On Thursday, Indian benchmark indices took a sharp hit. The Sensex tumbled 823 points. Nifty lost 253 points — slipping below the 24,900 mark.
Over ₹7 lakh crore of investor wealth was wiped out in a single session.
So, what’s behind the sell-off?
Here are 5 key triggers that spooked investors:
1. Middle East tensions escalate
Risk aversion is back. The U.S. is partially evacuating its embassy in Iraq.
Israel is reportedly preparing for a potential strike on Iran’s nuclear sites. And Iran is threatening retaliation on U.S. bases in the region.
The result? A global flight to safety.
Saudi and Dubai markets fell sharply. Oil jumped to $70 a barrel before cooling off.
2. Trade tariff worries resurface
Donald Trump says the U.S. will send letters to dozens of countries — demanding new trade deals… or face tariffs.
This comes just days after a fragile deal framework with China.
3. Global market mood turns risk-off
U.S. inflation data came in soft. Asian markets slipped. European futures fell.
The bullish momentum? Hit a pause.
4. Crude oil spikes — sectoral pain follows
High oil = higher input costs.
Aviation, paints, tyres — all came under pressure.
But ONGC and Oil India surged on hopes of better realizations.
OMCs like IOC and BPCL fell up to 4.5% over margin worries.
5. Weekly F&O expiry = extra volatility
Nifty’s weekly expiry added fuel to the fire.
Traders rushed to square off positions, triggering sharp intraday moves. What should investors do now?
Experts say: avoid chasing momentum.
The zone between 25,000–25,300 on Nifty remains key.
Buy on dips. Book profits at highs.