NEW DELHI, 9 December (H.S.): Domestic equity markets opened sharply lower on Tuesday, with both key indices trading deep in the red amid weak global trends and cautious foreign investor sentiment. Early trade witnessed heavy selling pressure, particularly in banking, IT, and automobile stocks.At 9:30 a.m., the BSE Sensex was down 680.77 points, or 0.80%, trading at 84,421.92, while the NSE Nifty 50 fell 228.30 points, or 0.88%, to 25,732.25.

Analysts attributed the early slide to mixed global cues, profit-booking by investors, and renewed concerns over global economic headwinds.Of the 30 Sensex-listed companies, only three stocks traded in the green, while 27 shares were in negative territory.

Among the gainers, Hindustan Unilever rose 0.46%, Bharti Airtel gained 0.35%, and Titan Company inched up 0.05% in early trading.On Monday, both benchmarks had also ended lower, extending losses for a second straight session. The Sensex had closed 609.68 points, or 0.71%, lower at 85,102.69, while the Nifty 50 settled 225.90 points, or 0.86%, down at 25,960.55.

Market experts expect volatility to persist through the week, with investor sentiment likely to remain subdued until global cues stabilize.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar