The Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn today, with major indices closing deeply in the red. Concerns over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), rupee depreciation, and foreign institutional investor (FII) selling were among the primary drivers of this decline.
The Indian stock market witnessed a sharp decline today, with all major indices closing in the red. The NIFTY 50 fell by 388.70 points (-1.62%), settling at 23,616.05, while the SENSEX dropped by 1,258.12 points (-1.59%) to close at 77,964.99. The NIFTY BANK index underperformed, losing 1,066.80 points (-2.09%), closing at 49,922.00.
The NIFTY IT index, relatively resilient, saw a minor decline of 51.70 points (-0.12%) to close at 43,674.85. The BSE Smallcap, however, bore the brunt of the selloff, recording a steep fall of 1,778.84 points (-3.17%), reflecting significant pressure on smaller companies.
Overview of Contents
Key Index Performance
Index | Price | Change | % Change |
---|---|---|---|
NIFTY 50 | 23,616.05 | -388.70 | -1.62% |
SENSEX | 77,964.99 | -1,258.12 | -1.59% |
NIFTY BANK | 49,922.00 | -1,066.80 | -2.09% |
NIFTY IT | 43,674.85 | -51.70 | -0.12% |
BSE SMALLCAP | 54,337.37 | -1,778.84 | -3.17% |
Top Gainers
Company | Current Price (₹) | % Gain |
---|---|---|
Apollo Hospital | 7429.15 | 1.79 |
TATA Cons. Prod | 946.90 | 0.79 |
Titan Company | 3470.40 | 0.54 |
HCL Tech | 1953.05 | 0.33 |
Top Losers
Company | Current Price (₹) | % Loss |
---|---|---|
Tata Steel | 132.18 | -4.47 |
Trent | 6,998.35 | -4.23 |
BPCL | 284.85 | -3.90 |
Coal India | 378.75 | -3.79 |
NTPC | 327.50 | -3.63 |
FII/DII Data
Category | Buy Value (₹ Crores) | Sell Value (₹ Crores) | Net Value (₹ Crores) |
---|---|---|---|
DII | 16412.95 | 10663.30 | 5749.65 |
FII/FPI | 9817.48 | 12392.54 | -2575.06 |
Reasons for Market Decline
1. Fear of the HMPV Virus
The detection of two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka has raised concerns in the market. Gaurang Shah, Head Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, highlighted that the fear of HMPV, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, is significantly denting market sentiment.
2. Rupee Depreciation
The Indian Rupee continues to depreciate against the US Dollar, adding to market pressures. On January 6, 2025, the rupee made an intraday low of 85.76 against the dollar, marking a decline from its previous close of 85.54. G Chokkalingam, Founder of Equinomics Research Pvt Ltd, noted that a weaker rupee poses challenges for import-dependent industries and investor confidence.
3. Global Market Weakness
Global markets, including Asia and Europe, showed weakness:
- Asia-Pacific: Japan’s Nikkei fell 1.47%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined 0.52%, and China’s CSI 300 slipped 0.14%.
- Europe: The UK’s FTSE dipped 0.44%.
4. FII Selling Pressure
FIIs remained net sellers, reflecting their cautious stance amid global uncertainties and better opportunities in US markets. The S&P 500 posted a stellar 25% return in 2024, drawing investor interest away from Indian equities.
5. Concerns Over Trump Inauguration
The upcoming inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20 has created uncertainty in global markets. Concerns over potential tariff hikes, tax cuts, and immigration restrictions have prompted a risk-off sentiment among investors.
Conclusion
The Indian stock markets faced significant headwinds today due to a combination of domestic and global factors. The fear of the HMPV virus, rupee depreciation, and continued FII selling contributed to the sharp declines. While some stocks managed to remain resilient, the overall sentiment remains cautious. Investors are advised to monitor global and domestic developments closely and adopt a prudent investment approach in these volatile times.