Benchmark stock market indices opened sharply lower on Wednesday, with the Sensex plunging more than 760 points and the Nifty slipping below the 23,300 mark as investors reacted to , rising crude oil prices, continued foreign investor concerns and a sharp reversal in IT stocks.
The S&P BSE fell 763.45 points, or 1.02%, to 73,886.39 in early trade, while the NSE Nifty50 declined 213.75 points, or 0.91%, to 23,269.80.
The rupee also weakened, opening 0.2% lower at 95.4475 against the US dollar compared with its previous close of 95.2650, reflecting continued pressure from higher prices and global uncertainty.
Broader markets were also under pressure. The Nifty Midcap 100 fell 0.84%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 declined 0.66%. India VIX, often referred to as the market’s fear gauge, jumped 8.22%, indicating rising investor nervousness.
The biggest trigger behind Wednesday’s sell-off is the renewed uncertainty surrounding a possible peace agreement between the United States and Iran.
Markets had recently rallied on hopes that both countries were moving closer to a diplomatic breakthrough that could end months of conflict in West Asia and ease concerns about global energy supplies.
However, fresh hostilities have reignited fears that negotiations may take longer than expected or even break down. targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and other regional locations were either intercepted or unsuccessful.
The development has reminded investors that geopolitical risks remain elevated, prompting traders to reduce exposure to riskier assets such as equities.
Another major reason for the stock market decline is the rise in crude oil prices.
Brent crude climbed 0.88% to $96.84 per barrel, while WTI crude rose 0.95% to $94.65 per barrel.
Higher oil prices remain a significant concern for India, which imports the majority of its crude oil requirements. Rising crude prices increase transportation, manufacturing and logistics costs, putting pressure on inflation and corporate earnings.
The latest rise in oil prices came after fresh concerns over the Iran-US conflict, raising fears that energy supplies from the region could remain vulnerable.
Information technology stocks, which had been supporting the market over the past few sessions, witnessed heavy profit-booking on Wednesday.
The Nifty IT index dropped 3.78%, making it the worst-performing sectoral index.
Tata Consultancy Services emerged as the biggest loser among Sensex stocks, falling 5.73%. Tech Mahindra declined 3.31%, Infosys slipped 2.99% and HCL Technologies lost 2.67%.
The weakness comes after a sharp rally in technology shares over the previous two sessions, driven by optimism around artificial intelligence spending, strong global software demand and hopes of lower US interest rates.
With investors choosing to book profits after the recent run-up, IT stocks turned into the biggest drag on benchmark indices.
Apart from geopolitical concerns, investors are also keeping a close watch on foreign investor activity, the rupee and the Reserve Bank of India’s upcoming policy decision.
Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, said, “The mild escalation in the West Asia conflict has again pushed up Brent crude price to close to $97 indicating no respite to India from the energy shock. Rupee has edged down to 95.26 to the dollar. The sustained fall in the rupee has been arrested for now but the rising current account deficit and sustained FPI outflows are areas of concern. The RBI commentary and actions on June 5th will be keenly watched by the market.”
He added that while global markets such as the US, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan continue to benefit from strong earnings expectations, India’s outlook remains more challenging.
“In contrast, in India earnings growth in FY27 will be modest weighed down by lower growth and higher inflation. All these factors have impacted sentiments in the market. The saving grace is the confidence shown by the retail investors who continue to invest money despite the headwinds,” Vijayakumar said.
Selling was widespread across the Sensex pack.
Tata Consultancy Services was the biggest loser, falling 5.73%, followed by Tech Mahindra at 3.31%, Infosys at 2.99%, HCL Technologies at 2.67% and Eternal at 2.15%.
Other notable losers included ITC, Bajaj Finserv, Axis Bank, SBI, Bajaj Finance and NTPC.
Only a handful of stocks managed to stay in positive territory. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone gained 1.04%, Maruti Suzuki rose 0.19%, and Bharti Airtel added 0.02%.
The sell-off was visible across most sectors.
Nifty IT was the biggest loser, down 3.78%, followed by Nifty Realty which fell 1.38%, Nifty Media which declined 1.16%, and Nifty PSU Bank which dropped 1.05%.
Nifty Financial Services slipped 0.91%, Nifty FMCG fell 0.88%, and Nifty Private Bank declined 0.88%.
The only sector showing relative resilience was Nifty Metal, which was marginally lower by 0.06%.
Investors will closely track developments in the Iran-US conflict, movements in crude oil prices and the Reserve Bank of India’s policy decision due on June 5.
Any signs of progress in diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran could help calm markets and reduce pressure on oil prices. However, if geopolitical tensions escalate further or crude continues to rise, volatility is likely to remain elevated in the near term.
(Disclaimer: The views, opinions, recommendations, and suggestions expressed by experts/brokerages in this article are their own and do not reflect the views of the India Today Group. It is advisable to consult a qualified broker or financial advisor before making any actual investment or trading choices.)