The benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty declined over 1 percent on Friday, dragged by heavy selling in information technology (IT) shares amid weak global cues and concerns over artificial intelligence-led disruptions.
At around 10 am, the Sensex fell 883.4 points, or 1.05 percent, to 82,791.52. The Nifty dropped 262.60 points, or 1.02 percent, to 25,544.60.Key factors behind market decline
1) IT sell-off: The IT index fell for third straight session, declining about 5 percent on fears of AI-driven automation impacting the sector's labour-intensive business model. The sectoral index had slipped 5.5 percent on February 12."The sharp correction in the IT pack has temporarily put bulls on the backfoot. Sentiment has weakened as traders react to heavy selling in IT stocks amid global volatility," Ajit Mishra, Senior Vice President-Research, Religare Broking, said.Heavyweights Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Technologies and Tech Mahindra were among the major laggards.2) Weak global cues: In Asian markets, Hong Kong's Hang Seng, Japan's Nikkei 225 and Shanghai's SSE Composite traded lower.In the US, the Nasdaq Composite fell more than 2 percent on Thursday ahead of inflation data due later on Friday. Stronger-than-expected US jobs data in January dented expectations of a near-term Federal Reserve rate cut. The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average also declined over 1 percent."Wall Street indices fell sharply on Thursday, with the technology-heavy Nasdaq slumping 2 percent, as investors intensified their sell-off of tech shares and exited transport stocks amid worries about artificial intelligence disruption," Devarsh Vakil, Head of Prime Research, HDFC Securities, said.3) Rise in volatility: The India VIX, the market's fear gauge, rose more than 4 percent to 12.22, indicating higher uncertainty and risk perception among investors, which typically leads to cautious trading and selling pressure."Markets have fallen into a turbulent phase which will cause some panic among investors even while offering opportunities," VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, said.He added the sell-off in IT stocks, a major profit pool of India Inc, was weighing on the market and the full impact of the recent AI-related shock on the sector was yet to be ascertained.4) Rupee weakens: The rupee depreciated 8 paise to 90.69 against the US dollar in early trade, pressured by a firm American currency and negative domestic equities. Forex traders said a stronger dollar limited gains for emerging-market currencies, including the rupee.Technical outlook
Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, said the Nifty may test the lower end of the 25,700–26,220 range seen earlier this week."Bearish bias should persist initially, with 25,500 as the immediate support, followed by 24,571 if weakness continues. A move above 25,750 could ease bearish momentum, while reclaiming the 25,830–25,900 zone may signal positivity," he said.source: Neywork18Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts are their own and not those of us. We advises investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.


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