Nifty 50 Index Pares Losses But Still Down 1.2% Amid Global Sell-Off

Indian equity markets continued to trade under pressure on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with the Nifty 50 index down 1.2% after paring some of its earlier losses. The benchmark opened sharply lower, tracking global weakness triggered by escalating tensions in West Asia and a surge in crude oil prices.  

The Sensex plunged nearly 1,200 points intraday, while the Nifty struggled below the 24,400 mark. Broader markets saw heavier declines, with smallcap and midcap indices dropping more than 1.5%. Sectoral indices reflected widespread selling, with metals and energy stocks leading the downturn.  

Key Highlights  

• Nifty 50 down 1.2%, trading below 24,400 levels  
• Sensex falls nearly 1,200 points intraday  
• Smallcap and midcap indices decline over 1.5%  
• Metal and energy stocks among worst performers  
• Geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices weigh on sentiment  

Industry Significance  
Analysts note that the sell-off reflects investor caution amid global uncertainty, particularly the Iran-Israel conflict and its impact on energy markets. Rising oil prices are expected to pressure inflation and corporate margins, while volatility in equities may persist until geopolitical risks ease.  

Sources: The Financial Express, Business Standard, Mint, The Hindu BusinessLine