Global crisis pulls Sensex down by 260 points to 4-week low

Mumbai: The BSE benchmark Sensex on August 8 plunged by 260 points to close at nearly four-week low of 25,329.14, tracking global sell-off sparked by escalating geopolitical tensions after US President Barack Obama authorised targeted air strikes in Iraq. Adding to the worry of global investors, Russian President Vladimir Putin went on retaliatory measures by banning food imports from Western countries. Russia faces sanctions imposed by the US and European countries.

Brokers said the sentiment was also hit by the rupee slumping to five-month low of 61.74 (intra-day) against the US dollar with global crude prices shooting up. Jayant Manglik, President, Retail Distribution, Religare Securities said: "Investors were also cautious after Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan warned that global markets are at the risk of a crash due to the lingering competitive loose monetary policies being followed by the developed economies."

After opening lower by over 180 points, the 30-share Sensex at one point was down over 350 points before ending the day at almost four week low of 25,329.14 --a level not seen since July 15--registering a steep loss of 259.87 points or 1.02 per cent. In straight three days, the key index has plunged by 578.87 points or 2.23 per cent. American President Barack Obama yesterday said that he has authorised targeted air strikes against militants in Iraq, key crude producer.

The development is widely will further stoke up the global oil prices. India imports 80 per cent crude oil of its requirements and it will be a big jolt to the country's economy, ultimately affecting the current account deficit. "Global markets closed in the negative for the week on the back of geopolitical tensions. The US authorising targeted air strikes on Iraq was the latest trigger.

There was growing unease over the crisis in Ukraine. "Indian markets were not insulated from the sell-off in global markets as it signed off the week in the negative zone...." said Sanjeev Zarbade, Vice President, Private Client Group Research, Kotak Securities.