The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : Indian benchmark indices opened in negative territory on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, tracking weak global cues and investor concerns over economic uncertainties. The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 268.6 points or 0.36% to open at 73,085.94, while the NSE Nifty 50 fell 144.85 points or 0.65% to slip below the crucial 22,000-mark, opening at 21,974.45.
The decline in domestic markets comes after a volatile previous trading session, where the Sensex had closed at 73,085.94 and the Nifty 50 ended at 22,119.3. The Nifty 50 is currently trading at a nine-month low, marking its weakest level since June 5, 2024. Analysts attribute this slide to weak global market trends, rising bond yields, and concerns over economic slowdown in key global economies.
Among Sensex constituents, IT stocks, banking shares, and consumer goods companies were among the biggest laggards. HCL Tech led the losses, shedding over 1.68%, followed by Adani Ports, Nestle India, Infosys, and IndusInd Bank. Investors have been cautious regarding IT stocks amid concerns over declining global tech demand and lower revenue guidance from major players.
On the flip side, only two stocks—ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank—opened in the green. ICICI Bank surged by 46%, while HDFC Bank gained 0.37% in early trade. Banking stocks have been facing fluctuations due to uncertainty in lending growth and concerns over non-performing assets (NPAs).
In broader market trends, early trade saw 1,629 stocks in the Nifty pack trading in the red, while only 649 stocks managed to stay in the green. Meanwhile, 70 stocks remained unchanged, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.
Global markets have been reeling under pressure due to rising geopolitical tensions, mixed economic data, and expectations of interest rate decisions from major central banks. Overnight, Wall Street closed lower as investors digested key economic reports indicating a slowdown in the US economy. Meanwhile, Asian markets opened mixed, with Japan’s Nikkei trading lower and China’s Shanghai Composite showing marginal gains.
Domestic investors are closely watching the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) monetary policy stance and upcoming economic data releases, which may dictate market trends in the coming weeks. Market experts advise investors to adopt a cautious approach and focus on defensive stocks in the current volatile environment.
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