Sensex, Nifty End Sharply Lower As IT Stocks Tumble On US Tariff Jitters

India’s benchmark equity indices ended decisively lower on Tuesday, marking their weakest close in four sessions.

Heavy selling across banking, infrastructure and information technology counters dragged the market down amid renewed anxiety over US trade policy.

The NIFTY 50 settled at 25,424.65, down 288.35 points or 1.12 per cent. The BSE Sensex closed at 82,225.92, declining 1,068.74 points or 1.28 per cent.

Both indices finished near the day’s lows, reflecting persistent selling pressure through the session.

Technical analysts highlighted 25,500–25,600 as a critical resistance band for the Nifty.

A sustained move above this zone could trigger short covering towards 25,700. However, a decisive breach below 25,300 may accelerate declines towards 25,200 or lower.

IT Stocks Lead Fall

Investor sentiment weakened after US President Donald Trump threatened to reimpose tariffs.

Over the weekend, he announced temporary global tariffs of 15 per cent and warned nations against retreating from recently negotiated trade agreements.

The announcement followed a ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States, which deemed earlier tariff measures unlawful.

These developments unsettled global markets and triggered risk aversion in domestic equities.

The Nifty IT index slumped 4.74 per cent to close at 30,053.50 after touching a two-year low during intraday trade.

Concerns over US technology spending and global growth weighed heavily on the sector.

The Nifty Realty index fell 2.54 per cent, emerging as the second-worst performer.

In contrast, the Nifty Metal index outperformed the broader market and limited losses.

Broader indices showed relative resilience. The Nifty MidCap index ended 0.32 per cent lower, while the Nifty SmallCap index declined 0.55 per cent.

Christopher Wood, Global Head of Equity Strategy at Jefferies, cautioned that the artificial intelligence-led investment theme may face scrutiny this year.

Elevated valuations in AI-linked stocks could correct if global growth slows or trade tensions intensify.

Market experts believe the sharp fall signals heightened macroeconomic uncertainty. Escalating trade risks and concerns over AI-driven disruption dampened overall risk appetite.

Analysts expect volatility to persist in the near term as investors adopt a cautious stance.

Also Read: Sensex, Nifty Slip in Early Trade Amid AI-Led Tech Sell-Off