Indian equity benchmarks opened sharply lower on Monday, tracking weak global cues amid rising geopolitical trade tensions triggered by fresh tariff threats from the US administration.

As of 9:30 AM, the Sensex slipped 449 points (0.54%) to 83,120, while the Nifty 50 declined 148 points (0.58%) to 25,546.

Broader Markets Under Pressure

Broader indices mirrored benchmark weakness, with the Nifty Midcap 100 down 0.42% and the Nifty Smallcap 100 easing 0.54%.

Sectoral Performance

All sectoral indices traded in the red except FMCG.

Major laggards included IT, Media, and Oil & Gas, each falling over 1%.

Key Levels to Watch

Market participants identified immediate support at 25,600 and 25,450, while resistance remains at 25,875, followed by 26,000 and 26,100.

Global Cues & Trade Concerns

Analysts expect heightened volatility in the near term due to escalating geopolitical risks. Concerns intensified after US President Donald Trump signaled potential additional tariffs on European countries, which could impact global trade and economic growth.

Market experts warned that if the US proceeds with 10% tariffs from February 1 and raises them to 25% from June 1, retaliatory action from Europe is likely.

Asian Markets Mixed

Asia-Pacific markets traded mostly lower as investors assessed weak Chinese economic data and renewed US tariff threats:

Shanghai Composite: +0.13%

Shenzhen: -0.01%

Nikkei (Japan): -1.05%

Hang Seng (Hong Kong): -1.00%

Kospi (South Korea): +0.85%

China’s economic growth slowed to its weakest pace in nearly three years in Q4 amid subdued domestic demand.

Wall Street Ends Lower

US markets closed in the red in the previous session:

Nasdaq: -0.06%

S&P 500: -0.06%

Dow Jones: -0.17%

Institutional Activity

On January 16, FIIs sold equities worth ₹4,346 crore, while DIIs provided support with net purchases of ₹3,935 crore.