India's Nifty falls 0.4% to 24,656.40 in pre-market trade

India's Nifty falls 0.4% to 24,656.40 in pre-market trade

India’s Nifty 50 index opened 0.14% lower in pre-market trading on March 5, 2026, extending its decline to 24,656.40 points, reflecting persistent market fragility amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The index had closed at 24,865.40 on March 4, down 1.40% from the previous session, as escalating conflicts between the U.S., Israel, and Iran triggered a broad selloff across global markets. The India VIX, a volatility gauge, surged 24.80% to 14.19, underscoring investor anxiety over near-term uncertainty.

Technical indicators highlight a bearish outlook, with Nifty trading below key moving averages and trendlines. The index has breached the 20-week moving average and now hovers near the lower Bollinger Band, with critical support levels at 25,000–25,150 under pressure. A break below this zone could trigger further corrections, while a rebound above 25,650 may signal short-term stabilization. Sectoral performance remains mixed: banking and financial stocks led the decline, while the IT sector showed relative weakness.

Global markets mirrored the downturn, with Asian indices falling for a third consecutive session and oil prices rising to multi-month highs due to supply disruptions. Domestic currency pressures also intensified, with the rupee hitting record lows against the U.S. dollar. Analysts caution that the near-term trajectory remains uncertain, with F&O expiry on March 5 likely to amplify volatility. Investors are advised to adopt a cautious approach, prioritizing risk management amid fragile market conditions.