MUMBAI: Domestic benchmark indices opened sharply lower on Monday, declining over 1 per cent each amid escalating tensions in West Asia, which entered the fifth week.
Sensex opened at 72, 565, down over 1, 000 points or 1.38 per cent, while Nifty started Monday’s session at 22, 549, slipping 267 points or around 1 per cent.
Sector-wise, market witnessed widespread selling pressure, with all sectoral indices trading in the red. PSU bank and chemical stocks led the losses, falling nearly 3-4 per cent each, while realty, auto and financial services indices also declined up to 3 per cent.
Even relatively defensive sectors such as FMCG, IT and Pharma were not spared, slipping up to 2 per cent.
The frontline indices have declined about almost 10 per cent since February 28 -- when the US-Israel-Iran conflict began.