Sensex, Nifty Extend Losses for Fourth Straight Session Amid Geopolitical Concerns

The BSE Sensex declined 125.56 points, or 0.17 per cent, to settle at 73,123.83, while the NSE Nifty 50 fell 87.65 points, or 0.39 per cent, to close at 22,600.

Selling pressure was more pronounced in the broader market, with mid-cap and small-cap stocks recording steeper losses than the benchmark indices.

The Nifty MidCap 100 dropped 2.21 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap 100 plunged 2.94 per cent, reflecting heightened caution among investors.

Mid- and small-cap stocks bear the brunt

Among the Nifty constituents, Shriram Finance and JSW Steel were among the leading laggards, contributing to the benchmark's decline. Weakness across financial and metal stocks further weighed on market performance.

Sectorally, metal, real estate and public sector banking stocks faced significant selling pressure. The Nifty Metal, Nifty Realty and Nifty PSU Bank indices ended among the weakest sectoral performers as investors reduced exposure to economically sensitive segments.

Information technology stocks showed relative resilience. The Nifty IT index recorded the smallest losses among the sectoral gauges, offering limited support to the broader market.

Market participants remained cautious through the session, with geopolitical uncertainties overshadowing stock-specific developments and weakening appetite for riskier assets.

Nifty support levels under focus

Market analysts said the Nifty's recovery from its intraday low suggested buying interest around the 22,400–22,500 range. However, the closing level of 22,600 indicated that the benchmark remained vulnerable to further weakness.

According to the technical outlook cited by analysts, holding above 22,500 could open the door to a potential rebound towards 22,800–22,900. A decisive break below that support zone, however, could expose the index to further downside towards 22,300 and 22,200.

A sustained close above 22,900 would be needed to signal that the current decline was beginning to stabilise, analysts said.

Inflation and central bank decisions remain key

Looking ahead, inflation trends and the response of major central banks as they balance price stability with economic growth are expected to remain important drivers of market direction.

Analysts said stock- and sector-specific opportunities could dominate in the current environment, with earnings visibility and reasonable valuations emerging as key factors in investment decisions.

With geopolitical uncertainty continuing to weigh on sentiment, investors are likely to monitor both global developments and domestic corporate performance for clearer signals on the market's next move.