Sensex and Nifty Dip Amid Trade Deal Uncertainty and Tariff Concerns

Markets Tumble as Trade Deal Jitters and Tariff Fears Grip Investors

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: July 22, 2025

Summary: Indian stock markets opened in negative, on Tuesday as investors became cautious amid uncertainty over U.S. tariffs and the unclear status of a potential trade deal with the U.S.

Market Opens on a Nervous Note

Despite a positive pre-market mood—boosted by strong private bank results—trading took a step back soon after the opening bell. The Sensex slipped into negative territory, while the Nifty hovered slightly above 25,100, down 30–40 points from earlier highs.

What is Affecting the Market?

1. Concerns About Trade Tensions and Tariffs

Recent global trade issues have diminished investor confidence. The upcoming deadline for US tariffs, August 1, along with ambiguous comments from Trump regarding ongoing trade talks, has brought feelings of discomfort in the markets. Traders are unsure about the future because a major agreement is yet to be finalized.

2. Mixed Corporate Signals

The earlier advantages from the positive earnings of HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank were reduced quickly. Future reports from companies such as United Breweries and Colgate-Palmolive India are currently the main focus of the market. The cautious tone was further enhanced by a slight setback in Reliance Industries.

3. Global Cues and Macro Factors

The rupee held constant at about 86.26 per dollar thanks to a decline in U.S. Treasury yields. However, Asian markets offered no clear direction. The risk-off attitude in Indian stocks was exacerbated by Japan's markets' decline after domestic political unrest.

Market Mood: Wait and Watch

With foreign institutional investors taking a step back and domestic buyers remaining hesitant, the overall mood on Dalal Street is one of caution. Investors are now closely tracking upcoming earnings reports, developments in India–U.S. trade discussions, and broader global economic indicators.

Key Things to Watch This Week:

Earnings reports from United Breweries and Colgate-Palmolive India

Whether India and the United States will reach a trade agreement before the tariff deadline on August 1st Any shifts in global trade policy, particularly around U.S. tariffs.