Indian equity markets opened lower on Thursday amid mixed global cues and continued domestic uncertainty, with benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 starting the session in negative territory.
Selling pressure was evident at the open, with the Sensex declining by more than 500 points to 77,031 in early trade. The Nifty 50 fell by over 150 points to trade around 23,843, slipping below the 23,900 level. The decline followed volatility in the previous session, contributing to increased market uncertainty.
In early trading, select stocks recorded gains, including NTPC, Bharat Electronics Limited, Max Healthcare, Bajaj Auto, and Hindalco Industries. On the downside, Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance, Adani Ports, Infosys, and Mahindra & Mahindra were among the top losers.
Market breadth indicated a mixed trend, with approximately 1,215 stocks advancing, while 1,288 stocks declined. Around 174 stocks remained unchanged.
According to experts, the decline was driven by a combination of global and domestic factors. Volatility in crude oil prices affected investor sentiment. Uncertainty also persisted around the announced ceasefire between the United States and Iran, with investors assessing its durability and potential impact on global supply chains.
Continued selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) also weighed on the market. Persistent outflows by foreign investors are directly influencing the direction of domestic equities.
