Indian stock markets ended the week on a downturn as rising tensions between India and Pakistan raised concerns among investors, triggering widespread selling.
The Nifty index fell by 1.39%, closing at 24,008, while the Sensex slipped 1.30%, ending the week at 79,454.47.
The market’s bearish performance largely stemmed from the growing geopolitical risk, which spooked investors and triggered a wave of risk-off sentiment across various sectors.
Sector-wise Performance
Among the hardest-hit sectors were realty, banking, pharma, and financial services, with stocks in these industries experiencing declines ranging from 2% to 6%.
In particular, real estate stocks saw some of the steepest losses, reflecting investor unease over the rising tensions.
However, auto and media stocks provided some cushion to the overall market decline, with these sectors showing relative resilience despite the broader market weakness.
The broader markets also felt the impact, with mid- and small-cap indices dropping between 0.90% and 2.17%.
These declines suggest that the uncertainty surrounding the geopolitical situation is broadly impacting investor confidence across the market.
Looking Ahead: Market Outlook
Next week, market experts predict that India-Pakistan tensions will dominate investor sentiment.
Investors will closely monitor developments for signs of escalation or de-escalation.
Ajit Mishra, from Religare Broking Limited, highlighted the importance of economic data in the coming week.
“Key economic indicators such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Wholesale Price Index (WPI), and trade data will be closely watched,” Mishra said.
Technical Outlook
From a technical perspective, Mishra noted that the Nifty is hovering near critical moving averages, which could signal further downside potential.
“The immediate support for the Nifty is at 23,800, and if that level is breached, the index could fall toward 23,200. On the upside, any bounce is likely to face resistance in the 24,400-24,600 range,” he explained.
Investor Advice Amid Market Uncertainty
Given the heightened market volatility, analysts are advising caution.
“With geopolitical tensions pushing up market volatility, it’s better to focus on individual stocks rather than taking aggressive positions.
Analysts recommended a hedged strategy to manage near-term risks and advised staying updated on geopolitical developments to navigate the markets.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani military has moved troops into forward areas, suggesting an intent to escalate tensions further.
The Indian armed forces are maintaining a high state of operational readiness, with the government stating that it has effectively countered and responded to all hostile actions.
As markets continue to react to these developments, the coming weeks will likely remain critical in shaping the future trajectory of India’s financial markets.
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