecutive session of decline and the lowest closing level in six months. In intra-day trade, it fell 560.30 points or 2.25 percent to 24,305.40.

Market participants said the late-session selling has raised concerns over the possibility of further downside.

Sudeep Shah, Head of Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities, said immediate support for Nifty is placed in the 24,350-24,300 zone, which had acted as a strong base in August 2025.

&quot;Any sustainable move below this zone could result in Nifty extending its weakness towards 24,100, followed by 23,800 in the short term. On the upside, the 24,650–24,700 zone is likely to act as immediate resistance,&quot; he said.

Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said the Nifty continues to decline as rising crude oil prices have unsettled investors.

&quot;The index has remained below the rising trendline on the daily timeframe, indicating increasing pessimism in the market. The RSI remains in a bearish crossover, confirming weak momentum. Immediate crucial support is placed at 24,200–24,000, while resistance is seen at 24,700. In the short term, the trend suggests a sell-on-rise strategy,&quot; he said.

Shah said Bank Nifty opened gap down and remained largely range-bound during the session, closing at 58,755, down 1.81 percent. The index has slipped below its 100-day EMA on the daily chart.

&quot;With today’s move, Bank Nifty has fully filled the 1,106-point gap created on February 3 following the India-US trade deal. Immediate support is placed in the 58,200–58,100 zone. Any sustainable move below this zone could result in further weakness towards 57,700, followed by 57,300 in the short term. On the upside, the 59,200–59,300 zone is likely to act as immediate resistance,&quot; he added.

Tensions in West Asia intensified with Iran continuing strikes on several Gulf countries in retaliation for the joint attack by Israel and the US. The US and Israel have also carried out fresh strikes on Iran, adding to geopolitical concerns.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Indian indices fell over 1.5% amid US-Iran tensions and weak cues, Nifty Midcap and Smallcap indices dropped 2% each, Rupee hit a record low of 92.30 per US dollar

* Indian indices fell over 1.5% amid US-Iran tensions and weak cues
* Nifty Midcap and Smallcap indices dropped 2% each
* Rupee hit a record low of 92.30 per US dollar

Indian benchmark indices fell 1.5% on March 4 amid US-Iran tensions, extending losses to 4% in three sessions. The rupee hit a record low of 92.30 per dollar. IT stocks helped partial recovery, but most sectors and broader indices ended sharply lower.

shorts/business/taking-stock-market-bloodbath-on-rising-us-iran-tensions-sensex-slumps-1-123-pts-nifty-ends-below-24-500

* Indian indices fell over 1.5% amid US-Iran tensions and weak cues
* Nifty Midcap and Smallcap indices dropped 2% each
* Rupee hit a record low of 92.30 per US dollar

Amid escalating clashes between the United States and Iran, Indian benchmark indices plunged 1.5% on March 4, extending their slide to 4% in the past three trading sessions.

The market opened gap-down, with the Nifty slipping close to the 24,300 mark intraday, as broad-based selling across sectors weighed on sentiment amid weak global cues and rising geopolitical tensions. However, final hour buying especially IT stocks, helped to recover some of the lost ground.

At close, the Sensex was down 1,122.66 points or 1.40 percent at 79,116.19, and the Nifty was down 385.20 points or 1.55 percent at 24,480.50.

Broader indices underperformed the main indices with Nifty Midcap and smallcap indices falling 2% each.

Also Read - <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/ipo/walmart-backed-phonepe-targets-up-to-10-5-bn-valuation-in-ipo-report-13850418.html">Walmart-backed PhonePe targets up to $10.5-bn valuation in IPO: Report</a>

The Indian rupee depreciated further on Wednesday, breaching the 92-per-dollar mark to hit a fresh intraday record low of 92.30. The domestic currency eventually settled at 92.14 against the US dollar, down 67 paise from its previous close, pressured by rising conflict in the Middle East.

