Indian markets closed sharply lower on October 30, with the Nifty ending below 26,000 and the Sensex falling nearly 600 points. Traders cited weak global cues, hawkish central-bank commentary, and profit-taking in large-cap stocks as key drags. Financials, IT, and auto names led the decline while defensive sectors offered limited support. Broader market breadth turned negative, reflecting investor caution ahead of global macro data releases. Analysts said volatility may persist in early November as participants reassess positioning amid earnings-season uncertainty.