MUMBAI (27 February 2026) — Indian benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty, drifted lower during early trade on Friday, tracking a broader weak trend in global markets and renewed outflows of foreign funds. The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 364.62 points to 81,883.99 in initial transactions, while the broader 50-share NSE Nifty declined 117.15 points to 25,379.40. Market sentiment remained cautious as investors reacted to lacklustre international cues and shifting capital flows.
Key Drifters and Sectoral Impact
The decline was broad-based, with several heavyweight stocks in the Sensex pack leading the downward movement. Automotive, telecommunications, and banking sectors faced immediate selling pressure.
Major laggards in the early session included:
- Automotive: Maruti and Mahindra & Mahindra saw notable declines.
- Telecommunications: Bharti Airtel traded lower following global sector trends.
- Consumer Goods: Hindustan Unilever faced selling pressure amidst cautious domestic demand outlooks.
- Banking and Finance: Kotak Mahindra Bank was among the primary laggards in the financial segment.
- Construction: UltraTech Cement also recorded losses in the opening hour.
Global Cues and FII Outflows
The domestic market’s weakness is largely attributed to a fragile environment across global peers. US and Asian markets have shown signs of volatility as participants recalibrate expectations regarding inflation and interest rate trajectories.
As noted in reports by The Economic Times and Bloomberg, the Indian markets are currently navigating a phase of “fresh foreign fund outflows.” Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have turned net sellers in recent sessions, exerting downward pressure on local valuations. This trend has been exacerbated by the rupee’s marginal depreciation, which opened at 90.91 against the US dollar earlier today.
Market Outlook for the Session
Analysts suggest that the Nifty may find support around the 25,300 level, while the Sensex will look to defend the 81,500 mark. The afternoon session is expected to remain volatile, with investors closely watching for any recovery in European markets and further data on domestic institutional buying, which often acts as a counter-balance to foreign sell-offs.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Stock markets decline in early trade tracking weak global peers” (27 February 2026)
- The Economic Times: “Sensex, Nifty drop in early trade; Maruti, Airtel among top losers” (27 February 2026)
- Moneycontrol: “Market Live: Sensex falls over 300 points, Nifty below 25,400” (27 February 2026)
- National Stock Exchange (NSE) / BSE India: Live Market Data (27 February 2026)
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