Stock Market This Week: Sensex Crashes 2,000 Points, NIFTY Slides 2.2%

Indian stock markets recorded a sharp weekly decline as rising crude oil prices and continuing tensions in West Asia dampened investor confidence across sectors.

The benchmark NIFTY 50 fell 532 points, or 2.2 per cent, during the week to settle at 23,643.5. The BSE Sensex also dropped more than 2,000 points, or 2.7 per cent, to close at 75,238.

Broader markets witnessed steeper losses. Mid-cap stocks declined over 2 per cent, while the small-cap segment slipped nearly 4 per cent amid widespread selling pressure.

Among sectors, real estate shares emerged as the biggest losers, with the BSE Realty index falling almost 8 per cent.

Information technology stocks also remained weak, dragging the BSE IT index down by 5.7 per cent. Auto, capital goods and consumer durable stocks also ended lower.

Banking and public sector stocks were under pressure as well, with both the BSE Bankex and BSE PSU indices declining around 3 per cent during the week.

A few defensive sectors outperformed the broader market trend. Metal stocks gained ground, with the BSE Metal index rising 1.5 per cent, while healthcare shares advanced 1.4 per cent.

From the Sensex pack, Titan Company recorded the steepest fall, followed by Reliance Industries, Tech Mahindra and Mahindra & Mahindra.

Market analysts said concerns over higher inflation, elevated global bond yields and continued strength in the US dollar affected emerging markets, including India.

Fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz also kept Brent crude prices elevated in the range of $105 to $110 per barrel.

Despite the decline, domestic institutional investors and strong retail participation continued to support the market.

SIP inflows in April stood at Rs 31,115 crore, helping offset sustained foreign investor selling.

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