Sensex and Nifty Extend Losses for Fourth Session as Global Trade Fears Rattle Investors
Indian equity markets witnessed another bruising session on Thursday as benchmark indices extended losses for the fourth consecutive day, wiping out more than ₹8 lakh crore in market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies. The sharp sell-off was triggered by escalating US tariff concerns, continued foreign institutional investor (FII) selling, and rising global uncertainty, which collectively pushed investors into a risk-off mode.
The BSE Sensex fell 780.18 points or 0.92 percent to close at 84,180.96, after plunging as much as 851 points intraday. The Nifty 50 slipped 263.90 points or 1.01 percent to 25,876.85, closing below its 50-day exponential moving average (EMA) for the first time in nearly three months—an important technical warning sign for traders.
Both indices logged their biggest single-day fall since August 26, 2025, underlining the intensity of the selling pressure.
Here’s What Happened Today and Why Traders Reacted
Thursday’s market action was driven less by domestic fundamentals and more by global risk triggers and positioning-related unwinding. After a weak opening, selling intensified through the session as traders reacted to headlines around US sanctions, derivative expiry dynamics, and rising volatility indicators.
Key developments that shaped today’s reaction:
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Approval of a US sanctions bill that could impose 500 percent tariffs on countries buying Russian oil
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Persistent FII outflows, extending a multi-session selling streak
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Weekly Sensex derivatives expiry, leading to position unwinding
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Rising India VIX, signalling elevated fear levels
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Profit booking in metal stocks after a sharp six-day rally
As uncertainty grew, traders reduced exposure aggressively, particularly in index heavyweights and cyclical sectors.
Also Read : Hind Copper, HPCL Sell-Off Spreads Beyond Large Caps as Small, Midcap Stocks Slide Up to 11%
Market Breadth Weakens Sharply as Selling Turns Broad-Based
The sell-off was broad and decisive, with market breadth firmly tilted toward declines. On the BSE, around 970 shares advanced, while 3,048 shares declined and 154 remained unchanged, highlighting the depth of the correction.
Within the Nifty50 pack, stocks such as Tata Consultancy Services, Hindalco Industries, and JSW Steel were among the major laggards, falling up to 2 percent. On the positive side, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone and ETERNAL managed to close with modest gains, though they offered limited support to the indices.
US Tariff Threats Emerge as the Biggest Overhang
Investor sentiment deteriorated sharply after US President Donald Trump approved moving forward with a sanctions bill that could impose punitive tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, including India and China.
“This bill would give President Trump tremendous leverage against countries like China, India and Brazil to incentivise them to stop buying the cheap Russian oil,” said US Senator Lindsey Graham, highlighting the geopolitical undertone behind the move.
The development has raised fresh concerns over India–US trade relations, especially at a time when markets were expecting progress on a bilateral trade agreement.
FII Selling and Expiry Dynamics Add Fuel to the Sell-Off
Foreign institutional investors continued to pare exposure, selling equities worth ₹1,527.71 crore, marking the third consecutive session of outflows. So far in January, FIIs have sold nearly ₹5,760 crore worth of shares, following record selling seen in 2025.
Adding to volatility was the weekly Sensex derivatives expiry, which typically leads to higher volumes and sharper intraday moves as traders roll over or unwind positions. The combination of FII selling and expiry-related activity amplified downside pressure.
Volatility Rises as India VIX Signals Investor Anxiety
Reflecting heightened uncertainty, the India VIX jumped nearly 9 percent to 10.83, indicating rising nervousness among market participants. A rising VIX often coincides with increased intraday swings and defensive trading behaviour, particularly in index-heavy portfolios.
Metal Stocks Slide as Profit Booking Kicks In
Metal stocks declined for the second straight session after a strong six-day rally, as global commodity prices began to cool. Copper, aluminium, gold, and silver, which had seen a sharp surge recently, corrected from elevated levels, prompting profit booking across metal counters.
Given the direct linkage between metal prices and company earnings, the correction weighed heavily on metal stocks and contributed to the broader market decline.
Global Cues and Crude Oil Prices Offer Little Comfort
Global markets remained weak, with Asian indices such as Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng trading lower, while US markets ended mostly in the red overnight. Adding to macro pressure, Brent crude prices rose 0.4 percent to $60.20 per barrel, a negative factor for India, which imports the bulk of its oil requirements.
What This Means for Traders and Investor Portfolios
For short-term traders, the close below the Nifty’s 50 EMA and the spike in volatility suggest that risk management is critical in the coming sessions. Sharp intraday swings and headline-driven moves are likely to persist.
For long-term investors, the erosion of over ₹8 lakh crore in market capitalisation highlights near-term downside risk, especially in portfolios overweight on metals, IT, and global cyclicals. However, market experts caution against panic selling.
“The much-awaited US–India trade deal, which is critical for India’s sustained growth and macroeconomic stability, is not happening. This, along with continuing FII selling, is impacting the market,” said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments.
Market Outlook Remains Cautious in the Near Term
Going ahead, market direction will depend on developments around US tariffs, FII flow trends, and upcoming corporate earnings. Until clarity emerges on global trade and geopolitical issues, Indian markets are likely to remain volatile and range-bound, with investors preferring selective and defensive positioning.
