Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Tuesday (December 16, 2025) as persistent foreign fund outflows and weak global market trends dented investors’ sentiment.

The 30-share Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) index, Sensex, declined 363.92 points to 84,849.44 during initial trade. The 50-share National Stock Exchange (NSE) Nifty dropped 106.65 points to 25,920.65.

From the Sensex firms, Eternal, Axis Bank, HCL Tech, Infosys, Tata Steel, and Bharat Electronics were among the major laggards. However, Bharti Airtel, Asian Paints, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, and Titan were among the gainers.

In Asian markets, South Korea’s Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), Japan’s Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index quoted lower. U.S. markets ended in negative territory on Monday (December 15, 2025).

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹1,468.32 crore on Monday, while Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth ₹1,792.25 crore, according to exchange data.

“Major equity indices on Wall Street closed lower amid a risk-off sentiment ahead of key economic data releases, including non-farm payrolls, retail sales, and inflation figures, which could influence the future course of monetary policy. Asian markets also opened lower, with cautious traders paring positions ahead of the Bank of Japan’s crucial monetary policy decision later this week,” Ponmudi. R, chief executive officer of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth tech firm, said.

On the domestic front, persistent FII outflows and continued pressure on the rupee near record lows remain key near-term headwinds, Mr. Ponmudi said.

“However, strong participation from domestic institutional investors and retail flows continues to provide a cushion against deeper downside risks. In this backdrop, markets are expected to respect key technical levels rather than exhibit aggressive trending behaviour,” Mr. Ponmudi added.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, declined 0.54% to $60.23 per barrel.

On Monday (December 15, 2025), the Sensex dipped 54.30 points or 0.06% to settle at 85,213.36. The Nifty edged lower by 19.65 points or 0.08% to 26,027.30.