Indian stock markets witnessed their worst weekly decline in 2025 as global tariff concerns, weak corporate earnings, and foreign fund outflows dragged Sensex and Nifty lower. Analysts expect further downside unless key support levels hold.
February 16, 2025: Indian Markets Face Sharpest Weekly Decline Amid Global Headwinds
The Indian stock markets extended their losing streak for the eighth consecutive session, marking their worst weekly fall in two months. The BSE Sensex slipped 1,920.98 points (-2.46%) while the NSE Nifty 50 tumbled 630.7 points (-2.67%), reflecting mounting concerns over global trade tensions, weak corporate earnings, and persistent foreign investor outflows.
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On Friday, the Sensex dropped 199.76 points (0.26%) to settle at 75,939.21, while the Nifty 50 declined 102.15 points (0.44%), closing at 22,929.25. India VIX, the volatility index, remained elevated at 15.02, indicating sustained market uncertainty.
Key Factors Driving Market Weakness
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- US Tariff Concerns: Investors remain on edge over US President Donald Trump’s proposal for reciprocal tariffs, which could disproportionately impact India among its Asian peers.
- Weak Corporate Earnings: A lackluster Q3 earnings season has dampened market sentiment, particularly in mid- and small-cap stocks.
- Foreign Fund Outflows: The Indian markets have seen significant FII outflows, triggered by concerns over rupee depreciation and global macroeconomic uncertainties.
- Sectoral Losses: Among BSE sectoral indices, the biggest losers were Services (-3.16%), Industrials (-3.03%), Capital Goods (-2.76%), Power (-2.65%), and Realty (-2.03%).
Technical Outlook: Key Support and Resistance Levels for Nifty & Sensex
Nifty 50 Outlook:
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- Support: 22,800-22,750 is the immediate support zone; breaking below could lead to further downside towards 22,500-22,100.
- Resistance: A breakout above 23,000-23,300 could signal a technical rebound, with the next hurdle at 23,600.
- Indicators: The MACD has turned negative, while the 21-day and 55-day moving averages indicate a bearish trend.
Sensex Outlook:
- Support: 75,200-74,600 is a crucial support range, with the next downside target at 74,300.
- Resistance: If 76,500 is breached, an upside move towards 77,100-77,500 is possible.
Bank Nifty Outlook:
- Support: 48,700 remains the key level; breaking below it could trigger a fall to 48,000.
- Resistance: A move above 49,650 could push it towards 50,200.
Market Strategy for the Coming Week
- Cautious Approach: Given weak sentiment and oversold conditions, analysts recommend avoiding aggressive buying at current levels.
- Watch Key Levels: Investors should closely monitor 22,800 (Nifty) and 48,700 (Bank Nifty)—if these break, further downside is expected.
- Stock-Specific Action: Select banking and IT stocks have shown relative strength, while midcaps and smallcaps remain under pressure.
While the short-term outlook remains bearish, history suggests that volatility often creates long-term opportunities for quality stock accumulation at reasonable valuations.