Wed Jan 08 11:39:57 UTC 2025: ## Indian Stock Market Plunges Amidst Rising HMPV Cases and FII Sell-off

**Mumbai, India** – The Indian stock market experienced a significant downturn on Wednesday, echoing anxieties reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The BSE Sensex plummeted 512 points to close at 77,687, while the Nifty 50 index dropped 153 points to 23,554.

The sharp decline follows a week of volatility, fueled by a combination of factors. The recent surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India, with eight confirmed infections so far, has heightened investor concerns. While experts downplay the severity of the virus compared to COVID-19, the fear is impacting market sentiment and triggering panic selling.

Adding to the downward pressure is continued foreign institutional investor (FII) selling. FIIs offloaded shares worth ₹1,491.46 crore on Tuesday alone. This outflow, coupled with weak global market trends and anticipation of TCS’s quarterly results on Thursday, has made investors cautious.

Several stocks bore the brunt of the sell-off, with prominent losses seen in companies like Zomato, Adani Ports, Titan, Tata Motors, Tech Mahindra, HDFC Bank, IndusInd Bank, and Hindustan Unilever Limited. However, some companies like Reliance Industries, Axis Bank, Maruti, and ICICI Bank bucked the trend and saw gains.

While some analysts suggest the HMPV threat is overblown, the market’s reaction underscores the fragility of investor confidence in the face of uncertainty. The current situation serves as a stark reminder of the volatility experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving investors on edge.

Read More