Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 24: Benchmark domestic equity indices BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 plunged around 1.2 per cent on Tuesday, weighed down by a sharp sell-off in IT stocks amid persistent concerns over artificial intelligence-led disruptions and weak global cues.

The Sensex tanked 1,069 points to close at 82,226, while the Nifty slipped 288 points to settle at 25,425. Markets opened under pressure, tracking steep overnight losses in US equities. Selling intensified in the afternoon session due to heavy declines in technology shares and volatility linked to the monthly expiry of Nifty Futures and Options contracts.

In the Sensex pack, 22 of the 30 constituents ended in the red. Among the top laggards, Tech Mahindra sank 6.6 per cent, HCL Technologies dropped 6.1 per cent, and Eternal fell nearly 5.3 per cent.

On the other hand, NTPC gained over 1.9 per cent, Hindustan Unilever rose 0.9 per cent, and Tata Steel added more than half a per cent.

Among BSE sectoral indices, 12 of the 24 sectors closed lower, while Consumer Durables remained flat. The technology index was the worst performer, with IT tumbling nearly 5 per cent. Realty declined 2.6 per cent. In contrast, Power rose over 1 per cent, Metal gained 1 per cent, and Utilities advanced 0.9 per cent.

The overall market breadth at the BSE remained negative, with 2,802 stocks declining, 1,422 advancing, and 143 remaining unchanged, reflecting broad-based weakness across counters.