India’s BSE Sensex fell nearly 2% on Friday to close at 74,563.9, its lowest level since March 2025, extending losses for a third consecutive session. Sentiment remained fragile amid persistent uncertainty in global energy markets, driven by a second straight week of unresolved tensions in the Middle East.
Sustained foreign portfolio outflows continued to weigh on the market, as overseas investors trimmed their exposure in response to rising global risks. Foreign investors have sold around $49 billion worth of Indian equities so far this month, the largest monthly outflow since January 2025.
Losses were broad-based across sectors. Among major constituents, Larsen & Toubro (-7.5%), Tata Steel (-5.2%), UltraTech Cement (-4.4%), State Bank of India (-3.6%), Maruti Suzuki (-3.3%) and Bharat Electronics (-3.1%) were notable decliners. In contrast, defensive names offered rare support, with Hindustan Unilever and Bharti Airtel rising 1.2% and 0.3%, respectively.
For the week, the Sensex dropped more than 5%, marking its steepest weekly decline in four years.
