BSE METAL INDEX FALLS TO TWO-MONTH LOW
Benchmark indices slump most in nearly a month; Metal stocks melt
The Indian markets posted their worst single-day performance in nearly a month on worries of a global trade war. Shares of metal companies led the decline. The BSE Metal index dropped 3.3 per cent to a two-month low. Political uncertainty in Italy also weighed on investor sentiment after exit polls showed Eurosceptic parties gaining support.
The markets on Monday posted their worst single-day performance in nearly a month on worries of a global trade war after the US planned to impose stiff tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.
Shares of metal companies led the decline. Political uncertainty in Italy also weighed on investors’ sentiment after exit polls showed Eurosceptic parties gaining support. The domestic equities posted a fourth straight session of loss despite the positivity following the Bharatiya Janta Party’s (BJP’s) strong showing in the Northeast state elections.
The benchmark BSE Sensex closed at 33,746, down 300 points, or 0.9 per cent, while the Nifty50 index fell 100 points, or 0.95 per cent, to 10,359. Both the indices fell the most since February 9.
US President Donald Trump plans to levy tariffs on steel and aluminium to boost domestic industry and jobs. He has also threatened to impose a tax on cars. A formal agreement in this regard is expected to be signed this week. Investors fear the move would ignite a global trade war, with China warning that it won’t sit idle if its economy is hurt. Most Asian markets also fell close to 1 per cent in Monday’s trade.
“The domestic market was hit on fears of a likely hike in the US import tariff on steel and aluminium. The metal sector has taken the biggest hit so far. Indian exporters would look at the dawning possibility of a global trade war, adding to the anxiety of the investors awaiting outcomes of major central banks meetings this week,” said Anand James, chief market strategist, Geojit Financial Services.
Both domestic and overseas investors were net sellers on Monday. Foreign institutional investors sold shares worth ~3.7 billion, while their domestic counterparts pulled out ~1.5 billion. The overall market breadth was negative as 2,041 stocks ended in the red, while only 701 gained.
According to experts, the equity markets are likely to remain volatile, while gold could see safe-haven buying as a hedge against global uncertainties.
Most sectoral indices, barring technology, ended with losses. The BSE Metal index dropped 3.3 per cent to a two-month low. Shares of Hindalco and JSW Steel fell over 4 per cent each. Among the Sensex pack, Tata Motors and Tata Steel fell the most at 5 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively. Among the top gainers were Sun Pharma and TCS, which rose over 2 per cent each. On a year-to-date basis, the Sensex and the Nifty are down by over 1 per cent each.
BJP win fails to lift mood
The BJP-led coalition’s win in Tripura and Nagaland has failed to lift investors’ sentiment. This is the first time the BJP was able to make significant headway in the northeastern states. “It builds a strong momentum for the BJP in the upcoming state elections in 2018 and the national polls in 2019,” said Ajay Bodke, chief portfolio manager — PMS, Prabhudas Lilladher.
“These election results will be a sentiment booster for the BJP... Upcoming state elections will be important as they will largely be two-way fights between the BJP and the Congress,” said Sonal Varma, chief economist, Nomura India.