Markets log worst week

WHILE THE SENSEX plunged 4,091.53 points or 4.98% in the week, the Nifty fell 1,180.80 points or 4.77%.

The sell-off comes after four weeks of positive returns. On Friday, broader markets saw a heightened selling pressure, with the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices falling 2.43% and 2.11%, respectively, compared to the benchmarks' 1.5% decline.

On a weekly basis, however, the broader indices posted smaller losses of around 3.2% each.

"Nervousness continued to grip investors, leading to a broad-based selling, as the dollar's ongoing strength against the rupee prompted foreign investors to exit local equities and seek safety in dollar assets," said Prashanth Tapse, senior vice president (Research) at Mehta Equities.

Investor sentiment was also dampened by concerns over Donald Trump's trade policies, as his aggressive stance could potentially disrupt global markets when he assumes office in mid-January next year, Tapse added.