Stock markets slides amid global trade worries

The BSE Sensex fell 250.48 points, or 0.30 per cent, to close at 83,627.69, after touching an intra-day low of 83,262.79. The NSE Nifty slipped 57.95 points, or 0.22 per cent, to 25,732.30.

Indian stock markets ended lower on Tuesday as investors reduced exposure to major index stocks amid rising global trade tensions and a cautious start to the earnings season. Foreign fund outflows and a weaker rupee added to the negative sentiment.

The BSE Sensex fell 250.48 points, or 0.30 per cent, to close at 83,627.69, after touching an intra-day low of 83,262.79. The NSE Nifty slipped 57.95 points, or 0.22 per cent, to 25,732.30. Markets began the session on a weak note following subdued results from IT giant TCS, though a late-hour recovery limited the losses.

TCS reported a 13.91 per cent drop in December quarter profit at Rs 10,657 crore, largely due to a one-time impact of new labour codes. Analysts said profit-booking was widespread across sectors, while small-cap stocks showed modest gains. Investor caution was heightened by US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25 per cent tariff on countries trading with Iran, rising crude prices, and higher US bond yields.

Among Sensex stocks, Trent, L&T, Reliance Industries, InterGlobe Aviation, Maruti, ITC, Adani Ports, and Bharat Electronics were the biggest laggards, while ICICI Bank, Tech Mahindra, SBI, and TCS gained. The BSE smallcap index rose 0.46 per cent, while the midcap index fell 0.16 per cent. Telecom, industrials, capital goods, consumer durables, realty, and energy sectors declined, while IT, PSU banks, metal, financial services, and commodities recorded gains.

Foreign institutional investors sold equities worth Rs 3,638.40 crore on Monday, while domestic institutional investors purchased Rs 5,839.32 crore. Analysts noted high intra-day volatility due to expiry-related swings and global trade concerns. Asian markets were mixed, with Japan and Hong Kong higher and Shanghai lower, while Brent crude rose 1.86 per cent to USD 65.06 per barrel.