Sensex slips below 82K amid widespread sell-off

Market Overview - Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended nearly 1 percent lower, with the Sensex closing at 81,537.70 after a drop of 769.67 points, or 0.94 percent [4] - The Nifty settled at 25,048.65, down 241.25 points, or 0.95 percent [6] - The rupee depreciated to a record low against the US dollar, contributing to the market's decline [4] Market Sentiment - Investors are shifting towards safe-haven assets due to widespread sell-offs and foreign capital outflows, leading to a cautious market sentiment [4][12] - The upcoming Union Budget and the US Fed's interest rate decision are influencing investor positioning, with expectations remaining muted [14] Sector Performance - Realty and PSU bank stocks underperformed due to execution-related delays and profit booking [13] - The BSE smallcap gauge fell by 2.19 percent, while the midcap index decreased by 1.56 percent [9] Stock Performance - Major laggards included Adani Ports, IndiGo, Axis Bank, and Reliance Industries [8][9] - Gainers included Tech Mahindra, Hindustan Unilever, and Tata Consultancy Services [8][9] Foreign Investment Activity - Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 2,549.80 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) purchased stocks worth Rs 4,222.98 crore [10]