Sensex Slides ~800 Points, Nifty Slips Below 25,500: Trump Tariff Shock + IT Selloff Hits Hard
Updated: 7 hours ago
The market on 24 February 2026 wasn’t “one straight crash.” It was more like two forces pulling in opposite directions—and the weaker side won.
On 24 February 2026, Indian equities slipped sharply in early trade with the Sensex down around 0.9% near 82,529 and the Nifty down around 0.8% near 25,500 (levels seen mid-morning).
The biggest drag came from IT stocks, while broader sentiment weakened due to fresh Trump tariff uncertainty.
What actually hit the market on 24 February 2026?
1) Trump tariff uncertainty = instant risk-off mood
Fresh uncertainty around temporary global tariffs after the US Supreme Court ruling brought back the “risk-off” feeling. When global trade headlines get messy, markets usually reduce risk first.
2) IT selling accelerated (AI disruption fear)
Nifty IT fell about 3.5% and extended its losing streak, with major names like TCS, Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro down roughly 2.5%–4% (as reported).
The trigger was renewed fear that newer AI tools could reduce long-term demand for traditional IT services work.
3) Global cues didn’t help
US tech weakness and mixed Asia cues kept traders cautious. Add weekly derivatives expiry nerves and you get a choppy, emotional session.
Quick scoreboard (what stayed weak vs what held up)
Weak side: IT, tech-linked names, and anything sensitive to global risk mood.
Support pockets: Some defensives and select non-IT sectors limited deeper damage (market breadth still leaned negative overall).
Related explainers on NishiJain.com: Sensex Flat, Nifty Green — But IT Crashes ~6%: Trade Deal Hype vs AI Jitters, Gold Slips From 3-Week High, Oil Near 7-Month High: Commodity Market Quick Wrap (Feb 24, 2026) and Bitcoin Slips to About $62,900: Extreme Fear + Liquidations Explained (Feb 24, 2026).
Nishi’s takeaway (what to watch next)
The fall on 24 February 2026 is a reminder:
Headlines move sentiment, but positioning moves price.
For the next 24–48 hours, keep it simple:
Tariff headlines: do they escalate or calm down?
Nifty IT direction: does selling cool off or continue?
Market breadth: are declines broadening beyond IT?
Disclaimer: This is a news explainer for education only, not investment advice.
About the author
Nishi Jain is a full-time trader based in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and ex-JioBlackRock. More about Nishi →
