Stock markets fell sharply on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with the BSE Sensex dropping 1,050 points to close near 84,300 and the Nifty 50 slipping below 25,450. The decline reflected weak global cues, especially from the US and Asian markets, and domestic caution ahead of weekly futures and options expiry.
The sell-off was broad-based but concentrated in technology and metal stocks. Major IT firms, including Infosys and TCS, fell up to 6%, while metals companies like Tata Steel and JSW Steel also saw sharp losses. High-beta and cyclical sectors bore the brunt of investor selling, as market sentiment remained risk-averse.
On the upside, some defensive sectors provided relief. Energy and gas stocks, led by BPCL, Reliance Industries, and ONGC, gained amid positive sector-specific news and strong domestic demand expectations. These stocks cushioned the overall impact on the indices but could not offset the heavy losses from the broader market.
Analysts said a combination of global macroeconomic uncertainties, concerns over US trade policies, and mixed domestic economic signals contributed to the decline. Market participants also noted that volatility is likely to persist, with investors closely watching corporate earnings, policy updates, and upcoming economic data for cues.
The trading session highlighted a clear sectoral divide: while cyclical and tech-heavy stocks faced intense pressure, energy and commodity-related names attracted selective buying. Investors were seen rotating funds into defensive areas, reflecting caution in the current market environment.
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