Sensex Today: Markets Fall as Trump’s Tariffs Hit Sentiment, Nifty Below 24,450

Indian stock markets tumble as Sensex drops over 500 points and Nifty slips below 24,450 after Trump doubles tariffs on Indian exports. IT and banking stocks under heavy selling pressure.

Sensex Falls Over 500 Points, Nifty Slips Below 24,450 Amid Trump Tariff Shock

Mumbai, August 8, 2025:
Indian stock markets opened sharply lower on Friday, dragged down by weak global cues and U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise decision to double tariffs on Indian exports. The move sparked concerns over trade relations, corporate earnings, and foreign investment inflows.

The BSE Sensex dropped more than 500 points in early trade, while the Nifty 50 slipped below the crucial 24,450 mark. Investor sentiment was further dampened by sustained foreign portfolio investor (FPI) outflows.

Global Trade Tensions Weigh on Market Mood

The tariff hike by Washington has rattled investors, raising fears of a slowdown in India’s export-oriented industries such as IT, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
Market experts believe the decision could erode profit margins for companies heavily dependent on U.S. business.

According to analysts, “The tariff escalation could hurt corporate earnings and trigger further selling pressure in the coming weeks if no resolution is reached.”

IT and Banking Stocks Lead the Decline

The sell-off was most severe in the IT and banking sectors, which together carry significant weight in benchmark indices.

• Infosys, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Bharti Airtel, Bharat Electronics, and Eternal were among the top losers on the Sensex.
• The Nifty IT index and Nifty Financial Services index traded deep in the red.
• Eight of the 16 major sectoral indices opened lower, reflecting broad-based weakness.

Midcaps and Smallcaps Show Relative Stability

Despite the sharp fall in large-cap stocks, the Nifty Midcap and Nifty Smallcap indices traded flat, indicating selective buying in certain pockets of the market. Investors appeared to be betting on domestic consumption-driven sectors, which are less affected by global trade headwinds.

Foreign Fund Outflows Add to Pressure

Sustained foreign fund withdrawals have been a major headwind for the Indian market in recent weeks. A depreciating rupee has also contributed to concerns, with the currency slipping further against the U.S. dollar amid trade tensions.

Previous Session Recap

In Thursday’s trade, Indian markets had ended marginally higher, recovering from early losses due to weekly Nifty derivatives expiry. However, the positive momentum failed to carry over into Friday’s session as global developments took center stage.

Market Outlook and Expert Views

Market watchers expect volatility to remain high in the short term. Traders are likely to keep a close watch on:

• Any retaliatory measures by the Indian government
• U.S.-India trade negotiations
• Global market trends and commodity prices

Experts advise a cautious approach, focusing on fundamentally strong stocks with minimal exposure to U.S. exports. Tight stop-loss levels and a sector-wise diversification strategy could help mitigate risks.

Key Levels to Watch

• Nifty 50 Support: 24,300 – 24,250
• Nifty 50 Resistance: 24,600 – 24,650
• Sensex Support: 80,200 – 80,000
• Sensex Resistance: 81,000 – 81,200