The slide show is back for markets as the benchmark BSE Sensex slides down over 562 points to 25,201.90 — its weakest closing in nearly 14 months — amid lacklustre global cues following caution over US payrolls data.
A strong set of non-farm jobs numbers, analysts say, is expected to cement Fed’s stance for a rate hike in September.
The prospect of a higher US rate, which leads to risk aversion in riskier assets, has so far roiled the scene in emerging markets, which have run up massive losses of late.
The signals from Europe that it’s willing to shore up its economy were not enough to assuage the fears of foreign investors.
The rupee, at 66.46, lost some muscle against the dollar, which fed the fears further.
In weekly terms, the Sensex turned weaker by 1,190.48 points, or 4.51 per cent, and Nifty retreated 346.90 points, or 4.33 per cent. This is the fourth straight weekly plunge for both the indices.
The 30-share index remained off-colour for a major part of the day and touched a low of 25,119.06 before ending at 25,201.90, a steep fall of 562.88 points, or 2.18 per cent.
The broader NSE Nifty too came under all-round selling and slipped below the crucial 7,700-mark to settle lower by 167.95 points, or 2.15 per cent, at 7,655.05.
“Indian indices remained under pressure primarily on account of the sustained global risk-off trend. Concerns with respect to the Chinese economy slowdown and the stance of the US Fed continued to affect investor sentiment,” said Hitesh Agrawal – Head, Research, Reliance Securities.
The red mark stood out as 28 of the 30-share Sensex pack fell.
Vedanta sank the most, down 4.84 per cent, followed by GAIL, Tata Steel and Hindalco.
Talking of sectors, BSE realty bled the most by plunging 3.32 per cent while infra, power, banking and healthcare too contributed to the fall.
In broader markets, small-cap and mid-cap indices closed lower by 2.47 per cent and 1.90 per cent, respectively.
Elsewhere in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei fell 2.15 per cent and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng shed 0.45 per cent while Chinese markets remained shut today.
European markets were in deep red in anticipation of a strong US jobs report.
