Indian stocks fall 5% in a month, wiping out Rs 17 lakh crore

Indian stock market benchmarks Sensex and Nifty fell over 5% in the past month, erasing Rs 17.17 lakh crore in investor wealth due to surging crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and high bond yields. The Sensex dropped 4,161.87 points (5.40%) since August 27, while the Nifty fell 1,310.6 points (5.44%). On Monday, the Sensex closed at 72,771.72, its lowest since March 30, 2026, with investor wealth declining Rs 7.52 lakh crore in a single day. Brent crude jumped nearly 4% to USD 108.3 per barrel, and US 10-year yields rose above 5%, pressuring emerging markets. Analysts cited the escalating US-Iran conflict and the US rejection of a ceasefire proposal as key factors prolonging supply-side disruptions and reducing diplomatic resolution prospects.