Nifty, Sensex Open Lower; Losses Extend On Crude Spike, Global Tensions

India’s equity benchmarks extended losses for a fifth successive week as persistent geopolitical strains, elevated crude prices, and continued foreign outflows weighed on sentiment.

The Nifty 50 slipped 1.28 per cent over the week and plunged 2.09 per cent on Friday to close at 22,819.

The BSE Sensex fell 1,690 points, or 2.25 per cent, to settle at 73,583, registering a weekly decline of 1.27 per cent.

Markets remained volatile throughout the week, attempting brief recoveries but failing to sustain upward momentum.

The Bank Nifty underperformed, closing near 52,274 after dropping 2.67 per cent on Friday and over 2.16 per cent for the week.

Ongoing tensions linked to the US-Iran situation kept markets event-driven.

Brent crude hovered between $98 and $115 per barrel, heightening inflation concerns and pressuring macroeconomic stability.

Sectoral trends showed weakness in metals and PSU banks, while IT and pharma stocks posted modest gains of 1.17 per cent and 0.11 per cent, respectively.

Broader indices mirrored benchmark weakness. The Nifty Midcap100 declined 1.38 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap100 fell 0.63 per cent.

The Indian rupee weakened further, crossing the 94 level against the US dollar, reflecting stress from high oil prices and persistent capital outflows.

Market expert Vinit Bolinjkar indicated that indices may remain range-bound with elevated volatility until global risks subside. He added that strong domestic inflows and easing tensions could limit downside risks.

Foreign institutional investors continued heavy selling, with weekly outflows estimated at Rs 25,000-30,000 crore.

Monthly outflows exceeded Rs 1.13 lakh crore, marking the sharpest sell-off in FY26. Domestic investors offset this trend with significant buying.

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