Benchmark stock indices fell for the third straight session on Wednesday, with the Sensex plunging 813 points to a nearly three-month low and the Nifty slipping below 23,450 as escalating West Asia tensions pushed crude oil prices above $100 a barrel.
The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 813.35 points, or 1.08%, to close at 74,764.23, its lowest closing level in nearly three months. The NSE Nifty declined 203.60 points, or 0.86%, to settle at 23,431.50, its lowest close since June 11.
Selling was led by IT, FMCG, financial services and oil & gas stocks, as investors remained cautious amid rising geopolitical tensions and higher crude prices.
Among Sensex stocks, HCL Tech was the biggest loser, falling 4.55%, followed by Infosys (-4.43%), Tech Mahindra (-3.87%) and TCS (-2.26%). HDFC Bank and Hindustan Unilever were also among the major laggards.
On the other hand, Adani Ports rose 3.67% to lead the gainers. Tata Steel, Trent and NTPC also ended higher.
