India’s BSE Sensex slipped about 0.3% to 77,957 on Wednesday, extending the previous session’s losses as rising crude oil prices and caution ahead of key inflation data in both India and the US dampened risk appetite. Oil prices approached $90 per barrel amid heightened concerns over Middle East tensions and uncertainty around the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, stoking fears of higher energy costs.
Domestically, investors were also on edge ahead of India’s July inflation print, due later in the day, with forecasts pointing to an uptick to 4.5% from 4.38% — the highest rate since December 2024.
On the corporate front, Godrej Consumer Products was among the biggest laggards. Its shares tumbled about 9.4% to their lowest level in more than three years after CEO Sudhir Sitapati unexpectedly resigned, only months after being reappointed. Tata Group counters also came under pressure following reports that Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran may step down.
Other notable losers included Dr. Agarwal’s (-5.7%), Tenneco Clean Air (-2.2%), and Manappuram (-1.7%).