Also Read - <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/services-activity-eases-to-58-1-in-february-as-manufacturing-gathers-pace-13850292.html">Services activity eases to 58.1 in February as manufacturing gathers pace</a>

Tata Steel, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, SBI Life Insurance, L&amp;T, JSW Steel were among major losers on the Nifty, while gainers included Coal India, Bharti Airtel, Infosys, Tech Mahindra.

Except IT, all other sectoral indices ended in the red, with Infra, PSU Bank, Realty, Media, Oil &amp; gas, Auto, Metal down 2-4%.

Also Read - <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/earnings/india-faces-current-account-inflation-risks-as-global-brokerages-assess-impact-of-us-israel-iran-conflict-13849588.html">India faces current account, inflation risks as global brokerages assess impact of US–Israel–Iran conflict</a>

More than 700 stocks touched their 52-week low, including APTUS VALUE, Shree Cements, IGL, Rail Vikas, Bata India, Interglobe Aviation, Brigade Enterprises, Birla Corp, JK Lakshmi Cement, Ircon International, DLF, GNFC, REC, Olectra Greentech, Ambuja Cements, SBI Cards, Emami, IEX, ACC, among others. <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/stocks/market-stats/52-week-low-bse/?indexName=BSE%2520500&amp;id=12">Click to View More</a>

Also Read - <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/sebi-weighs-scrapping-close-to-money-norms-in-options-on-goods-to-ease-compliance-sources-13850408.html">SEBI weighs scrapping Close-to-Money norms in options on goods to ease compliance: Sources</a>

Outlook for March 5

Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities

The havoc continued in the Indian markets on Wednesday and the Nifty closed the day lower by 385 points. After opening on a huge downside gap of 480 points on the back of weak global cues due to rising geo-political tension, Nifty made an attempt of recovery in the mid part of the session amidst range bound action. The opening downside gap has been filled partially and Nifty closed the day off the lows.

A reasonable green candle was formed on the daily chart with gap down opening and with upper and lower shadow. Technically, this market action indicates sharp selling with minor volatility. We observe meaningful upside recoveries after a sharp gap down openings in the last couple of sessions. This action could be an attempt of bulls to witness relief rally.

The underlying trend of Nifty remains weak amidst global geo-political tension. Nifty is currently sliding down to an important support zone of around 24300-24100 (previous important swing lows and opening up gap of 12th May). Hence, there is a higher possibility of reasonable upside bounce from the lows in the near term. Immediate resistance is placed at 24600.

Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities

Today, the benchmark indices corrected sharply. After a sharp decline, the Nifty ended 385 points lower, while the Sensex was down by 1123 points. Among sectors, almost all the major sectoral indices closed in the negative territory, but the Metal Index lost the most, shedding over 4 percent. Technically, after a gap-down open, the market hovered between the 24,300/78500 to 24,600/79500 range.

We are of the view that the short-term outlook is weak but oversold. For traders, 24,300/78500 would act as a key support zone. If the market sustains above this level, the immediate resistance would be at 24,600/79500. Above 24,600/79500, it could move up to 24,800-25,000/80000-80500. Conversely, a decline below 24,300/78500 could change the sentiment. Below this, the market could slip to 24,100-24,000/78000-77800. The current market texture is extremely volatile and is expected to remain volatile in the near future.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Taking Stock: Market bloodbath on rising US-Iran tensions; Sensex slumps 1,123 pts, Nifty ends below 24,500

Amid escalating clashes between the United States and Iran, Indian benchmark indices plunged 1.5% on March 4, extending their slide to 4% in the past three trading sessions.

The market opened gap-down, with the Nifty slipping close to the 24,300 mark intraday, as broad-based selling across sectors weighed on sentiment amid weak global cues and rising geopolitical tensions. However, final hour buying especially IT stocks, helped to recover some of the lost ground.

At close, the Sensex was down 1,122.66 points or 1.40 percent at 79,116.19, and the Nifty was down 385.20 points or 1.55 percent at 24,480.50.

