Stock Market Crash: ₹4 Lakh Crore Wiped Out as Sensex Falls 800 Points, Nifty Near 23,000

Market Overview - Indian stock markets, including Sensex and Nifty, experienced a significant decline due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, rising crude oil prices, and persistent foreign fund outflows, leading to a risk-averse environment [1][3][6] - The BSE Sensex fell by 926.92 points to 74,346.53, while the NSE Nifty dropped by 280.95 points to 23,025.50 in early trade [4][6] Geopolitical and Economic Factors - The US-Iran conflict remains a critical concern, with geopolitical tensions contributing to a risk-off sentiment among investors [6][11] - Crude oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, intensifying inflationary pressures in India, which heavily relies on crude imports [6][10][11] - Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have been offloading equities, with a reported outflow of Rs 1,805.37 crore, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) purchased stocks worth Rs 5,429.78 crore [12] Global Market Trends - Global markets are increasingly sensitive to geopolitical developments, with the US markets experiencing sharp declines, including a 2.4% drop in the Nasdaq Composite, marking a correction territory [8][9] - The Dow Jones fell over 400 points, and the S&P 500 dropped 1.7%, indicating a broader market downturn influenced by macro risks [8][9] Sector Performance - Among the 30-Sensex firms, major laggards included Bajaj Finance, Larsen & Toubro, and Reliance Industries, while gainers included Tata Consultancy Services and HCL Tech [7]