Markets extend losses on global sell-off amid US tariff concerns; Sensex tanks 586 points
Mumbai, Aug 1 (PTI): Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined sharply for the second straight session on Friday, tracking deep losses in pharma, metal, and IT stocks amid trade-related concerns and widespread selling pressure in global markets.
Besides, persistent selling by foreign investors added to the gloom, according to experts.
In a volatile trade, the 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 585.67 points or 0.72 per cent to settle at 80,599.91. During the day, it dropped 690.01 points or 0.84 per cent to 80,495.57.
As many as 2,712 stocks declined while 1,306 advanced and 151 remained unchanged on the BSE.
The 50-share NSE Nifty declined 203 points or 0.82 per cent to 24,565.35.
"The benchmark index Nifty wrapped up its fifth consecutive week in the red -- its longest losing streak since August 2023, raising eyebrows across the street...Despite making multiple attempts to scale up, the index has struggled to hold ground, only to be met with selling pressure each time. The long upper wicks are a telling story — bulls tried, but bears had the final say," Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical Research and Derivatives at SBI Securities, said.
On the weekly front, the BSE benchmark tanked 863.18 points or 1.05 per cent, and the Nifty dropped 271.65 points or 1.09 per cent.
"The Indian equity market extended its decline for a second day, pressured by renewed tariff threats and punitive duties that could undermine India’s global trade competitiveness. Investor sentiment weakened further as FIIs now hold the second-highest net short position in derivatives, reflecting elevated caution.
"Globally, markets turned negative amid rising US inflation and trade tensions. While the sell-off was broad-based, FMCG stocks emerged as a defensive play, supported by attractive valuations, resilient demand, and relative immunity to external trade disruptions," Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said.
US President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs on dozens of countries, including 25 per cent duties for goods from India, marking a new era of American protectionism that triggered fresh tensions and concerns over a much wider disruption in the global trade landscape.
From the Sensex firms, Sun Pharma tumbled 4.43 per cent after the company reported a 20 per cent year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 2,279 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2025.
Tata Steel, Maruti, Tata Motors, Infosys, Bharti Airtel and Tech Mahindra were also among the laggards.
However, Trent, Asian Paints, Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Reliance Industries were the gainers.
The BSE smallcap gauge dropped 1.59 per cent, and the midcap index declined by 1.37 per cent.
Healthcare tanked 2.44 per cent, telecommunication (2.41 per cent), metal (1.94 per cent), oil & gas (1.91 per cent), teck (1.83 per cent), IT (1.81 per cent), and realty (1.78 per cent).
BSE FMCG index emerged as the only gainer.
"Markets began the August series on a negative note, extending the prevailing corrective trend, and ended lower by over half a per cent. Markets continue to grapple with a mixed earnings season, while the recent tariff announcement and persistent foreign fund outflows are further weighing on sentiment," Ajit Mishra - SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said.
The US president signed an executive order on Thursday that raised tariffs for over five dozen countries, with Washington's negotiations for trade deals going down to the wire ahead of the August 1 deadline.
In the Executive Order titled 'Further Modifying The Reciprocal Tariff Rates', Trump announced tariff rates for nearly 70 nations.
A 25 per cent "Reciprocal Tariff, Adjusted" has been imposed on India, according to the list released. The order, however, does not mention the "penalty" that Trump had said India would have to pay because it purchases Russian military equipment and energy.
While August 1 was the tariff deadline, the new levies will come into effect from August 7.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 5,588.91 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.
"Global equity markets were mostly weak over the past week, as the US tariff saga continued. The Indian equity market continued to underperform global equity markets in the past week and was down 0.8 per cent over this period," Shrikant Chouhan, Head – Equity Research, said.
In Asian markets, South Korea's Kospi, Japan's Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai's SSE Composite index and Hong Kong's Hang Seng settled lower.
Equity markets in Europe were trading in the red.
The US markets ended in negative territory on Thursday.
Global oil benchmark Brent crude declined 0.39 per cent to USD 71.42 a barrel.
On Thursday, the Sensex declined 296.28 points or 0.36 per cent to settle at 81,185.58. The Nifty dropped 86.70 points or 0.35 per cent to 24,768.35.
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
