Market Brief: NALCO & Metal Sector Correction **Friday, January 30, 2026** Shares of National Aluminium Company (NALCO) witnessed a severe downturn on Friday, plummeting over **10%** to close at **₹383.00**. The sharp decline marks a significant reversal, snapping a robust three-day rally and erasing recent gains amid a broader sell-off in the commodities space. **Sector-Wide Sell-Off** The negative sentiment was not limited to NALCO. The Nifty Metal index crashed approximately **5.4%**, settling around **11,804**, as investors rushed to book profits. Major heavyweights including Hindalco, Vedanta, and Hindustan Copper also faced intense selling pressure, dragging the sector down significantly more than the **4%** drop initially observed in early trade. **Global Triggers & Commodity Prices** A steep correction in global metal prices acted as the primary catalyst. * **LME Aluminium** and **Copper** retreated sharply from their recent record highs as speculative fervor cooled. * **Silver** prices witnessed a massive crash, plunging nearly **15%** in a single session, further dampening sentiment across the resource complex. **Currency & Macro Factors** The US Dollar gained strength, reducing the appeal of dollar-denominated commodities. The **USD/INR** exchange rate hovered at record highs around **91.94**, adding to the volatility. Market participants also cited nervousness ahead of NALCO's upcoming quarterly earnings and the Union Budget as key reasons for the aggressive profit booking.