Broader indices underperformed the main indices with Nifty Midcap and smallcap indices falling 2% each.

Also Read - Walmart-backed PhonePe targets up to $10.5-bn valuation in IPO: Report

The Indian rupee depreciated further on Wednesday, breaching the 92-per-dollar mark to hit a fresh intraday record low of 92.30. The domestic currency eventually settled at 92.14 against the US dollar, down 67 paise from its previous close, pressured by rising conflict in the Middle East.

Also Read - Services activity eases to 58.1 in February as manufacturing gathers pace

Tata Steel, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, SBI Life Insurance, L&amp;amp;T, JSW Steel were among major losers on the Nifty, while gainers included Coal India, Bharti Airtel, Infosys, Tech Mahindra.

Except IT, all other sectoral indices ended in the red, with Infra, PSU Bank, Realty, Media, Oil &amp;amp; gas, Auto, Metal down 2-4%.

Also Read - India faces current account, inflation risks as global brokerages assess impact of US–Israel–Iran conflict

More than 700 stocks touched their 52-week low, including APTUS VALUE, Shree Cements, IGL, Rail Vikas, Bata India, Interglobe Aviation, Brigade Enterprises, Birla Corp, JK Lakshmi Cement, Ircon International, DLF, GNFC, REC, Olectra Greentech, Ambuja Cements, SBI Cards, Emami, IEX, ACC, among others. Click to View More

Also Read - SEBI weighs scrapping Close-to-Money norms in options on goods to ease compliance: Sources

Outlook for March 5

Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities

The havoc continued in the Indian markets on Wednesday and the Nifty closed the day lower by 385 points. After opening on a huge downside gap of 480 points on the back of weak global cues due to rising geo-political tension, Nifty made an attempt of recovery in the mid part of the session amidst range bound action. The opening downside gap has been filled partially and Nifty closed the day off the lows.

A reasonable green candle was formed on the daily chart with gap down opening and with upper and lower shadow. Technically, this market action indicates sharp selling with minor volatility. We observe meaningful upside recoveries after a sharp gap down openings in the last couple of sessions. This action could be an attempt of bulls to witness relief rally.

The underlying trend of Nifty remains weak amidst global geo-political tension. Nifty is currently sliding down to an important support zone of around 24300-24100 (previous important swing lows and opening up gap of 12th May). Hence, there is a higher possibility of reasonable upside bounce from the lows in the near term. Immediate resistance is placed at 24600.

Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities

Today, the benchmark indices corrected sharply. After a sharp decline, the Nifty ended 385 points lower, while the Sensex was down by 1123 points. Among sectors, almost all the major sectoral indices closed in the negative territory, but the Metal Index lost the most, shedding over 4 percent. Technically, after a gap-down open, the market hovered between the 24,300/78500 to 24,600/79500 range.

We are of the view that the short-term outlook is weak but oversold. For traders, 24,300/78500 would act as a key support zone. If the market sustains above this level, the immediate resistance would be at 24,600/79500. Above 24,600/79500, it could move up to 24,800-25,000/80000-80500. Conversely, a decline below 24,300/78500 could change the sentiment. Below this, the market could slip to 24,100-24,000/78000-77800. The current market texture is extremely volatile and is expected to remain volatile in the near future.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

LIVE | Nifty extends selloff for the 3rd day as Iran-US tensions continue | Closing Bell

Sensex and Nifty trimmed early losses after sharp opening fall., Value buying and technical support aided market recovery., Nifty reclaimed 24,400, but volatility remains high.

* Sensex and Nifty trimmed early losses after sharp opening fall.
* Value buying and technical support aided market recovery.
* Nifty reclaimed 24,400, but volatility remains high.

