Sensex Slides As Nifty Extends Third-Day Fall
Indian equity benchmarks fell for a third straight session on Friday as rising crude oil prices, West Asia tensions, and weak global cues continued to weigh on investor sentiment. The Sensex dropped sharply during the day and closed lower by more than 1,300 points, while the Nifty ended near 23,350, marking one of the market’s steepest weekly declines in recent months.
Sensex And Nifty Fall For Third Day
Selling pressure remained broad-based through the session, with financials, auto, and metal stocks among the biggest drags. The market had opened weak and extended losses as the day progressed, reflecting sustained nervousness after back-to-back declines earlier in the week. Mid-cap and small-cap shares also came under pressure, showing that the weakness was not limited to heavyweight stocks alone.
Rising Crude Oil Hits Market Sentiment
A major trigger behind the decline was the surge in global crude prices as conflict in West Asia raised concerns over oil supply disruptions and shipping risks around the Strait of Hormuz. Higher oil prices are especially significant for India because they can increase import costs, worsen inflation risks, and pressure the rupee. These concerns often lead investors to cut exposure to equities, particularly sectors sensitive to fuel, transport, and input costs.
Global Risk Aversion Weighs On Dalal Street
The fall in Indian markets also tracked weak global sentiment, with investors reacting to uncertainty in overseas markets and renewed demand for safe-haven assets. Concerns that prolonged geopolitical tension could keep inflation elevated and delay any easing in financial conditions added to the caution. The sharp weekly decline in benchmark indices underlined the broader risk-off mood, even though a few energy-linked stocks showed relative resilience amid the oil price spike.
