Benchmark equity indices slipped in the negative territory after rising marginally during early trade on Wednesday (May 13, 2026) amid elevated crude oil prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainty.

Foreign fund exodus also hit investor sentiment.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 75.64 points to 74,614.51 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty went up by 17.10 points to 23,391.10.

However, both the benchmark indices failed to carry forward the momentum. The BSE benchmark traded 182.60 points lower at 74,362.19, and the Nifty quoted 41.05 points down at 23,352.25.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Power Grid, NTPC, Bajaj Finance, State Bank of India, Titan and Axis Bank were among the biggest laggards.

Asian Paints, Adani Ports, Tata Steel and Kotak Mahindra Bank were among the winners.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, traded at around $106.6 per barrel.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹1,959.39 crore on Tuesday (May 12, 2026), according to exchange data.

India’s retail inflation rose slightly to 3.48% in April, mainly due to higher prices of gold and silver jewellery as well as some kitchen items, according to government data released on Tuesday (May 12, 2026).

“The S&P 500 slipped amid weakness in technology stocks and rising oil prices after the U.S. inflation print for April came in hotter than expected,” Hariprasad K., Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth, said.

Markets are increasingly concerned that rising crude oil prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainty could further intensify inflationary pressure globally, he added.

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

U.S. markets ended mostly lower on Tuesday (May 12, 2026).

“Iran’s latest remarks stating that the U.S. must either accept its peace proposal or face ‘failure’ have further reduced hopes of an immediate diplomatic resolution. The prolonged U.S.–Iran standoff remains a major overhang for global financial markets, keeping uncertainty elevated around the Strait of Hormuz and broader global energy supplies,” Ponmudi R., CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth-tech firm, said.

On Tuesday (May 12, 2026), the Sensex tanked 1,456.04 points, or 1.92%, to settle at 74,559.24. The Nifty dropped 436.30 points, or 1.83%, to end at 23,379.55.

India’s equity investors sold stocks for the fourth consecutive trading day, pulling Nifty 50 and Sensex down by over 1.8% closing at 23,379.55 and 74,559.24 points on May 12, 2026.

Investors have been responding to the constant depreciation of the currency, which closed at a new low of ₹95.6 a dollar.

Further, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to rescue foreign exchange-guzzling purchases may have triggered the sale further. Brent Crude futures, the measure for global oil prices, increased 3.7% to $107.4 on Tuesday (May 12, 2026).

The market rout was broad-based, with 2750 stocks declining on the Nifty 50 and just 590 advancing. Further, all 21 sector-based indices declined with many of them crashing by more than 2%.

Foreign Institutional Investor interest in Indian equities, measured by the net outflows, has been hitting new lows, crossing over ₹2 lakh crore as of May 12, 2026.

“Unless there is any meaningful progress in negotiations or signs of de-escalation in the West Asia conflict, volatility and weakness in domestic equities are likely to persist,” said Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

Equity markets declined in early trade on Friday (May 8, 2026) as escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and rising oil prices weighed heavily on investor sentiment.

Foreign fund outflows and a weak trend in global markets further dented investor sentiment.

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 353.50 points to 77,491.02 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 109.25 points to 24,225.20.

The BSE benchmark further fell by 536.66 points to 77,331.75, and the Nifty traded 166.95 points down at 24,170.80.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Mahindra & Mahindra, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Eternal, Bajaj Finance and Tata Steel were among the laggards.

Asian Paints, Tech Mahindra, Adani Ports and HCL Tech were among the winners.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, traded 1.19% higher at $101.3 per barrel.

“Indian equity markets are expected to remain cautious and highly sensitive to news flow, as escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to weigh heavily on investor sentiment despite periodic relief rallies. The latest exchange of fire between the U.S. and Iran near the Strait of Hormuz has further heightened uncertainty,” Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth-tech firm, said.

The contrast between military confrontation and diplomatic messaging has kept investors on edge, curbing risk appetite and reinforcing a defensive undertone across global financial markets, he added.

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

U.S. markets ended lower on Thursday (May 7, 2026).

“The deescalation-escalation drama in West Asia continues with crude prices moving down and up in response,” VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹340.89 crore on Thursday (May 7, 2026), according to exchange data.

On Thursday (May 7, 2026), the BSE benchmark ended 114 points or 0.15% lower at 77,844.52. The Nifty dipped 4.30 points or 0.02% to end at 24,326.65.

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.

Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Tuesday (January 20, 2026) as relentless foreign fund outflows and geopolitical tensions weighed on investors’ sentiment.

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 311.33 points to 82,934.85 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 99.5 points to 25,486.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Eternal, Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints, InterGlobe Aviation, Trent and Bajaj Finserv were among the laggards.

However, Kotak Mahindra Bank, State Bank of India, UltraTech Cement and ITC were among the gainers.

Foreign institutional investors offloaded equities worth ₹3,262.82 crore on Monday (January 19), while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) remained buyers as they bought stocks worth ₹4,234.30 crore, according to exchange data.

“Heightened geopolitical tensions, along with persistent foreign investor selling and continued weakness in the rupee, are weighing on confidence and likely to cap any meaningful upside in domestic equities even during short-term recoveries. Steady buying by domestic institutional investors continues to act as a key stabiliser, absorbing selling pressure and helping prevent deeper drawdowns in the market,” Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth tech firm, said.

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

U.S. markets were closed on Monday (January 19) for a holiday.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, went up by 0.11% to $64.01 per barrel.

On Monday (January 19), the Sensex declined 324.17 points or 0.39% to settle at 83,246.18. The Nifty dropped 108.85 points or 0.42% to 25,585.50.

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty encountered heavy volatility in early trade on Wednesday (January 14, 2026), with investors staying on the sidelines amid persistent foreign fund outflows and global tariff-related uncertainties.

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 53.88 points to 83,573.11 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty dipped 16.55 points to 25,719.25.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Asian Paints, Tata Consultancy Services, Bajaj Finserv, InterGlobe Aviation, Sun Pharma and UltraTech Cement were among the biggest laggards.

However, Tata Steel, Bharat Electronics, NTPC and Axis Bank were among the gainers.

Foreign institutional investors offloaded equities worth ₹1,499.81 crore on Tuesday (January 13), while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth ₹1,181.78 crore, according to exchange data.

“Sentiment remains guarded amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, tariff-related uncertainties, persistent FII selling, and firmer crude prices. While select Asian markets are showing pockets of strength, global cues are mixed, with U.S. indices ending overnight in the red,” Ponmudi R., CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth tech firm, said.

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 traded higher.

U.S. markets ended lower on Tuesday (January 13).

“Elevated crude oil prices, persistent foreign outflows and fragile global cues are likely to keep volatility high, with market sentiment hinging on whether Nifty can decisively defend its key support or stage a convincing breakout above 26,100,” Prashanth Tapse, Senior V-P (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd, said.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, dipped 0.49% to $65.15 per barrel.

On Tuesday (January 13), the Sensex dropped 250.48 points or 0.30% to settle at 83,627.69. The Nifty edged lower by 57.95 points or 0.22% to 25,732.30.

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.