Indian equity benchmarks ended Wednesday on a weak note, extending their early-session declines as global uncertainty and selling pressure in technology stocks weighed heavily on sentiment. The Sensex settled at 78,516, down 757 points or 0.95 per cent, while the Nifty closed 198 points lower at 24,378. Despite the fall in headline indices, broader market participation remained firm, with 2,340 stocks advancing compared to 1,745 declines and 142 remaining unchanged. Meanwhile, volatility ticked higher, with India VIX rising 3.8 per cent to 18.19, signalling increased caution. A softer global backdrop played a major role in shaping domestic market direction. Asian markets traded lower, while US equities ended the previous session in negative territory. Renewed tensions surrounding the Middle East conflict overshadowed otherwise supportive corporate earnings, keeping investors on edge and prompting risk-off sentiment across regions. Technology stocks emerged as the biggest drag on the market. The Nifty IT index dropped nearly 3.9 per cent, led by a sharp fall in HCL Tech, which plunged nearly 11 per cent following disappointing earnings commentary. The weakness spilled over to other IT majors, including Infosys, TCS, and Tech Mahindra, amplifying the downward pressure on benchmark indices. Crude oil prices saw a slight dip but continued to hover near the $98 per barrel mark. Persistent uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and developments between the US and Iran kept energy markets volatile. Elevated oil prices remain a key concern for equity markets, as they can fuel inflation and impact corporate margins. The recent rally in benchmark indices also contributed to the decline, as traders opted to book profits at higher levels. The Nifty had gained over 200 points in the previous session and logged three straight days of advances, making a pullback largely expected by market participants. Investor nervousness was reflected in the uptick in India VIX, which climbed 3.8 per cent. The rise in volatility indicates a cautious stance among traders as geopolitical tensions and global cues continue to create uncertainty. While IT and select financial stocks faced selling pressure, FMCG names attracted buying interest. Nestle and Hindustan Unilever were among the notable gainers, highlighting a defensive tilt in parts of the market. Overall sectoral performance remained mixed, with stock-specific action likely to dominate amid the ongoing earnings season. Get Latest News live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Business, Companies and around the world. She is working as a Chief Copy Editor at Times Now’s Business Desk, where she covers key developments in the stock market, Indian corporates across se... View More