Sensex and Nifty: Due to significant selling in information technology, real estate, pharmaceutical, and auto sectors, Indian stock markets continued to lose for the fourth straight session on Monday.

The benchmark Sensex dropped 345.91 points, or 0.41 percent, to close the day at 84,695.54.

With selling pressure persisting in major sectors, the Nifty also finished lower at 25,942.10, down 100.20 points, or 0.38 percent.

The Nifty extended losses by about 100 points amid increased volatility ahead of the monthly F&O expiration, according to analysts, as it fell below the crucial 26,000 barrier and its 20-day EMA.

“Although it is currently hovering around important short-term moving averages, the index formed bearish candlestick structures, reflecting near-term selling pressure,” they said.

Experts predict that a prolonged decline below the 25,900 zone might expose the index to further declines toward 25,800–25,700.

Stocks like PowerGrid, Trent, HCL Tech, and BEL were among the worst declines on the Sensex, which affected the index.

Tata Steel, Asian Paints, Hindustan Unilever, Eternal, NTPC, and Axis Bank ended the session with gains, however there was considerable buying activity in a few companies.

There was still pressure on the larger market as well. The Nifty Smallcap 100 fell 0.72 percent, while the Nifty Midcap 100 index fell 0.52 percent.

The sectors that saw the highest selling were IT, real estate, and auto stocks. While the Realty and Auto indexes lost 0.67 and 0.53 percent, respectively, the Nifty IT index dipped 0.75 percent.

Conversely, a few selective and defensive industries shown resilience. The PSU Bank and FMCG indexes finished slightly higher by 0.05 and 0.11 percent, respectively, while the Nifty Media index increased by 0.93 percent.

Market mood, according to analysts, remained cautious as investors continued to reduce their holdings due to sector-specific selling and a dearth of compelling positive catalysts.

“As global uncertainties surrounding interest rates and geopolitics continue to restrain aggressive risk-taking, strong liquidity support from domestic investors, coupled with resilient domestic macro fundamentals, is providing downside protection,” market experts said.