Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
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After facing heavy fluctuations during the day, the 30-share BSE Sensex ended 114 points or 0.15% lower at 77,844.52. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty buckled under selling pressure on Tuesday (May 5, 2026) as fresh tensions flared in the Strait of Hormuz region and the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran came under strain.

The rupee hitting a record low against the U.S. dollar amid elevated crude prices also made investors cautious.

In a volatile session, the 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 251.61 points, or 0.33%, to settle at 77,017.79. During the day, it tanked 754.37 points, or 0.97 per cent, to 76,515.03.

The 50-share NSE Nifty edged lower by 86.50 points, or 0.36%, to end at 24,032.80.

“Domestic equities witnessed a volatile session, closing lower as post-election optimism faded and sentiment re-aligned with global weakness amid rising geopolitical tensions.

“Elevated crude prices continued to pressure the rupee, which slipped to record lows. Despite these headwinds, the ongoing earnings season, with results slightly ahead of expectations, provided some support and triggered selective bottom-fishing,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

From the Sensex firms, ICICI Bank, Eternal, Tech Mahindra, Axis Bank, Bharti Airtel and Larsen & Toubro were among the major laggards.

On the other hand, Mahindra & Mahindra, UltraTech Cement, Bajaj Finserv and Bajaj Finance were top gainers.

In the broader market, the BSE MidCap Select index dipped 0.12 per cent, while the SmallCap Select index went up marginally by 0.14%.

Sectorally, Realty dropped 1.38 per cent, Top 10 Banks (0.79%), Services (0.63%), Consumer Durables (0.62%), Private Banks (0.60%) and Bankex (0.58%).

In contrast, Power, FMCG, Commodities, Healthcare, IT, Telecommunication, Utilities, Auto, Capital Goods, Focused IT and MidSmall Private Banks Quality Tilt were the gainers.

“On Tuesday, Indian markets came under pressure amid escalating tensions in West Asia and the rupee hitting all-time lows. Iran intensified attacks in the Middle East, targeting critical energy infrastructure in the UAE, raising concerns over supply disruptions,” Siddhartha Khemka – Head of Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, said.

On the political front, the outcome of multiple State elections is expected to be viewed positively by the market, he said.

“These results carry longer-term implications for economic growth across the involved states, particularly in West Bengal, where structural changes could unfold over time,” Mr. Khemka added.

Drone strikes caused a fire at a major oil industry zone in the United Arab Emirates’ port city of Fujairah on Monday (May 4). The UAE had accused Iran of carrying out the strike.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, traded around the $113 per barrel mark.

Meanwhile, the rupee slipped 2 paise to an all-time low of 95.25 (provisional) against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday (May 5, 2026).

Markets were closed in South Korea, Japan and mainland China. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index ended lower.

Markets in Europe were trading mostly higher. U.S. markets ended lower on Monday (May 4, 2026).

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned buyers on Monday (May 4, 2026), buying equities worth ₹2,835.62 crore, according to exchange data.

Published – May 05, 2026 05:58 pm IST

Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty closed nearly 1% lower on Thursday (April 30, 2026) as crude oil prices, weak global trends and foreign fund outflows weighed on investor sentiment.

The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 582.86 points or 0.75% to settle at 76,913.50. During the day, it plunged 1,237.5 points, or 1.59%, to 76,258.86, but recovered some of the losses in the second half of the session.

The 50-share NSE Nifty dived 180.10 points or 0.74% to end at 23,997.55.

Among the 30-Sensex firms, Eternal, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Steel, Larsen&Toubro, UltraTech Cement and Mahindra & Mahindra were the major laggards.

Sun Pharma, Infosys, Bajaj Finance and Adani Ports were among the gainers.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, traded 1.52% lower at $116.2 per barrel.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹2,468.42 crore on Wednesday (April 29, 2026), according to exchange data.

“Indian markets closed a volatile session with a clear shift in intra-day sentiment, where early panic selling was gradually absorbed, leading to a disciplined recovery from the lows. The Nifty-50 opened with a sharp gap down near the crucial 24,000 support, reflecting weak global cues and a risk-off undertone.

“Escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and Brent crude surging above USD 120 triggered concerns around inflation, currency stability, and margin pressures. This was further aggravated by the rupee hitting record lows, accelerating FII outflows and weakening overall sentiment,” Hariprasad K., Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth, said.

However, the second half marked a notable turnaround, he said. In broader markets, the BSE MidCap Select index dropped 0.84% and the BSE SmallCap Select index declined 0.58%. Among sectoral indices, metal tanked the most by 2.13%, followed by PSU Bank (1.66%), Realty (1.44%), Commodities (1.36%), FMCG (1.13%), Financial Services (1.08%) and Industrials (1.05%).

