Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Monday (May 18, 2026) amid surging oil prices, weak global market trends after fresh escalation in tensions in West Asia.

A drone attack targeted the Barakah nuclear facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday (May 17, 2026), marking a dangerous escalation in the West Asia conflict.

The 30-share BSE Sensex tanked 833.20 points to 74,404.79 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 234 points to 23,401.70.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Tata Steel, Power Grid, Maruti, Trent, Titan and HDFC Bank were the biggest laggards.

Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Bharti Airtel and Tata Consultancy Services were the winners.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, traded 1.79% higher at $111.2 per barrel.

“Brent crude has spiked to USD 111 on absence of initiatives to open the Strait of Hormuz,” V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

In Asian markets, Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index quoted lower, while South Korea’s benchmark Kospi traded in positive territory.

U.S. markets ended over 1% lower on Friday (May 15, 2026).

“Global risk appetite weakened sharply after fresh escalation fears emerged in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump’s warning urging Iran to ‘get moving, FAST’ has once again revived concerns around a possible disruption in global crude oil supply routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz,” Hariprasad K, Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth, said.

For Indian markets, the biggest concern continues to remain elevated crude oil prices and currency pressure, he added.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth ₹1,329.17 crore on Friday, according to exchange data.

“U.S. President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning stating that the ‘clock is ticking for Iran’, signaling growing impatience over the pace of negotiations and increasing uncertainty surrounding the ongoing US–Iran situation and the Strait of Hormuz. This continues to remain a key overhang for global financial markets,” Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth-tech firm, said.

On Friday (May 15, 2026), the Sensex dropped 160.73 points, or 0.21%, to settle at 75,237.99. The Nifty settled lower by 46.10 points, or 0.19%, at 23,643.50, snapping its two-day gaining streak.

Investors got back to selling of Indian stocks aggressively after a few weeks of calm as U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s response to the peace proposals and Prime Minister Narendra Modi “advised” citizens to cut buying forex depleting goods and services.

On Monday (May 11, 2026), Nifty 50 and Sensex fell 1.3% and 1.5% to 23,852.30 and 76,184.15 as of 10:20 a.m. responding to the return of tensions between U.S. and Iran which led to India’s caution.

The domestic currency depreciated ₹.1.45 to ₹94.98 on open, as compared to ₹93.5 on Friday (May 8, 2026), going by spot market data from Clearing Corporation of India. Global oil prices increased, as Brent crude futures were up 4.4% , crossing $105 a bbl.

On Truth Social, Mr. Trump posted: “just read the response from Iran’s so-called ‘Representatives.’ I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!”, rejecting Iran’s responses to the U.S. peace proposals, without disclosing the details.

Closer home at a rally at Telangana, Mr. Modi advised that citizens cut consuming imports, even going as far as advocating Work From Home, and appealing citizens to not buy gold jewellery for the next one year. “Petrol-diesel has become so expensive across the world. It is the responsibility of all of us that the foreign exchange spent on purchasing petrol-diesel should also be saved by conserving petrol-diesel…I would appeal to people not to buy gold for weddings for one year,” he said.

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended higher on Monday (May 4, 2026), helped by buying in blue-chip stocks and state poll results moving towards an outcome in line with market expectations.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 355.90 points or 0.46% to settle at 77,269.40. During the day, it jumped 997.25 points or 1.29% to 77,910.75.

The 50-share NSE Nifty rallied 121.75 points or 0.51% to end at 24,119.30.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Adani Ports, Hindustan Unilever, Reliance Industries, Larsen & Toubro, Eternal and Maruti were among the biggest gainers.

Bharti Airtel, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tata Consultancy Services and ITC were among the laggards from the pack.

“Investor sentiment remained supported by a favourable election outcome in West Bengal and a better-than-expected Q4 earnings, helping markets look past Middle East-related concerns.

