Sensex Crashes 1,236 Points, Investors Lose Over Rs. 7,00,00,00,00,000 in Last-Hour Selloff

Mumbai, February 19, 2026: Indian stock markets witnessed a sharp and sudden selloff on Thursday, wiping out over ₹7 lakh crore of investor wealth within a single trading session. The heavy last-hour selling pressure dragged benchmark indices deep into the red, triggering panic across sectors.

The Sensex plunged 1,236.11 points to close at 82,498.14, while the Nifty 50 fell 365 points to settle at 25,454.35. The markets had opened on a positive note, but sentiment reversed sharply as intense profit-booking and global cues triggered a broad-based selloff, especially in the final trading hour.

 Market Capitalisation Hit Hard

The total market capitalisation of companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange fell from ₹472 lakh crore to nearly ₹465 lakh crore, resulting in a single-day loss of more than ₹7 lakh crore in investor wealth.

 Intraday Volatility

• Sensex opened at 83,969 but slipped sharply during the session.
• Nifty started at 25,873, touched an intraday low of 25,388.75, and closed significantly lower.
• Broader markets were also hit:
  • BSE MidCap Index fell 1.54%
  • BSE SmallCap Index declined 1.16%

 Sectors Under Pressure

Heavy selling was seen across key sectors:

• Banking
• IT
• Metal
• Auto
• Energy

 Major Stocks in the Red

Several large-cap and mid-cap stocks recorded sharp declines, including:

• Reliance Industries
• Adani Ports
• Indigo
• Mahindra & Mahindra
• Trent
• Bharat Electronics
• Kotak Mahindra Bank
• Hindustan Petroleum
• Paytm
• Godrej Properties

Why Did the Stock Market Fall? 5 Key Reasons

1. Heavy Profit Booking:
   After a strong rally over the past few sessions, investors locked in profits, triggering widespread selling pressure.
2. Last-Hour Panic Selling:
   Intense sell orders in the final trading hour accelerated losses and deepened the fall in indices.
3. Global Geopolitical Tensions:
   Rising tensions between the US and Iran pushed crude oil prices higher, creating inflation and economic growth concerns.
4. Weak Global Market Cues:
   Negative global sentiment affected investor confidence in Indian equities.
5. Broad-Based Sectoral Selloff:
   Simultaneous selling in banking, IT, metals, autos, and energy stocks intensified market volatility.

 Market Outlook

Thursday turned into a black day for Indian stock markets, with a positive opening giving way to a massive crash. Investors are now closely watching whether markets stabilise in the next session or if further downside pressure continues.

Disclaimer:
The above information is for news and informational purposes only and is based on market performance data. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Investors are advised to consult certified investment advisors before making financial decisions. Neither the publisher nor this platform is responsible for any financial losses.