Sensex plunges 1,124 points as investors lose Rs 7 lakh crore in seven hours

The Indian stock market experienced a sharp decline, with the Sensex plunging 1,124 points and investors losing approximately ₹7 lakh crore in seven hours, driven by rising crude oil prices, foreign fund outflows, and ongoing US-Iran tensions. The Sensex closed at 72,772, its lowest level in six months, while the Nifty slipped below 23,000. Market experts attributed the fall to a 4% surge in international crude prices, with Brent crossing $108, and foreign investors withdrawing ₹2.45 lakh crore from Indian equities since the start of 2026. The decline is part of a longer trend, with the Sensex falling about 15% over two years from 85,572 in September 2024. Gold and silver prices also dropped sharply, with gold down around 19% and silver 45% from their January peaks, as experts advise caution amid ongoing volatility.