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The Nifty 50 declines 1.55 per cent to close at 24,480.50, after touching an intraday low of 24,305.40, compared with the previous close of 24,865.70.
Know Why Market Is Falling Today.
Indian equities witnessed broad-based selling on Wednesday, with pressure visible across large-caps as well as the broader market segments. The Nifty 50 declined 1.55 per cent to close at 24,480.50, after touching an intraday low of 24,305.40, compared with the previous close of 24,865.70. The index opened lower at 24,388.80 and failed to sustain early attempts at recovery. The BSE Sensex fell by 1,122.66 or 1.40 per cent to close at 79,116.19.
Broader markets underperformed the benchmark indices, highlighting risk aversion among investors. The Nifty Next 50 dropped 2.70 per cent, while the Nifty Midcap 100 fell 2.16 per cent and the Nifty Smallcap 100 declined 2.11 per cent. The weakness was even sharper in the lower end of the market-cap spectrum, with the Nifty Microcap 250 sliding 2.65 per cent, signalling continued pressure in speculative and high-beta stocks.
Among sectoral indices, metals were the worst hit, with the Nifty Metal index plunging 3.99 per cent. PSU banks fell 3.24 per cent, while realty stocks declined 3.11 per cent and oil & gas stocks slipped 3.09 per cent, reflecting heavy selling across cyclical sectors. Auto stocks also remained under pressure, with the Nifty Auto index dropping 2.44 per cent.
Key Factors Behind Market Decline
1) Weak Global Cues
Global markets remained under pressure, which weighed on investor sentiment. Most Asian indices traded lower, with South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI plunging sharply. The Korea Exchange even triggered circuit breakers, halting trading for 20 minutes after the index dropped around 8%. Meanwhile, Wall Street futures also pointed to a weak opening for US markets.
2) Escalating West Asia Tensions
Geopolitical tensions in West Asia continued to keep investors on edge. Loud explosions were reported in Iran’s capital Tehran as the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel entered its fifth day. The developments follow earlier strikes on an Iranian nuclear site and retaliatory missile attacks across the Gulf region.
3) Surge in Crude Oil Prices
Rising crude oil prices also dented market sentiment. Oil climbed to a 19-month high amid intensifying clashes between the US, Israel and Iran, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions and inflationary pressures globally.
Nifty Technical View
Anand James, chief market strategist at Geojit Investments Limited, said, “The recovery attempts that may be expected post downside gapped opening today need to sustain Nifty above 24500, In order to discourage bears from regrouping. Else, expect 24000-23550. Do account for wild swings, given the spike in VIX on Monday to the highest level since June 2025.”
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March 04, 2026, 12:32 IST
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