The Sensex took a brutal tumble at the opening bell today, Friday, February 28, 2025, sliding sharply by 750 points as jittery investors faced a barrage of bad news. By 9:26 AM IST, the Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark index was reeling from a gap-down start, driven by weak global cues, relentless selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs), and fresh fears over U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Posts on X flagged GIFT Nifty futures tanking 148 points to 22,536, signaling the bloodbath ahead.

Thursday’s close had the Sensex clinging to 74,612, practically flat, while the Nifty50 limped to 22,545. But today’s dive reflects mounting unease, with India’s Q3 GDP data—due soon—adding fuel to the fire of market uncertainty. Analysts point to a global sell-off and Trump’s hardline trade stance as twin hammers smashing investor confidence. The shift of freight to Dedicated Freight Corridors, spotlighted during the Maha Kumbh rail triumph, offered no cushion as passenger-focused optimism failed to lift stocks.

Experts warn the Sensex could face more pain if it breaches key support levels, with 74,000 in sight as a grim milestone. Mumbai’s trading floors buzzed with tension as the rupee braced for pressure and local punters scrambled for cover. After yesterday’s shaky calm, today’s plunge marks a rude awakening for India’s markets.