“However, intermittent profit booking persisted amid uncertainty surrounding the US ‘Project Freedom’ initiative to reopen the Strait of Hormuz,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

While the resolution path may take time, optimism around gradual progress continues, he said, adding that crude prices holding below $110 are providing near-term comfort.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, jumped 1.48% to $109.8 per barrel.

In Asian markets, South Korea’s benchmark Kospi and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index ended higher. Markets in Japan were closed due to a holiday.

Markets in Europe were trading mostly lower. U.S. markets ended mostly higher on Friday (May 1, 2026) .

“Early trends from key state election results provided a supportive domestic trigger, while easing geopolitical concerns, like signs of progress in US–Iran discussions, helped cool crude oil prices. This, combined with strength in global markets led by a record run in US tech indices, created a favourable risk environment,” Hariprasad K, Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth, said.

Stock-specific momentum added to the upside, with leaders like Maruti Suzuki and Hindustan Unilever driving gains on the back of strong operational updates, he said.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹8,047.86 crore on Thursday (April 30, 2026), according to exchange data. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs), however, were buyers as they bought stocks worth ₹3,487.10 crore.

Stock exchanges were closed on Friday (May 1, 2026) for Maharashtra Day.

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Thursday (April 23, 2026) as crude oil prices once again breached the $100 per barrel mark amid stalled U.S.–Iran negotiations.

Foreign fund outflows and weak trends in Asian equities also dragged the markets lower.

The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 532.83 points to 77,983.66 in opening trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 175.75 points to 24,202.35.

“Oil markets remain a key concern, with Brent crude once again breaching the USD 100 mark and trading in the USD 100–106 per barrel range. The move reflects stalled US–Iran negotiations and the continuation of blockades on Iranian ports, raising concerns over potential disruptions to global supply,” Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth-tech firm, said.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Tech Mahindra, Eternal, InterGlobe Aviation, Mahindra & Mahindra, Asian Paints and Infosys were among the major laggards.

Sun Pharma and Power Grid were the only winners.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, traded 1.36% higher at $103.3 per barrel.

“With total uncertainty becoming the new normal there is no clarity on the near-term direction of the market. With the duration of the war going beyond everyone’s initial expectations and the price of Brent crude bouncing back to USD 103 there is increasing risk to global growth in general and higher risk to India’s macros in particular,” V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹2,078.36 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.

In Asian markets, South Korea’s benchmark Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index were trading lower.

“The primary overhang continues to be geopolitical developments in the Middle East. Recent escalation in the US–Iran situation, including reports of naval confrontations and renewed warnings of potential strikes, has significantly increased uncertainty. The risk surrounding the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global energy corridor—has pushed Brent crude prices above the USD 100 per barrel mark,” Hariprasad K, Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth, said.

U.S. markets ended higher on Wednesday.

On Wednesday (April 22, 2026), the Sensex tanked 756.84 points or 0.95 per cent to settle at 78,516.49. The Nifty dropped 198.50 points or 0.81 per cent to end at 24,378.10.

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty were trading lower after rallying in early trade on Tuesday (January 13, 2026) amid unabated foreign fund outflows and selling in blue-chip stocks.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 379.86 points to 84,258.03 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty went up by 109.55 points to 25,899.80.

But, soon after both the benchmark indices gave up all initial gains and were trading lower. The 30-share BSE quoted 244.98 points lower at 83,627.36, and the Nifty traded 74.30 points down at 25,716.70.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Larsen and Toubro, HCL Tech, Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel, Tata Consultancy Services and Tata Steel were among the biggest laggards.

Country’s largest IT services exporter TCS on Monday (January 12, 2026) reported a 13.91% drop in December quarter profit at ₹10,657 crore, majorly on a one-time impact of new labour codes.

IT services firm HCL Tech on Monday (January 12) reported a 11.2% decline in consolidated net profit to ₹4,076 crore in the October-December quarter of FY26.

From the 30-share pack, Eternal, Tech Mahindra, State Bank of India and HDFC Bank were among the gainers.

