The Indian stock market took a brutal hit this week, as panicked selling wiped out ₹20 lakh crore in just three sessions, sparking widespread concerns among investors. Wednesday alone saw a staggering loss of ₹8 lakh crore as the Nifty and Sensex plunged to their lowest levels in five months.

Across-the-Board Sell-Off Leaves Sectors in the Red

The market rout wasn’t limited to a single sector. From realty and metal to auto, every major sector took a beating. By the end of Wednesday’s trading, Nifty had dropped 324 points to 23,559, while the Sensex shed 984 points to close at 77,691. Nifty Bank also sank by over a thousand points, finishing below 50,000. A whopping 44 out of 50 Nifty stocks closed in the red.

Heavy Hitters and High Anxiety

Investor concerns were evident as several high-profile stocks fell, including Hero MotoCorp, Tata Steel, and M&M. The market’s volatility index, a measure of investor fear, shot up by 7% — a clear sign that sentiment is shaky. With the Nifty slipping below its 200-day moving average of 23,535, many are questioning whether this is a sign of more trouble ahead.

Bright Spots Amid the Gloom

Not all stocks crumbled, though. Zydus Life and Alkem Labs managed to stay in the green after releasing positive quarterly earnings, providing a small silver lining. Swiggy’s stock debut on the exchange also managed to surprise, surging 20% by the day’s close.

As markets reel from these dramatic losses, investors are hoping for signals that could restore confidence. For now, though, the focus remains on limiting losses and hoping for stability amidst the turmoil.