Sensex Plunges to Six-Month Low as Investor Wealth Wipes Out Rs 17.17 Lakh Crore

Indian equity benchmarks have hit new lows. With the BSE Sensex falling to its lowest level in nearly six months. And the Nifty also plummeting to its lowest level in nearly six months. The sell-off intensified on Monday, with the BSE benchmark plunging 1,124.02 points, or 1.52%, to close at 72,771.72.

This marked its lowest closing level since March 30, 2026.

Geojit Investments Limited's Head of Research, Vinod Nair, notes that bears continue to dominate the market, having breached a vital psychological threshold. The recent US rejection of a ceasefire proposal has bolstered investor apprehension. With West Asian tensions now seen as potentially enduring longer than initially thought.

Read More: OMCs to See Petrol, Diesel Margins Jump in Q2FY27, But LPG Losses Limit Gains

This heightened uncertainty has raised the specter of prolonged supply-side disruptions and higher commodity prices. Underscoring the need for a swift diplomatic resolution.

Market Crash in Numbers

Among the 30 Sensex constituents, 29 finished lower. Larsen & Toubro was the biggest loser, declining 2.81%. Power Grid fell 2.62%, Adani Ports slipped 2.38%, HDFC Bank dropped 2.30%, Hindustan Unilever declined 2.27% and Reliance Industries lost 2.24%.

Infosys was the only Sensex stock to end higher.

Also Read: India Rolls Out First LNG-Powered Train as Railways Pushes for Sustainable Transport

Global Economic Turmoil

Crude oil prices are fueling a market downturn, with investors increasingly spooked by the escalating US-Iran standoff over the Strait of Hormuz. Geopolitical tensions and weak global market signals are exacerbating the sell-off. As analysts point to a sharp spike in oil prices as the primary driver.

Foreign Institutional Investors

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) remained net sellers in the equity market. Offloading shares worth Rs 3,693.93 crore on Friday, according to exchange data.

The erosion in market wealth stood at Rs 17,17,487.02 crore during the period. Taking investors' total wealth down to Rs 4,74,36,620.19 crore, which is around $4.94 trillion.