Metal stocks faced sharp selling pressure in today’s trading session, with several heavyweight names sliding to their lower circuit limits amid broad weakness across the sector.
Investor sentiment turned cautious as concerns over global demand, commodity price volatility and risk-off mood in equities weighed heavily on metal counters.
Nifty Metal index traded 2 per cent lower at 11,572.70 at 10.52 am, after declining over 5 per cent to 11,218.80 against the previous close of 11,827.55.
Vedanta plunged 10 per cent, reflecting intense selling interest from the opening bell. The stock struggled to find buyers through the session, underscoring the nervousness surrounding diversified metal producers.
Shares traded 4 per cent lower at ₹656.60 at 10.44 am on the NSEfalling 10 per cent to ₹613.40 against the previous close of ₹681.55.
Hindustan Copper also witnessed a steep decline, sinking 19 per cent to ₹555.10. The sharp fall added to the overall gloom in the space, as traders rushed to cut exposure in metal-linked stocks.
National Aluminum Company, or Nalcodragged 14.5 per cent to ₹329.40, near the lower circuit of ₹327.65, extending losses as aluminum stocks mirrored weakness seen in global markets.
Hindustan Zinc was not spared either, falling nearly 14 per cent to ₹543.55. Market participants said the sell-off reflects heightened uncertainty around global economic growth and fluctuations in base metal prices, prompting investors to turn defensive in cyclical sectors.
Published on February 1, 2026