Mumbai, April 3 – Indian equity markets closed lower for the sixth consecutive week amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and sharp currency fluctuations, with both key indices ending in the red during a shortened four-day trading week.
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The Sensex closed at 73,319.55 on Thursday, down 263.67 points or 0.35 per cent, compared to the previous Friday's close. The Nifty 50 settled at 22,713.10, a decline of 106.50 points or 0.46 per cent on a week-on-week basis.
In the final trading session of the week, both benchmarks plunged in early trading – the 50-scrip basket shedding over 500 points and the Sensex declining more than 1,500 points – after US President Donald Trump warned of possible intense military strikes on Iran within the next two to three weeks, offering no clarity on a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. However, the markets partially recovered by the close.
Among the Nifty 50 constituents, HDFC Life Insurance, Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, NTPC, and Cipla were the top losers for the week.
Among broader indices, the BSE Midcap 150 underperformed the benchmarks, declining 0.6 per cent week-on-week, while the BSE Smallcap 250 bucked the trend and rose 0.8 per cent over the same period.
On a sectoral basis, realty, healthcare, and banking were the top gainers for the week, rising approximately 3 per cent, 2.7 per cent, and 1 per cent, respectively. Metal, power, and consumer durables were the top losers, each falling more than 2 per cent.
Market analysts said that equities were likely to remain volatile in the coming week, with investor sentiment closely tied to developments in the West Asia conflict.
Indian equities are likely to remain volatile, with investor sentiment closely tied to evolving developments in the ongoing West Asia conflict. While the US continues to assess its response, recent comments from US President Donald Trump indicate a more assertive stance, warning of possible military action if negotiations fail, while still leaving room for diplomacy," according to experts.
Any signs of de-escalation in the West Asia conflict may provide relief through softer crude prices and currency stability, while further escalation could prolong risk aversion and sustain pressure on foreign flows, the analyst added.
Brent crude prices have remained elevated near $107 per barrel.
Furthermore, markets will reopen after a three-day break and are expected to track multiple major events, including the RBI monetary policy committee's rate decision, the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes due on Wednesday (April 8), and the start of the Q4 FY26 earnings season.
The stock exchanges will remain closed on account of Good Friday on Friday.
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The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any securities. Readers are advised to rely on their own assessment and judgment and consult appropriate financial advisers, if required, before taking any investment-related decisions.
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