NIFTY50 Falls 0.7%, SENSEX Drops 750 Points Amid Global Tensions

Weekly Wrap: NIFTY50 lost 0.7%, SENSEX down 750 points this week; Axis Bank, Shriram Finance among top losers

The NIFTY50 index declined by 0.73% to close at 23,997.55 points, while the BSE SENSEX dropped 1%, ending the week at 76,913.50 points on April 30, 2026. Persistent foreign fund outflows and geopolitical tensions in West Asia contributed to the bearish trend in Indian equities during the final week of April.

Investor caution intensified following developments in the US-Iran conflict, which dampened hopes for a near-term peace agreement. This uncertainty, coupled with rising crude oil prices and a weakening Indian rupee, pressured the markets throughout the week.

Market Volatility Driven by Geopolitical and Economic Factors

Trading began with a focus on corporate earnings, but sentiment quickly shifted as foreign investors resumed selling domestic stocks, withdrawing ₹8,047.86 crore on April 30 alone. Domestic investors partially offset this by purchasing ₹3,487.10 crore. The US administration’s ongoing military deliberations and potential extension of the blockade at the Strait of Hormuz heightened concerns, pushing global crude oil prices near $125 per barrel, up from $118 previously.

The surge in oil prices not only affected equity markets but also contributed to the Indian rupee hitting a record low of 95.322 against the US dollar. The stronger dollar prompted investors to move away from emerging markets, seeking safer assets.

Sector and Stock Performance Highlights

Among sectors, Nifty Oil & Gas, Energy, and Pharma indices posted gains of 2.5%, 1.9%, and 1.2% respectively for the week. Conversely, Nifty Bank, IT, and Financial Services sectors saw declines of around 2.2% to 2.6%. Major gainers on the NIFTY50 included Sun Pharmaceuticals (+7.6%), Coal India (+6.8%), Reliance Industries (+6.5%), Adani Enterprises (+4.7%), and ONGC (+4.6%).

Top losers were Axis Bank (-7.4%), Shriram Finance (-7.1%), ICICI Bank (-6.3%), HCL Technologies (-6.1%), and InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) (-5.7%). Midcap and smallcap indices showed mixed results, with notable gains in stocks like Oracle Financial Services Software (+10.6%) and Cohance Lifesciences (+32.8%), while others such as National Aluminium Co. (-9.1%) and Mangalore Refinery (-10.4%) declined.

Markets will remain closed on May 1 for Maharashtra Day and reopen on May 4, with investors closely watching any weekend developments regarding the US-Iran situation that could influence market direction.

Important Facts for Exams

• The NIFTY50 index fell 0.73% to 23,997.55 points in the week ending April 30, 2026.
• BSE SENSEX declined 1%, closing at 76,913.50 points the same week.
• Foreign investors sold ₹8,047.86 crore of Indian equities on April 30, while domestic investors bought ₹3,487.10 crore.
• Crude oil prices surged to nearly $125 per barrel amid US-Iran tensions.
• The Indian rupee hit a record low of 95.322 against the US dollar on April 30.
• Top sector gainers included Nifty Oil & Gas (+2.5%) and Nifty Pharma (+1.2%).
• Major stock gainers: Sun Pharma (+7.6%), Coal India (+6.8%), Reliance Industries (+6.5%).
• Major stock losers: Axis Bank (-7.4%), Shriram Finance (-7.1%), ICICI Bank (-6.3%).
• Markets closed May 1 for Maharashtra Day; trading resumes May 4.