Indian equity markets remained under pressure on Tuesday, with benchmark indices witnessing broad-based selling amid weak global cues, sectoral weakness and expiry-related volatility. The BSE Sensex fell around 600 points, while the NSE Nifty slipped nearly 1 per cent during afternoon trade. At around 1:30 pm, the Nifty was trading 0.82 per cent lower at 23,906, while the Sensex was down 0.76 per cent at 76,510.

The decline was not limited to frontline indices. Broader markets also came under pressure, with the Nifty Smallcap 250 falling 0.82 per cent and the Nifty Midcap 150 declining about 1.07 per cent. Selling was visible across multiple sectors, with metal and information technology stocks among the biggest laggards. Market participants attributed the weakness to a combination of global risk aversion, profit-booking after recent gains and caution ahead of key market events.

One of the major triggers behind the decline was a sharp sell-off in Asian markets led by South Korea. The benchmark KOSPI index plunged as much as 8.3 per cent intraday, triggering a market-wide circuit breaker and temporarily halting trading. The weakness was largely driven by heavy selling in technology stocks, with major chipmakers such as SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics falling more than 4 per cent. The downturn spread across the region, with Japan's Nikkei 225 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index also ending lower, dampening investor sentiment globally.

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Metal stocks faced additional pressure as commodity prices weakened and concerns over supply disruptions eased. Aluminium prices fell to their lowest levels in three months amid expectations of improving global supply conditions and easing geopolitical tensions. Reports suggesting progress in diplomatic discussions involving the United States and Iran also reduced concerns about disruptions in global commodity markets. Meanwhile, shares of Vedanta remained in focus following reports of a promoter stake sale through a block deal, adding to pressure across the metals segment.

Another factor contributing to market volatility was the weekly expiry of Nifty 50 derivatives contracts. Expiry sessions are often characterised by heightened trading activity as investors unwind or roll over positions. The increased volumes and rapid repositioning by traders can amplify intraday swings, leading to sharper price movements than usual even in the absence of major domestic triggers.

Market experts believe the current weakness reflects a broader global de-risking trend rather than concerns specific to the Indian economy. Analysts noted that foreign portfolio outflows and elevated market valuations have made equities vulnerable to profit-booking. Investors are now closely watching the stabilisation of global technology stocks, the direction of foreign institutional investment flows and upcoming corporate earnings for clues on the market's next move.

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