Sensex Down 150 Points, Nifty Below 23,200 as Risk Sentiment Weakens

On Thursday, Indian benchmark equity indices closed lower after a choppy session, as rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia—triggered by new US military strikes on Iran—dampened investor confidence.

The Nifty slipped 53.35 points (0.23%) to 23,161.60, and the Sensex fell 150.63 points (0.20%) to 73,832.55.

Analysts noted that the Nifty’s near‑term resistance lies in the 23,300‑23,400 band.

“A clear break above that zone would be needed to lift sentiment and pave the way for a rebound toward 23,550,” said one analyst.

“On the flip side, the index is hovering around the key 23,100 support level; staying above it is essential to avoid additional downside,” a market expert added.

Investors stayed wary after news surfaced that the US had stepped up its military campaign against Iran.

President Donald Trump remarked that Tehran had plenty of opportunity to reach an agreement with Washington but did not seize it.

He warned that Iran would face repercussions and that the US would deliver a “very hard” strike.

Adding to the anxiety, Iran announced it would close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz after the US strikes.

The move sparked worries about possible interruptions to global oil supplies and increased uncertainty in financial markets.

Among Nifty stocks, Infosys and Eternal led the losers, pulling the benchmark down, while weakness in tech shares also pressed the broader IT sector lower.

Broader markets saw stronger selling, with the Nifty MidCap down 0.81% and the Nifty SmallCap off 0.67%.

Sector‑wise, the Nifty IT, Nifty Consumer Durable and Nifty Chemical indices suffered the steepest declines.

Conversely, the Nifty Media, Nifty Private Bank and Nifty Pharma indices outperformed the broader market, helping to curb the overall fall.

Analysts noted that investors are watching West Asia closely, since any further escalation could affect global crude oil prices and risk sentiment in equity markets.

After two days of appreciation, the Indian rupee weakened as fresh dollar demand arose from forward maturities and a rebound in the dollar index amid safe‑haven flows.

“Technically, a clear break above 95.80 could spark sharp short‑covering and aggressive hedging, opening the path to 96.50. On the downside, 94.70 remains a solid support,” a market expert said.