Sensex and Nifty recovered some early losses after value buying and technical support, though still down nearly 1.8%. Nifty reclaimed the 24,400 mark; experts warn of further weakness if it falls below 24,500 amid volatility. Brent crude also rebounded slightly.

shorts/business/markets-recover-partially-but-still-down-1-8-key-reasons-behind-mild-rebound

* Sensex and Nifty trimmed early losses after sharp opening fall.
* Value buying and technical support aided market recovery.
* Nifty reclaimed 24,400, but volatility remains high.

The equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty recovered part of their early losses on Wednesday amid value buying at lower levels, though both were still down nearly 1.4 percent in trade.

The Sensex had plunged 1,700 points, or 2.24 percent, to hit an 11-month low of 78,443.2 in early trade. The broader Nifty slumped 2.25 percent to a 10-month low of 24,305.4.

At around 3 pm, the Sensex was down 808.28 points or 1.01 percent at 79,430.57, while the Nifty was at 24,574.45, down 291.25 points or 1.17 percent.
<h3>Key factors behind market recovery</h3>
1) Value buying: Some buying interest emerged after a sharp fall at the open, helping the indices trim a portion of the losses.

2) Technical levels: The Nifty reclaimed the 24,400 mark, considered a key technical level by market participants.

Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Investments, said recovery attempts following the gap-down opening would need to sustain above the 24,500 level to prevent further weakness. Failing this, the Nifty could slide towards the 24,000–23,550 range, he said. He also advised caution amid heightened volatility and the possibility of sharp swings.

3) Crude movement: In the commodities market, Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, recovered marginally from earlier losses. It was trading 0.87 percent higher at USD 82.11 per barrel.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Sensex recovers nearly 1,000 pts from day's low, Nifty reclaims 24,550: Key reasons behind market rebound

The equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty recovered part of their early losses on Wednesday amid value buying at lower levels, though both were still down nearly 1.4 percent in trade.

The Sensex had plunged 1,700 points, or 2.24 percent, to hit an 11-month low of 78,443.2 in early trade. The broader Nifty slumped 2.25 percent to a 10-month low of 24,305.4.

At around 3 pm, the Sensex was down 808.28 points or 1.01 percent at 79,430.57, while the Nifty was at 24,574.45, down 291.25 points or 1.17 percent.
Key factors behind market recovery
1) Value buying: Some buying interest emerged after a sharp fall at the open, helping the indices trim a portion of the losses.

2) Technical levels: The Nifty reclaimed the 24,400 mark, considered a key technical level by market participants.

Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Investments, said recovery attempts following the gap-down opening would need to sustain above the 24,500 level to prevent further weakness. Failing this, the Nifty could slide towards the 24,000–23,550 range, he said. He also advised caution amid heightened volatility and the possibility of sharp swings.

3) Crude movement: In the commodities market, Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, recovered marginally from earlier losses. It was trading 0.87 percent higher at USD 82.11 per barrel.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Sensex and Nifty hit 11-month and 10-month lows in global selloff., West Asia conflict and rising crude prices spook investors., Rupee hits record low, India VIX surges 22 percent to 20.83.

* Sensex and Nifty hit 11-month and 10-month lows in global selloff.
* West Asia conflict and rising crude prices spook investors.
* Rupee hits record low, India VIX surges 22 percent to 20.83.

Sensex and Nifty plunged over 2% to multi-month lows amid escalating West Asia conflict, rising crude prices, weak global cues, FII selling, and a record low rupee. All sectoral indices fell, volatility surged, and analysts warned of further downside.

shorts/business/sensex-crashes-1-700-pts-nifty-below-24-400-raging-middle-east-conflict-among-key-factors-behind-market-decline

* Sensex and Nifty hit 11-month and 10-month lows in global selloff.
* West Asia conflict and rising crude prices spook investors.
* Rupee hits record low, India VIX surges 22 percent to 20.83.

The equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty plunged on Wednesday, mirroring a weak global trend amid an escalation in the West Asia conflict that pushed crude oil prices higher.

