Indian equity benchmarks plunged over 1.5 per cent to their lowest since late October on Friday, extending their losses for the fourth straight session, reflecting a sell-off in Wall Street stocks overnight after data showed economic resilience and reinforced the Federal Reserve’s higher interest rates rhetoric.
The 30-share BSE Sensex crashed 980.93 points to close at 59,845.29, the lowest since October 28. The Sensex opened at 60,205.56 and fell as low as 59,765.56.
The broader NSE Nifty-50 index fell to the lowest since October 28 after dropping below the 18,000-mark for the first time since November. The Nifty plunged 320.55 points, or 1.77 per cent, to end at 17,806.80.
The dollar rose on Friday as strong US data fuelled worries that the Fed will need to maintain its hawkish stance to limit inflation. Asian markets dipped on Friday, mirroring a sell-off on Wall Street.
Weekly unemployment benefits claims data from the United States indicated that the labour market remains tight, and the third quarter’s economic recovery was more rapid than anticipated.
The data from the United States “flamed fears that further monetary policy tightening in 2023 will be necessary to cool inflation,” Tony Sycamore, a Market Analyst at IG, told Reuters.
Those positive data points, which would often be seen favourably, has increased investor concerns that the Fed funds target rate may rise higher and remain there longer than anticipated, increasing the likelihood of an economic slowdown.
Featured Video Of The Day
Sensex Crashes Over 500 Points, Extending Losses For Third Straight Day