“The decline was primarily driven by a sharp surge in crude oil prices, which spiked to multi-year highs amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns over supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. “This raised fears of inflationary pressures and macroeconomic instability for oil-importing economies like India. Weak global cues, a sharp depreciation in the rupee to record low levels, and continued foreign institutional outflows further weighed on sentiment,” Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said.

Information Technology, Telecommunication and Focused IT were the winners. “The rise in oil prices, along with persistent FII outflows and weak global cues, led to broad-based weakness across sectors. However, the market witnessed a partial recovery in the latter half, supported by value buying at lower levels and selective institutional participation,” Gaurav Garg, Research Analyst at Lemonn Markets Desk, said.

A total of 2,532 stocks declined, while 1,649 advanced and 156 remained unchanged on the BSE. In Asian markets, South Korea’s benchmark Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index ended over 1% lower, while Shanghai’s SSE Composite index settled marginally higher.

Markets in Europe were trading mixed. U.S. markets ended mostly lower on Wednesday (April 29, 2026).

“Brent crude crossed the $120 per barrel mark for the first time in four years, intensifying inflation concerns and pressuring global risk assets. In India, rising oil prices weighed on the INR and revived worries about capital outflows and widening deficits, given the economy’s heavy reliance on crude imports.

“The Fed kept rates unchanged but maintained a firm policy stance, supporting the dollar and tightening conditions for emerging markets. Domestically, autos, banks, metals, and real estate led the decline, while IT and pharma saw selective defensive buying,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

Stock and forex markets will remain closed on Friday (May 1) for Maharashtra Day.

Published – April 30, 2026 06:35 pm IST

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded nearly 1% on Wednesday (April 29, 2026), supported by bargain hunting in FMCG, auto and telecom stocks amid earnings optimism and a rally in Asian markets.

Signs of potential de-escalation in geopolitical tensions also helped equity markets, traders said.

In a volatile session, the 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 609.45 points, or 0.79%, to settle at 77,496.36. During the day, it surged 1,095.6 points, or 1.42%, to 77,982.51.

The 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 181.95 points or 0.76% to end at 24,177.65.

From the Sensex firms, ITC, Tech Mahindra, Maruti, Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel and Mahindra & Mahindra were among the biggest gainers.

In contrast, InterGlobe Aviation, NTPC, Bajaj Finserv and ICICI Bank were among the laggards.

Maruti climbed 2.82% after the country’s largest carmaker reported a record annual consolidated net profit of ₹14,679.5 crore in FY26, a year-on-year growth of 1.24%, riding on its best-ever annual sales of over 24.22 lakh units, propelled by GST rate reduction.

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

“The core driver of today’s strength remained earnings. Strong results from key companies reinforced confidence in underlying domestic demand and balance sheet resilience. This fundamental support, combined with easing geopolitical concerns, helped markets shift focus away from macro stress toward corporate performance,” Hariprasad K, Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth, said.

Hopes of potential de-escalation in geopolitical tensions helped stabilise crude oil expectations, which is critical for India’s macro outlook, he said.

European markets were trading lower. U.S. markets ended lower on Tuesday (April 28, 2026).

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, jumped 2.85% to $114.4 per barrel.

“Despite weak global cues, elevated crude prices, and a depreciating INR, India’s equity markets rebounded from recent lows as investors used the correction to add exposure, supported by better-than-expected earnings despite geopolitical uncertainty.

“Gains were led by FMCG, auto, and realty stocks on strong results and positive commentary, while financials lagged due to regulatory tightening and provisioning concerns,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹2,103.74 crore on Tuesday (April 28, 2026), while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth ₹1,712.01 crore, according to exchange data.

On Tuesday (April 28, 2026), the Sensex declined 416.72 points, or 0.54%, to settle at 76,886.91. The Nifty dropped 97 points, or 0.40%, to end at 23,995.70.

Published – April 29, 2026 05:01 pm IST

From the Sensex constituents, Infosys dived 7.09% after its revenue growth forecast for FY27 came in lower than market expectations.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Stock markets fell for the second consecutive day on Thursday (April 23, 2026), with the benchmark Sensex tumbling 852.49 points, as crude oil prices once again breached the $100 per barrel mark amid stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Sustained foreign fund outflows, along with a weak trend in Asian and European equities, also unnerved investors.

The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 852.49 points, or 1.09%, to settle at 77,664. During the day, it slumped 942.31 points, or 1.20%, to 77,574.18.

The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 205.05 points, or 0.84%, to end at 24,173.05.

From the Sensex pack, Trent, Bajaj Finserv, Tech Mahindra, Mahindra & Mahindra, Infosys and HDFC Bank were among the major laggards.

In contrast, Adani Ports, Larsen & Toubro, Sun Pharma, Bharti Airtel and Bharat Electronics were the winners.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, traded 1.89% higher at $103.8 per barrel.