The Sensex settled at 1,122.66 points or 1.4 percent lower at 79,116.19, while the broader Nifty was at 24,480.50, down 385.20 points or 1.55 percent.

In early trade, the Sensex tanked 1,700 points, or 2.24 percent, to hit an 11-month low of 78,443.2. The broader Nifty slumped 2.25 percent to a 10-month low of 24,305.4.

Among the major laggards in the Nifty pack were <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/diversified/grasimindustries/GI01">Grasim Industries</a>, <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/plantations-teacoffee/tataconsumerproducts/TT">Tata Consumer Products</a> and SBI Life Insurance Company, which fell up to 4 percent. Market breadth remained negative, with 759 shares advancing, 2,945 declining and 134 remaining unchanged.

All the 16 major sectoral indices were trading in the red. The broader indices also witnessed heavy selling, with the Nifty Smallcap 100 and Nifty Midcap 100 declining over 2 percent each.
<h3>Key factors behind market crash</h3>
1) West Asia conflict: The ongoing conflict in West Asia continued to weigh on investor sentiment. Iran carried out fresh strikes on several Gulf countries in retaliation for the joint attack by Israel and the US, while the US and Israel also launched further strikes on Iran. The escalation has raised concerns over supply disruptions and higher crude prices.

"With the war escalating and crude oil rising, markets are going into a period of heightened uncertainty. Nobody knows how long this conflict will go on and what will be the extent of havoc it could wreak. From the perspective of India, which relies on imports for around 85 percent of oil requirements, the real concern is the potential inflation and its consequences on economic growth," VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments, said.

He added that the possibility of a widening trade deficit, currency depreciation, higher inflation and slower growth were key concerns from a market perspective.

2) Crude jumps: Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.87 percent to USD 82.11 per barrel. It had settled at its highest level since January 2025 in the previous session and has gained nearly 17 percent in the last four sessions. Higher oil prices are seen as negative for major importers like India.

Macquarie analysts, led by Suresh Ganapathy, told Reuters that any sharp spike in oil prices could have implications for India’s current account deficit, fiscal deficit and inflation, and may also put pressure on the rupee.
<h3><a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/sensex-today-stock-market-today-live-updates-liveblog-13850027.html" target="_blank">Stock Market Live Updates</a></h3>
3) Weak global cues: <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/korea-exchange-activates-circuit-breakers-as-kospi-crashes-8-in-opening-trade-13850100.html" target="_blank">South Korea’s Kospi plunged over 10 percent</a>, while Japan’s Nikkei 225, Shanghai’s SSE Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng were trading sharply lower. US markets ended in the negative territory on Tuesday.

4) FII selling: Foreign Institutional Investors offloaded equities worth Rs 3,295.64 crore on Monday. Sustained selling by overseas investors exerts pressure on domestic markets as it leads to capital outflows and weighs on liquidity and sentiment.

5) Weak rupee: The rupee slumped 69 paise to hit an all-time low of 92.18 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday, tracking a spike in crude oil prices and persistent geopolitical tensions. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the domestic currency opened at 92.05 and touched an early low of 92.18, down 69 paise from its previous close.

6) Vix rises: The India VIX, the volatility gauge, surged 22 percent to 20.83, its highest level since May 2025. A sharp rise in the VIX indicates increased market volatility and heightened uncertainty among investors.
<h3>Technical view</h3>
Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Investments, said recovery attempts after the gap-down opening would need to sustain above 24,500 to prevent further weakness. Failing this, the Nifty could slip towards the 24,000–23,550 levels. He advised caution in view of the spike in volatility and the likelihood of sharp swings.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers.

Sensex settles 1,100 pts lower, Nifty ends below 24,500: Raging Middle East conflict among key factors behind market decline

Stock Market Crash: Sensex settles 1,100 pts lower, Nifty ends below 24,500: Raging Middle East conflict among key factors behind market decline

The equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty plunged on Wednesday, mirroring a weak global trend amid an escalation in the West Asia conflict that pushed crude oil prices higher.

