Nifty Set for Longest Weekly Losing Streak in 25 Years: 8th Straight Weekly Loss as FII Selling Hits Record USD 27.8 Billion

The longest weekly losing streak in a quarter of a century is now within sight for Indian equities. On Thursday, 1 October 2026, the Nifty 50 was down 0.28% at 22,558.95 and the Sensex was down 0.12% at 72,389.51 as of 9:44 AM, putting both benchmarks on course for an eighth consecutive Nifty weekly loss, their longest such streak in 25 years.

With markets shut on Friday for the Gandhi Jayanti holiday, Thursday is the last trading day of the week. The Nifty closed last week at 23,140.50, so it would need a rally of more than 2.5% in a single session to avoid another weekly decline. FII selling, high US bond yields and oil prices make that unlikely.

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How Rare Is the Longest Weekly Losing Streak?

The longest weekly losing streak is very rare. Before this streak, the Nifty 50 had recorded seven or more consecutive weekly losses only four times in the last 25 years: in 2020, 2008 and twice in 2001, according to Reuters. Its longest losing streak was nine weeks, in 2001. An eighth straight weekly fall this week would make the current run the longest weekly losing streak since then.

Year	Event	Longest weekly losing run
2001	Dot-com bust and global slowdown	Up to 9 weeks
2008	Global financial crisis	7 or more weeks
2020	Covid-19 crash	7 or more weeks
2026	Oil, yields and FII outflows	8 weeks (if confirmed)

Why Is the Market Falling Week After Week?

Record FII selling: The biggest driver of the longest weekly losing streak is foreign selling. Foreign investors sold USD 1.06 billion of Indian shares on Wednesday and about USD 3.6 billion over the previous five sessions, taking year-to-date FII selling to a record USD 27.8 billion, according to Reuters. Domestic institutions have kept buying, but not enough to offset the outflows.

High US Treasury yields: The US 10-year Treasury yield spiked to a 19-year high above 5.27% earlier this week. Higher US yields raise the risk-free return for global investors, making Indian equities look less attractive.

Oil and Middle East tensions: Brent crude hovered around USD 105 a barrel earlier in the week as the US-Iran conflict raised supply worries. High oil prices push up inflation, bond yields and pressure on the rupee in India, which imports most of its crude.

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Sensex Today: Sector Moves on 1 October

As the longest weekly losing streak extended, eleven of 16 major sectors were lower on Thursday morning. Auto stocks were the biggest drag, with the auto index down 2.4% after Bajaj Auto fell 6% and Mahindra & Mahindra dropped 2.4% on lower domestic sales in September. Small caps fell 0.6% and mid caps 0.3%.

There were pockets of strength. The IT index gained 0.9%, and Kotak Mahindra Bank rose about 3% after the RBI approved Anup Kumar Saha as its next MD and CEO. Moneyview also made a strong stock market debut, listing at a premium of over 60%.

Indicator	Level / move (9:44 AM, 1 Oct)
Nifty 50	22,558.95 (-0.28%)
Sensex	72,389.51 (-0.12%)
Auto index	-2.4%
IT index	+0.9%
Small caps / mid caps	-0.6% / -0.3%
FII selling YTD 2026	USD 27.8 billion (record)

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What Could End the Losing Streak?

To end the longest weekly losing streak, analysts see no major turnaround without significant improvement on the Middle East front. A ceasefire or peace deal that cools oil prices would likely be the biggest trigger. A fall in US Treasury yields, signs that FII selling is slowing, or a steady RBI policy could also help. For the market outlook, strong September quarter earnings, due from mid-October, would offer support from the fundamentals side.

What Should Investors Do?

Even the longest weekly losing streak has historically not lasted forever. In 2001, 2008 and 2020, extended declines were eventually followed by recoveries, though timing varied widely. Long-term investors often continue SIPs and focus on quality stocks during such phases, while traders manage risk with strict stop losses. Avoid panic selling, and review your asset allocation rather than reacting to weekly moves.

Bottom Line on the Longest Weekly Losing Streak

Indian benchmarks are set for their longest weekly losing streak in 25 years, with an eighth straight weekly loss likely as record FII selling, high US yields and oil prices weigh on markets. Only the nine-week slide of 2001 was longer. Watch Middle East developments, crude oil and FII flows for signs of a turnaround, and consult a SEBI-registered advisor before making portfolio changes.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Longest Weekly Losing Streak

Why is the Nifty on its longest weekly losing streak in 25 years?

Ans. The Nifty 50 is set for an eighth straight weekly loss as record foreign selling, US Treasury yields near multi-year highs and crude oil prices tied to Middle East tensions weigh on Indian equities. It would be the longest such streak since 2001.

When was the last longest weekly losing streak for Nifty?

Ans. Before this streak, the Nifty had recorded seven or more consecutive weekly losses only four times in the last 25 years: in 2020, 2008 and twice in 2001. Its longest losing streak was nine weeks in 2001.

How much have foreign investors sold in 2026?

Ans. Foreign investors sold USD 1.06 billion of Indian shares on 30 September and about USD 3.6 billion over the previous five sessions, taking year-to-date selling to a record USD 27.8 billion, according to Reuters.

How were Sensex and Nifty trading on 1 October 2026?

Ans. At 9:44 AM on 1 October 2026, the Nifty 50 was down 0.28% at 22,558.95 and Sensex today was down 0.12% at 72,389.51.

Why is the market closed on Friday, 2 October?

Ans. Indian stock markets are closed on Friday, 2 October 2026, for Gandhi Jayanti, so Thursday is the last trading session of the week.

Which sectors fell on 1 October?

Ans. Auto stocks were among the worst hit, with the auto index down 2.4% as Bajaj Auto fell 6% and Mahindra & Mahindra 2.4% after reporting lower domestic sales. The IT index rose 0.9%, and Kotak Mahindra Bank gained after naming a new CEO.

What could end the Nifty's losing streak?

Ans. An easing of Middle East tensions, lower crude oil prices, a fall in US Treasury yields or a slowdown in FII selling could help markets recover. Analysts see no major turnaround without improvement on the Middle East front.