“Indian markets extended their losing streak, with the Nifty witnessing back-to-back bearish sessions and correcting over 400 points across the last two trading days. The price action reflects a clear shift in market tone – from resilience to risk aversion -as global uncertainties intensify and domestic triggers fail to provide immediate support,” Hariprasad K, Research Analyst and founder, Livelong Wealth, said.

The primary driver of today’s decline remains the sharp escalation in geopolitical tensions in West Asia, he noted.

“Concerns surrounding disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have significantly dented investor confidence, introducing a fresh layer of uncertainty into global markets. This has directly translated into a spike in crude oil prices. For an import-dependent economy like India, this creates a dual pressure, rising inflation expectations and stress on corporate margins,” Mr. Hariprasad said.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹2,078.36 crore on Wednesday (April 22), according to exchange data.

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

Markets in Europe were quoting lower in mid-session deals.

“Domestic equities witnessed a broad-based decline, as elevated crude prices above $100 per barrel, amid the impasse in U.S.-Iran negotiations, continued to weigh on sentiment. The risk-off mood was further intensified by weak global cues, persistent FII outflows, and a depreciating rupee alongside higher U.S. Treasury yields,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

U.S. markets ended higher in overnight trade on Wednesday (April 22).

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

Published – April 23, 2026 04:32 pm IST

In the 15 Union Budget presentation days of the Narendra Modi government since it came to power in 2014, the BSE benchmark Sensex has ended in negative territory eight times.

The NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has so far presented 15 budgets, including two interim budgets ahead of the general elections in 2019 and 2024.

Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled nearly 2 per cent on Sunday after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed an increase in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on derivatives.

Reversing early gains, the 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 2,370.36 points, or 2.88 per cent, to slide below the 80,000-mark at 79,899.42 in afternoon trade as Sitharaman said the STT on futures contracts would be raised to 0.05 per cent from 0.02 per cent.

The benchmark finally ended at 80,722.94, down 1,546.84 points, or 1.88 per cent.

The 50-share NSE Nifty tanked 495.20 points, or 1.96 per cent, to settle at 24,825.45. During the day, it tumbled 748.9 points or 2.95 per cent to 24,571.75.

“The Budget supports sectors affected by global trade tariffs and focuses on emerging areas of development, including data centres, GCC, semiconductors, biopharma, rare earth elements, and manufacturing. Additionally, it extends support to traditional sectors like textiles, aquaculture, and MSMEs, which have been impacted by global protectionist trade policies.

“Despite these measures, the market’s reaction has been negative, primarily due to low expectations, limited outlays and the negative bias created by the increased STT for futures, triggering a knee-jerk response,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojt Investments Ltd, said.

STT hike on Futures dampen stock market sentiment; Sensex crashes nearly 2%.
Photo Credit: PTI

Last year on the Budget day, the 30-share BSE benchmark gauge eked out a marginal gain of 5.39 points, or 0.01 per cent, to settle at 77,505.96.

On July 23, 2024, the BSE benchmark ended lower by 73.04 points, or 0.09 per cent, at 80,429.04. On the interim Budget presentation on February 1 that year, the BSE Sensex ended lower by 106.81 points, or 0.14 per cent, at 71,645.30.

In 2023, on the Budget day, the bellwether index ended at 59,708.08, up 158.18 points, or 0.26 per cent.

In 2022, the Sensex jumped 848.4 points, or 1.46 per cent, at 58,862.57, while in 2021, it rallied 2,314.84 points, or 5 per cent, to 48,600.61 after the Budget announcements.

On February 1, 2020, the 30-share BSE benchmark ended 987.96 points, or 2.42 per cent, lower.

In the prior year, it clocked a gain of 212.74 points, or 0.58 per cent, on February 1, while on July 5, the index ended lower by 394.67 points, or 0.98 per cent.

In 2018, the barometer ended lower by 58.36 points, or 0.16 per cent, while in the previous year, it climbed 485.68 points, or 1.75 per cent.

The Budget presentation date was in 2017 changed to February 1 to allow the government to complete the Parliamentary approval process by March-end and allow implementation of the Budget from the start of the fiscal year on April 1.

Presenting the Budget on February 28 meant that the implementation could not start before May/June after accounting for 2-3 months of the parliamentary approval process. The Sensex went lower by 152.3 points, or 0.65 per cent, in 2016 Budget day.

In 2015, the 30-share BSE benchmark went up 141.38 points, or 0.48 per cent, while on July 10, 2014, it declined 72.06 points, or 0.28 per cent.

A man walks past the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building in Mumbai. File
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A view of the Bombay Stock Exchange Building from Dalal Street in Mumbai with a big screen showing stock news and prices of different stocks. File
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