A big selloff in banking stocks drove Indian markets sharply lower today. Extension of lockdown and weak global markets amid rising US-China tensions sapped optimism that had led to 14% gains in April.
The Sensex today slumped 2002 points or 6% to close at 31,715 while Nifty plunged 5.75% to 31,715. The government on Friday extended the nationwide coronavirus lockdown for another two weeks while easing some restrictions in lower-risk zones.
Banking stocks led the fall today with Nifty Bank index slumping 8.3% today on concerns that bad debts may spike after coronavirus crisis brought the economy to a sudden halt.
HDFC Bank, Bandhan Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, Federal Bank and ICICI Bank fell between 7% and 10%. India's manufacturing