Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) withdraw Rs 52,100 crore from Indian equities in October so far, adding to heavy net selling throughout 2026, according to CDSL-linked data cited by multiple outlets. The withdrawals bring total 2026 equity outflows to about Rs 3.12 lakh crore, substantially higher than the Rs 1.66 lakh crore withdrawn during 2025.
Outlets attribute the selling to global conditions: rising crude oil prices, higher US bond yields, and a stronger US dollar reduce the appeal of emerging-market assets. Some reporting also points to expectations of further Federal Reserve tightening and broader international risk sentiment. A brief improvement is noted around October 16, when FPIs turn marginal buyers as US yields ease and the rupee strengthens, but experts warn this may be temporary.
Views differ on emphasis, with some outlets focusing on the macro drivers (oil, yields, dollar) and others adding sectoral or timing details. One outlet notes continued foreign selling in financial services and oil-related stocks, while foreign buying appears to be directed toward areas such as consumer services and parts of the healthcare and digital-linked segments. Markets remain sensitive to crude prices, US-Iran developments, and upcoming corporate earnings.
