Sensex, Nifty 50 Trade Down Over 1 Per Cent; Broader Indices Also Down Over 1 Per cent

The Nifty 50 experienced a decline of 1.18 per cent, settling at 22,526.40, while the Sensex dropped by 1.25 per cent, reaching 74,379.08.  

Market Update 2:25 PM: Indian equity markets continued their downward trend throughout the trading session, resulting in significant losses across benchmark indices. The Nifty 50 experienced a decline of 1.18 per cent, settling at 22,526.40, while the Sensex dropped by 1.25 per cent, reaching 74,379.08.

Broader market indices also faced substantial losses, with the Nifty Midcap 150 falling by 1.15 per cent to 18,465.20 and the Nifty Smallcap 250 decreasing by 1.12 per cent to 14,519.85. Market volatility remained elevated, with the India VIX at 14.88.

Sectorally, the majority of indices remained in the red. Nifty FMCG (0.12 per cent) and Nifty Pharma (0.05 per cent) managed to stay slightly positive. Meanwhile, Nifty IT (-2.80 per cent), Nifty Metal (-1.90 per cent), and Nifty Financial Services 25/50 (-1.35 per cent) were the heaviest decliners.

In terms of Nifty 50 constituents, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, and Mahindra & Mahindra showed some resistance. Conversely, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Infosys pulled the index down significantly.

Market breadth remained strongly negative, with 680 advances and 2,050 declines, underscoring the pervasive bearish sentiment prevailing among investors.

Market Update 12:10 PM: Indian equity markets continue to trade in negative territory, with benchmark indices showing significant declines. The Nifty 50 has dropped by 1.01 per cent to 22,564.70, and the Sensex is down by 1.04 per cent, reaching 74,528.28.  

Broader market indices are also experiencing losses, though some have slightly reduced their earlier declines. The Nifty Midcap 150 is down 1.03 per cent at 18,488.05, and the Nifty Smallcap 250 has declined by 0.71 per cent to 14,578.65. Market volatility remains elevated, with the India VIX at 14.56.

Sectorally, most indices are still showing negative movement. Nifty FMCG (0.29 per cent) and Nifty Pharma (0.16 per cent) are among the leading sectoral gainers. Conversely, Nifty IT (-2.47 per cent), Nifty Metal (-1.56 per cent) and Nifty Financial Services 25/50 (-1.09 per cent) are the top sectoral laggards.  

Within the Nifty 50, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Eicher Motors are the top performers. On the other hand, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Infosys are the major draggers.

Market breadth remains heavily negative, with 753 advances and 1,955 declines, indicating continued negative sentiment among investors.

Market Update 9:30 AM: Indian equity markets are trading on a negative note in early-morning trade. Benchmark indices have opened lower, with broader market indices witnessing declines. The Nifty 50 is down 0.72 per cent at 22,630.90, and the Sensex has lost 0.71 per cent to reach 74,775.07.

Broader market indices are showing negative performance. The Nifty Midcap 150 has decreased by 1.36 per cent to 18,427.80, and the Nifty Smallcap 250 has declined by 1.51 per cent to 14,461.60.

Market volatility has increased, with the India VIX up 5.09 per cent to 15.27.

Sectorally, most indices are showing negative movement. Nifty Pharma (0.46 per cent) and Nifty Healthcare index (0.28 per cent) are leading sectoral gainers. Conversely, Nifty IT (-1.95 per cent), Nifty Media (-1.57 per cent) and Nifty Realty (-1.60 per cent) are among the sectoral laggards.

Within the Nifty 50, DRREDDY, SUNPHARMA and CIPLA are among the top performers. HCLTECH, WIPRO and TECHM are the major draggers.

Market breadth is heavily negative, with 323 advances and 2066 declines, indicating negative sentiment prevailing among investors.

Market Update 8:15 AM: U.S. equities plunged on Friday, extending their downturn amid disappointing economic data and persistent concerns over fresh tariff announcements. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 748.63 points or 1.69 per cent to close at 43,428.02. The S&P 500 retreated 104.39 points or 1.71 per cent to settle at 6,013.13, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 438.36 points or 2.20 per cent to finish at 19,524.01.

Asian markets were trading lower on Monday after Wall Street suffered its worst session of the year last Friday, following weak U.S. economic indicators that signaled a slowdown and persistent inflationary pressures.

GIFT Nifty suggested a weak start for Indian equities. As of 07:00 AM IST, Nifty futures were trading at 22,684, reflecting bearish sentiment in the market.

The domestic markets ended in the red on February 21, weighed down by a sell-off in auto stocks following reports that Tesla is set to enter India with its first electric vehicle (EV) shipment. The Sensex slid 425 points or 0.56 per cent to 75,311.06, while the Nifty declined 117.25 points or 0.51 per cent to 22,795.90.

The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield dipped 164 basis points to 4.43 per cent, while the 2-year Treasury yield slipped 168 basis points to 4.19 per cent, as investors sought safety amid the stock market turmoil and growing worries about the economic outlook.

The U.S. dollar continued its downward trajectory, weakening to 106.25 as concerns over slowing economic growth weighed on sentiment.

Crude oil prices retreated, falling by 1.37 USD per barrel or 1.91 per cent since the start of 2025. The benchmark crude contract was trading at 70.37 USD per barrel, reflecting investor worries over demand trends.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) remained net sellers for the third straight session on February 21, offloading equities worth Rs 3,449 crore. Meanwhile, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) continued their buying spree for the 13th consecutive session, purchasing stocks worth Rs 2,884 crore.

Chambal Fertilisers and Manappuram Finance are under F&O ban today.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.