Sensex Crashes Over 1,500 Points, as Markets Erase Billions

Indian equity markets extended sharp losses in Monday’s session, with benchmark indices trading deep in the red well into the afternoon.

Heightened geopolitical risks from the escalating US-Iran-Israel conflict, surging crude oil prices,  nearing or exceeding $110-112 levels in some reports, a weakening rupee, persistent FII outflows, and elevated volatility triggered broad-based selling across sectors.

Exact Points at Current Time (as of approximately around 2:17 PM,

BSE Sensex: 72,971.02
Down 1,561.94 points (-2.10%) from previous close of 74,532.96
Day’s range: Low around 72,558–72,600 levels.

NSE Nifty 50: 22,588.95
Down 525.55 points (-2.27%) from previous close of 23,114.50

Broader Market Impact: Midcap and smallcap indices down 3–3.8%; Nifty Bank plunged ~3.16% to around 51,740. All major sectoral indices in the red, with PSU banks, autos, metals, realty, and financials hit hardest. IT showed some relative strength but still lower.

Estimated Wealth Erosion: Billions (potentially Rs 8–12 lakh crore range) wiped out from market cap in today’s session alone, building on recent weakness.

Primary Triggers:
– Fears of oil supply disruptions from Middle East tensions pushing Brent crude higher and stoking inflation/import cost worries.
– Rupee under pressure near record lows.
– Heavy foreign selling and profit booking after prior highs.
– Global markets weak, with Asian peers tumbling.