Stock Market Live Updates: Sensex Falls 400 Points, Nifty Retest 24,000; Brent At $126 On US-Iran Tension
The Nifty50 and the Sensex declined, mirroring weakness in global equities after a hawkish pause by the US Federal Reserve dampened risk sentiment.
The Nifty50 slipped 0.9% or 210.15 points to 23,964.70, while the Sensex dropped 709 points, or 0.91%, to 77,790.73.
Broader markets also came under pressure, with the Nifty MidCap and Nifty SmallCap indices falling 1.06% and 0.46%, respectively.
On the sectoral front, the Nifty Realty and Nifty Auto indices were the worst hit, while the Nifty IT and Nifty Chemical indices declined relatively less.
Fed stance weighs on markets
The Federal Open Market Committee voted 8-4 to keep the federal funds rate unchanged at 3.5–3.75%. While the pause was widely expected, the sharp split among policymakers caught markets off guard, adding to uncertainty.
Oil surge adds to pressure
Crude oil prices climbed further, with Brent crude moving above the $120 per barrel mark amid reports that the US rejected Iran’s peace proposal and intensified its blockade at the Strait of Hormuz. The April contract was trading at $122.43, up 3.73%.
Safe-haven demand rises
Precious metals gained on heightened global uncertainty, with gold and silver futures rising 0.70% and 1.80%, respectively.
