On October 1, the Indian stock market experienced a significant decline, with the SENSEX falling by 570.59 points or 0.79% to close at 71,909.70. Similarly, the NIFTY50 index dropped by 198.50 points or 0.88%, ending the day at 22,421.95. This decline was driven by a broad-based selloff across various sectors.
- The SENSEX and NIFTY50 indices both fell sharply.
- Bajaj Auto and Maruti Suzuki were among the top losers.
- Infosys and HDFC Life were notable gainers.
- Market volatility increased, with India VIX rising 16.3%.
- Foreign investors sold shares worth over ₹10,000 crore, while domestic investors bought equities worth over ₹11,000 crore.
Why did the SENSEX and NIFTY50 decline on October 1?
The SENSEX dropped as much as 1.64% during the day, hitting an intraday low of 71,292.88, while the NIFTY50 fell up to 1.8%, reaching 22,217.30. This broad selloff was influenced by weak monthly vehicle sales data for September 2026 and high Brent crude oil prices, which hovered around $99 per barrel. These factors negatively affected investor sentiment, especially in the automobile sector.
Which stocks were the top losers on October 1?
The biggest declines came from Bajaj Auto, which tumbled 7.62%, and Maruti Suzuki, which fell 4.86%. Other significant losers included Shriram Finance (-3.84%), Tata Steel (-3.42%), and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones (-3.36%). The drop in auto stocks was linked to subdued vehicle sales and rising crude oil prices.
Which stocks gained on October 1?
Despite the overall market decline, some stocks showed gains. Infosys led the gainers with a 4.11% increase. Other top performers included HDFC Life Insurance Company (2.49%), HDFC Bank (1.76%), SBI Life Insurance Company (1.49%), and Max Healthcare Institute (1.20%).
What happened in the midcap and smallcap segments?
The NIFTY Midcap 100 index fell by 1.01%, closing at 58,732 points. Key losers in this segment were PB Fintech (-7.89%), Swiggy (-4.84%), Kalyan Jewellers India (-4.46%), UPL Ltd (-4.25%), and LIC Housing Finance (-4.00%). On the upside, MphasiS (4.45%), Coforge (4.40%), Havells India (2.36%), Fortis Healthcare (1.95%), and Tata Communications (1.79%) gained.
The NIFTY Smallcap 100 index also declined by 0.97%, ending at 19,058.65 points. Top losers included Chennai Petroleum Corporation (-6.64%), IFCI Ltd (-5.47%), Welspun Corp (-5.04%), Piramal Pharma (-3.98%), and Affle 3i (-3.97%). Meanwhile, IDBI Bank (5.96%), HFCL Ltd (5%), Sterlite Technologies (5%), Nuvama Wealth Management (2.05%), and Cohance Lifesciences (2.03%) were among the top gainers.
Why did Sterlite Technologies shares rise?
Sterlite Technologies hit a 52-week high after securing a Long-Term Supply Agreement (LTSA) valued at approximately $1.2 billion with an international hyperscale partner. This contract, valid until December 2030, involves supplying optical connectivity products as per customer specifications, boosting investor confidence in the company.
What was the market volatility like on October 1?
The India VIX, which measures market volatility, surged by 16.3% to an intraday high of 15.69. This increase indicates heightened uncertainty and risk perception among investors during the trading session.
What were the foreign and domestic investor activities?
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares worth ₹10,148.41 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) purchased equities worth ₹11,271.73 crore on a net basis. This contrasting activity shows that while foreign investors were withdrawing, domestic investors were buying during the market decline.
When will the markets reopen after the October 1 trading session?
Both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will remain closed on Friday, October 2, in observance of Gandhi Jayanti. The markets will reopen on Monday, October 5, following the long weekend.