The Sensex settled at 1,122.66 points or 1.4 percent lower at 79,116.19, while the broader Nifty was at 24,480.50, down 385.20 points or 1.55 percent.

In early trade, the Sensex tanked 1,700 points, or 2.24 percent, to hit an 11-month low of 78,443.2. The broader Nifty slumped 2.25 percent to a 10-month low of 24,305.4.

Among the major laggards in the Nifty pack were Grasim Industries, Tata Consumer Products and SBI Life Insurance Company, which fell up to 4 percent. Market breadth remained negative, with 759 shares advancing, 2,945 declining and 134 remaining unchanged.

All the 16 major sectoral indices were trading in the red. The broader indices also witnessed heavy selling, with the Nifty Smallcap 100 and Nifty Midcap 100 declining over 2 percent each.
Key factors behind market crash
1) West Asia conflict: The ongoing conflict in West Asia continued to weigh on investor sentiment. Iran carried out fresh strikes on several Gulf countries in retaliation for the joint attack by Israel and the US, while the US and Israel also launched further strikes on Iran. The escalation has raised concerns over supply disruptions and higher crude prices.

&quot;With the war escalating and crude oil rising, markets are going into a period of heightened uncertainty. Nobody knows how long this conflict will go on and what will be the extent of havoc it could wreak. From the perspective of India, which relies on imports for around 85 percent of oil requirements, the real concern is the potential inflation and its consequences on economic growth,&quot; VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments, said.

He added that the possibility of a widening trade deficit, currency depreciation, higher inflation and slower growth were key concerns from a market perspective.

2) Crude jumps: Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.87 percent to USD 82.11 per barrel. It had settled at its highest level since January 2025 in the previous session and has gained nearly 17 percent in the last four sessions. Higher oil prices are seen as negative for major importers like India.

Macquarie analysts, led by Suresh Ganapathy, told Reuters that any sharp spike in oil prices could have implications for India’s current account deficit, fiscal deficit and inflation, and may also put pressure on the rupee.
Stock Market Live Updates
3) Weak global cues: South Korea’s Kospi plunged over 10 percent, while Japan’s Nikkei 225, Shanghai’s SSE Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng were trading sharply lower. US markets ended in the negative territory on Tuesday.

4) FII selling: Foreign Institutional Investors offloaded equities worth Rs 3,295.64 crore on Monday. Sustained selling by overseas investors exerts pressure on domestic markets as it leads to capital outflows and weighs on liquidity and sentiment.

5) Weak rupee: The rupee slumped 69 paise to hit an all-time low of 92.18 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday, tracking a spike in crude oil prices and persistent geopolitical tensions. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the domestic currency opened at 92.05 and touched an early low of 92.18, down 69 paise from its previous close.

6) Vix rises: The India VIX, the volatility gauge, surged 22 percent to 20.83, its highest level since May 2025. A sharp rise in the VIX indicates increased market volatility and heightened uncertainty among investors.
Technical view
Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Investments, said recovery attempts after the gap-down opening would need to sustain above 24,500 to prevent further weakness. Failing this, the Nifty could slip towards the 24,000–23,550 levels. He advised caution in view of the spike in volatility and the likelihood of sharp swings.

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9 out of 15 years Nifty 200 has given positive returns in March.

Type	R1	R2	R3	PP	S1	S2	S3
Classic	14,045.63	14,159.97	14,300.48	13,905.12	13,790.78	13,650.27	13,535.93
Fibonacci	14,002.47	14,062.61	14,159.97	13,905.12	13,807.76	13,747.62	13,650.27
Camarilla	13,954.66	13,978.02	14,001.38	13,905.12	13,907.94	13,884.58	13,861.22

INDEX CONTRIBUTION - Nifty 200

Net Contribution

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