Markets open lower amid uncertainty over U.S. tariff measures, weak Asian peers

Sensex and Nifty decline due to tariff threats and foreign fund outflows, impacting Indian and global markets.

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in initial trade on Thursday (February 20, 2025) as fresh tariff threats, weak Asian markets and foreign fund outflows hurt investors' sentiment.

The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex dropped 393.01 points to 75,546.17 in early trade. The NSE Nifty declined 118.95 points to 22,813.95.

From the Sensex pack, HDFC Bank, ITC, Maruti, Mahindra & Mahindra, Zomato and Hindustan Unilever were among the biggest laggards.

NTPC, Infosys, Reliance Industries and Adani Ports were among the gainers.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹1,881.30 crore on Wednesday (February 19) after a day's breather, according to exchange data.

"Trump’s tariff talks continue to impact markets. Trump’s declaration that the US will impose 25% tariffs on automobiles, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals impacted India’s pharma stocks since India’s leading pharma companies are major exporters to the US. If this is implemented in early April as Trump declared, it will impact the US, too, through shortages and higher prices," V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services, said.

In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong were trading in the negative territory.