Indian Stock Market Faces Significant Downturn

The Indian stock market has experienced a notable decline in recent weeks, with key indices entering bear market territory. The BSE Sensex has fallen approximately 7.5% since mid-December, currently trading around 76,000, a drop of nearly 10,000 points from its peak in September 2024. Small- and mid-cap stocks have been particularly affected, with decreases of 21% and 19%, respectively. This downturn is largely due to significant withdrawals by foreign portfolio investors, who are redirecting funds to China following technological advancements in that market. Despite increased domestic participation through systematic investment plans and retail trading, many new investors are encountering their first market downturn. In response to the growing trend of outbound tourism, Indian budget airline IndiGo is expanding its international destinations and enhancing services, aiming to capitalize on this opportunity despite the challenging market conditions.