Meanwhile, retail inflation rose to a three-month high of 1.33% in December, mainly due to higher prices of food items, but remained below the Reserve Bank of India’s lower tolerance level.

Foreign institutional investors offloaded equities worth ₹3,638.40 crore on Monday (January 12), while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth ₹5,839.32 crore, according to exchange data.

In Asian markets, South Korea’s Kospi index, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index traded higher, while Shanghai’s SSE Composite index quoted marginally lower.

U.S. markets ended in positive territory on Monday (January 12, 2026).

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Monday (January 12, 2026) as persistent foreign fund outflows, concerns over further US tariffs on Indian exports and geopolitical overhangs dent investors’ sentiment.

The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 455.35 points to 83,120.89 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty tanked 135.35 points to 25,547.95.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Bharat Electronics, Larsen and Toubro, Eternal, Power Grid, Adani Ports, Infosys, Reliance Industries and Bajaj Finance were among the biggest laggards.

However, Hindustan Unilever, Asian Paints, Axis Bank and State Bank of India were among the gainers.

Foreign institutional investors offloaded equities worth ₹3,769.31 crore on Friday (January 9), while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth ₹5,595.84 crore, according to exchange data.

“Indian equity markets begin the week on a cautious footing as risk appetite remains restrained amid lingering global uncertainty, continued FII outflows, and geopolitical overhangs. Recent profit-booking across sectors has added to near-term pressure, keeping sentiment defensive,” Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth tech firm, said.

In the past five trading days, the BSE benchmark declined 2,185.77 points or 2.54%, and the Nifty tumbled 645.25 points or 2.45%.

In Asian markets, South Korea’s Kospi index, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index traded higher.

U.S. markets ended in positive territory on Friday.

“The market has turned distinctly weak, weighed down by a series of India-specific and global geopolitical events. Geopolitical developments in Venezuela, the crisis in Iran and Trump’s threats regarding Greenland are also being viewed by the markets with concern,” V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments, said.

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Tuesday (January 6, 2026), dragged by heavy selling in blue-chips Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, and worries over fresh warning from the U.S. to further raise tariffs against India.

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 431.95 points to 85,007.67 during early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty tanked 105.6 points to 26,144.70.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Trent tumbled over 7% even as the Tata group retail firm reported a 17% growth in standalone revenue to ₹5,220 crore in the December quarter.

Reliance Industries, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Eternal, HDFC Bank, and Adani Ports were also among the laggards.

However, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Asian Paints, and Tata Steel were among the gainers.

Foreign institutional investors offloaded equities worth ₹36.25 crore on Monday after a day’s breather, according to exchange data. Domestic institutional investors, however, bought stocks worth ₹1,764.07 crore.

“While broader sentiment remains guarded amid recent bouts of volatility driven by geopolitical developments and tariff-related concerns, underlying support continues to come from stable domestic macro fundamentals and steady institutional participation,” Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth tech firm, said.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi knew “I was not happy” with India’s purchases of Russian oil and that Washington could raise tariffs on New Delhi “very quickly”.

Mr. Trump made the remarks while talking to reporters on Sunday aboard Air Force One en route to Washington DC from Florida.

In Asian markets, South Korea’s Kospi index, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index were trading higher.

U.S. markets ended higher on Monday.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, dipped 0.24% to $61.61 per barrel.

On Monday (January 5, 2026), the Sensex dropped 322.39 points, or 0.38%, to settle at 85,439.62. After hitting a record intra-day high of 26,373.20, the Nifty failed to carry forward the momentum and declined 78.25 points, or 0.30%, to end at 26,250.30.

Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty closed lower on Monday (December 29, 2025) due to selling in oil & gas and IT shares, foreign fund outflows and thin year-end trading.

Extending the downtrend to the fourth day running, the 30-share BSE Sensex declined by 345.91 points or 0.41% to settle at 84,695.54. During the day, it dropped 403.59 points or 0.47% to 84,637.86.

