Indian Markets Close Lower for Third Straight Session Amid Global Trade Worries and Weak Earnings

Indian equity markets ended in the red for the third consecutive trading session on Tuesday as investor sentiment remained cautious amid global trade tensions and tepid corporate earnings.

The BSE Sensex dropped 636.24 points or 0.78% to close at 80,737.51, while the Nifty 50 fell 174.10 points or 0.70% to settle at 24,542.50.

Broader Market Performance

The selling pressure extended beyond large-cap stocks. The BSE MidCap index declined by 0.32%, and the SmallCap index was marginally down by 0.0048%, indicating widespread caution among investors.

Sectoral and Stock-Specific Moves

Shares of the Adani Group faced significant losses after reports surfaced about alleged connections to Iranian LPG shipments—claims the group has strongly denied. Despite the clarification, investor confidence remained shaky.

Key Adani stocks that declined include:

Adani Ports: -2.72%

Adani Enterprises: -2.63%

Adani Total Gas: -2.10%

Adani Green Energy: -2.00%

Adani Power: -1.64%

Adani Energy: -1.58%

Sanghi Industries: -0.92%

Ambuja Cements: -0.82%

Adani Wilmar: -0.62%

ACC: -0.41%

NDTV: -0.30%

Key Market Drivers

Global Trade Concerns: The recent reimposition of U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods has triggered fears of a renewed trade war, dampening sentiment in export-driven economies like India.

FII Outflows: Continued selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) has added pressure to the markets.

Earnings Disappointment: Below-expectation Q4 results from several companies have made investors more risk-averse.

Market Outlook

Analysts caution that the market will likely remain volatile in the near term as it reacts to global geopolitical developments and the remaining Q4 earnings season. Investors are advised to stay alert and focus on quality stocks while awaiting more clarity on global trade policies and domestic macroeconomic cues.