Stock Market Updates: The Sensex drops 450 points, and the Nifty drops below 22,850.

Sensex Falls 450 Points, Nifty Slips Below 22,850 in Market Downturn

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: February 21, 2025

Summary: The BSE Sensex and Nifty50, two benchmark equity indices, began downward on Friday amid a mix of global influences.

Amid conflicting global cues, the BSE Sensex and Nifty50 market indices were trading down on Friday.

The BSE Sensex was down 314.87 points, or 0.42 percent, at 75,421.09 at 10 AM, while the Nifty 50 was down 109 points, or 0.48 percent, at 22,804.15.

The Indian stock market's current direction will continue to be influenced by worries about geopolitical developments, US trade tariffs, global market movements, and the trading activities of foreign institutional investors.

Investors are very excited about the release of February's manufacturing and services PMI flash numbers as well as the RBI MPC minutes, which are due out today.

Australian stocks rose Friday as a result of advances in mining and energy companies spurred by strong commodities prices. Following a purchase offer for its 60%-owned subsidiary, Domain Holdings Australia, Nine Entertainment emerged as the biggest beneficiary.

Despite losing 2.6% this week, the S&P/ASX 200 index was up 0.1% at 8,333.1 as of 00:26 GMT.

Despite poor performance in US markets, Asian equities rose on Friday, demonstrating their resilience. Thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, investors' interest in Chinese stocks has increased.

During Trump's tariff talks and continued attempts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, risk-averse investing helped gold prices stay close to their top levels and approach an eighth consecutive weekly advance.