Asian Markets Decline; Europe Weak as Oil Prices Surge and FIIs Continue Selling

Mumbai, India — April 2, 2026

Global markets showed a mixed yet largely negative trend on Thursday, with major Asian and European indices trading lower amid cautious investor sentiment. Rising crude oil prices and continued foreign investor outflows added to market concerns.

Asian Markets See Broad Sell-Off

Asian equities witnessed widespread declines across key markets:

• South Korea’s Kospi plunged 4.47%
• Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 2.40%
• China’s SSE Composite Index slipped 0.74%
• Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined 0.70%

The sharp fall reflects global risk-off sentiment and pressure from macroeconomic uncertainties.

European Markets Also Under Pressure

European markets mirrored the weakness seen in Asia:

• Germany’s DAX fell 1.32%
• France’s CAC 40 declined 0.80%
• The UK’s FTSE 100 remained largely flat

However, U.S. markets had closed on a strong note in the previous session, offering limited support to global sentiment.

Brent Crude Surges Over 7%

Global oil benchmark Brent Crude surged 7.18% to $108.42 per barrel, raising concerns over inflation and input costs for global economies.

FII Selling Continues, DIIs Provide Support

According to exchange data:

• Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold equities worth ₹8,331.15 crore
• Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought ₹7,171.80 crore worth of shares

The continued outflow from FIIs indicates cautious global positioning, while domestic investors helped stabilize the market.

Previous Session Snapshot

Indian markets had closed strongly in the previous session:

• BSE Sensex gained 1,186.77 points to close at 73,134.32
• NSE Nifty 50 surged 348 points to end at 22,679.40

Key Takeaways

• Asian Sell-Off: Sharp declines led by Kospi and Nikkei
• Europe Weak: DAX and CAC fall; FTSE remains flat
• Oil Spike: Brent crude jumps above $108/barrel
• Investor Trend: FIIs continue selling; DIIs offer support
• Global Sentiment: Mixed signals with U.S. markets showing prior strength