The SENSEX Index Closes 1.48% Lower

India's BSE Sensex closed about 1.4% down at 79,116 on Wednesday, a low level not seen since April 2015, extending losses for a fourth straight session. Market participants remained cautious amid uncertainty over how long the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran will last, with concerns over energy disruptions weighing. Economists and analysts noted that India’s strong dependence on oil imports makes it vulnerable to inflation, a deteriorating trade deficit, a weaker rupee, and slower growth, putting corporate earnings at risk if the conflict persists. Selling pressure was visible across several sectors, including metals, financials, autos and capital goods. Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro, InterGlobe Aviation, UltraTech Cement, Maruti and NTPC were among the biggest laggards. Bucking the broader trend, Infosys and Bharti Airtel saw gains.

The SENSEX Index decreased -1189 points or 1.48 percent on Wednesday to close at 79050 points. The decline was led by Tata Steel (-7.11%), Tata Motors (-5.28%) and Larsen & Toubro (-4.59%).

India’s BSE Sensex fell about 2% to 78,661 on Wednesday, the lowest level since April 2025, extending losses for a fourth straight session, as escalating tensions in the Middle East continued to weigh on markets. Rising geopolitical tensions drove crude oil prices sharply higher, heightening concerns about inflation and import costs. All sectors opened in negative territory, led by financials, industrials, energy, and non-energy minerals. Among individual stocks, Larsen & Toubro (-6.1%), Tata Steel (-4.6%), InterGlobe (-4.3%), Reliance Industries (-3.4%), and Mahindra & Mahindra (-3.2%) saw early losses. On the data front, India HSBC’s final composite and services PMI will be released later today, with the services PMI expected to edge up to 58.6 in February from 58.5 in January.