FX.co ★ Sensex Closes Sharply Lower

India’s BSE Sensex extended losses on Wednesday, closing down about 1.7% at 76,863.7 and erasing the previous session’s gains. Investor sentiment weakened amid persistent tensions in the Middle East, volatility in crude oil prices, and continued foreign fund outflows.

Selling pressure was broad-based across sectors, with pronounced profit-taking in leading banking, financial, and automotive stocks. Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finserv, State Bank of India (SBIN), and HDFC Bank posted sharp declines of between 1.8% and 5%. Other major names, including Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti, and Bharti Airtel, also ended lower.

Heavyweight Reliance Industries surrendered early gains to finish 1.3% down, even after US President Donald Trump announced a deal with the company to build the first major new oil refinery in the United States in 50 years. Among the few gainers, NTPC and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries each advanced 0.7%.