Indian markets open lower as global tensions and profit-booking weigh on stocks
Summary: Sensex and Nifty open weaker on Wednesday with profit-booking and geostrategic concerns influencing sentiment.
On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Indian equity markets opened cautiously, with both the Sensex and the Nifty 50 falling in early trading as investors responded to conflicting global cues and ongoing geopolitical concerns.
Benchmarks dipped below key levels right at the start. The Nifty 50 was trading just below 26,150, while the BSE Sensex eased more than 100 points in early deals, reflecting a cautious mood on Dalal Street.
Analysts say this softer start was influenced in part by profit-booking after recent gains, as well as global tensions that continue to loom over financial markets. Concerns about rising geopolitics and potential U.S. trade measures have kept some investors on the sidelines, even as corporate earnings expectations remain in focus.
The market opening followed a decline in key heavyweight stocks in recent sessions, which had already pressured sentiment. In the previous session, broader indices pulled back from near-record levels as selling pressure in major names like banking and energy sectors weighed on the benchmarks.
Reactions on a global level were mixed. U.S. and Asian markets showed uneven performance overnight, with some indexes falling back after recent runs. Domestic traders remained cautious, waiting for new catalysts to provide market direction.
Despite early losses, market veterans remarked that short-term trading was influenced by global risk sentiment and sector-specific indications. Stocks that reacted to geopolitical events or profit-taking struggled, while those with solid fundamentals drew selective interest.