Crude shock sends Nifty to three-month low; Rupee slips

Market turmoil gripped India on Tuesday as crude oil prices surged and geopolitical tensions in West Asia intensified, prompting investors to become increasingly risk-averse. The Nifty 50 index tumbled to its lowest level in three months, closing at 23,635 points, down 144 points or 0.61 percent. The Bank Nifty also fell, slipping 310 points or 0.54 percent, marking its third consecutive day of decline.

The sell-off affected various sectors, with private banks, financial services, and oil & gas leading the decline, while media, pharma, and healthcare stocks gained. The commodities market was also impacted, with crude oil futures breaking above $94 per barrel and gold trading within the ₹1,52,500–₹1,54,000 range in domestic markets.

The Indian rupee suffered as well, falling 33 paise to close at 94.82 against the US dollar. Analysts attribute the market's downward spiral to persistent foreign institutional investor (FII) selling and the market's "sell on rise" sentiment. The upcoming 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, as well as key economic data releases, are expected to influence market sentiment in the coming days.