Markets fall 1.6% as Trump rejects West Asia ceasefire proposal, crude soars

Indian and global markets saw a sharp decline on Monday as US President Donald Trump rejected Iran's ceasefire proposal following the latter's demand for too many concessions. The market's fall was driven by soaring crude prices, which reached over $108 per barrel, exacerbating fears of potential inflation and negatively impacting investor sentiment.

The Indian stock market's benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, dropped by 1.5% and 1.6% respectively, erasing nearly Rs 9 lakh crore of investor wealth. All sectors, including banks, financial services, IT, oil and gas, and metals, experienced heavy selling pressure. The rupee also weakened after state-owned banks reportedly intervened to stabilize the currency.

Trump's refusal to allow a quick resolution to the conflict in West Asia fueled the market's downward trend, while foreign investors continued to sell Indian shares, adding to the downward pressure. Meanwhile, bond yields surged to 7.18%, the highest since April 2024, reflecting concerns over rising inflation and potential central bank interest rate hikes.