Registering its third day of decline, the 50-share NSE Nifty edged lower by 100.20 points or 0.38 per cent to 25,942.10.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Adani Ports, HCL Tech, Power Grid, Trent, Bharat Electronics and Bharti Airtel were among the biggest laggards.

However, Tata Steel, Asian Paints, Hindustan Unilever, and Eternal were among the gainers.

“The market appears short on catalysts for further upside, with investors largely in holiday mode, signalling a potential consolidation phase in the near term,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said that market sentiment continues to be guided by global cues and stock-specific developments. “Trading volumes remained light, with participants preferring selective exposure rather than broad-based positions in the absence of any major triggers.” In Asian markets, South Korea’s Kospi jumped over 2 per cent. Shanghai’s SSE Composite index settled marginally higher, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index ended lower. Equity markets in Europe were trading mostly lower.

U.S. markets ended flat on Friday (December 26, 2025).

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹317.56 crore on Friday, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth ₹1,772.56 crore, according to exchange data.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, jumped 1.70% to $61.67 per barrel.

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty began Monday’s (December 22, 2025) trade on an optimistic note as investors’ sentiment remained positive amid foreign fund inflows and a rally in global markets.

The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 482.7 points or 0.56% to 85,412.06 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 160.2 points or 0.61% to 26,126.60.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Infosys, Tata Steel, Tech Mahindra, Trent, HCL Tech and Bharti Airtel were among the biggest gainers.

However, UltraTech Cement and Power Grid were the only laggards.

In Asian markets, South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index traded in positive territory.

U.S. markets ended higher on Friday (December 19, 2025).

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth ₹1,830.89 crore on Friday, according to exchange data. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) also bought equities worth ₹5,722.89 crore in the previous trade.

“It appears that the market is heading for a year end rally. Two factors that can accelerate this rally are the sharp reversal in the rupee and the FIIs turning buyers in the cash market. These two factors which are mutually reinforcing can trigger short covering in the market helping the benchmark indices to scale higher highs,” V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, climbed 0.73% to $60.91 per barrel.

“While sustained DII participation continues to effectively absorb intermittent bouts of selling pressure, FIIs turning net buyers after a prolonged phase of outflows has provided an additional boost to market confidence,” Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth tech firm, said.

On Friday (December 19, 2025), the Sensex jumped 447.55 points or 0.53% to settle at 84,929.36. The Nifty climbed 150.85 points or 0.58% to 25,966.40.

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty jumped in early trade on Friday (December 19, 2025) after four days of decline amid a rally in global markets as a lower-than-expected US consumer price inflation data for November reinforced expectations of further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

Fresh foreign fund inflows also drove the equity markets higher.

The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 448.27 points to 84,930.08 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 131 points to 25,946.55.

All the 30-Sensex firms were trading in positive territory during the initial trade. Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Reliance Industries, Bharat Electronics, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Infosys, Power Grid and Tata Consultancy Services were among the biggest gainers.

In Asian markets, South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai’s SSE Composite index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index traded in positive territory.

U.S. markets ended higher on Thursday (December 18, 2025).

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth ₹595.78 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) also bought stocks worth ₹2,700.36 crore in the previous trade.

Cooling inflation in the U.S. is imparting resilience to the U.S. economy and markets, VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

“This augurs well for global equity markets as 2025 draws to a close,” he added. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, dipped 0.23% to $59.68 per barrel.

“Global markets are trading with a positive bias, led by firm gains in US equities after lower-than-expected November consumer price inflation data reinforced expectations of further interest-rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, triggering a shift toward a risk-on environment,” Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth tech firm, said.

Logging its fourth day of decline on Thursday (December 18, 2025), the Sensex dropped by 77.84 points or 0.09% to settle at 84,481.81 in a volatile session. The Nifty ended flat, skidding 3 points or 0.01% to 25,815.55.