Benchmark equity indices were trading higher in early trade on Thursday (May 21, 2026), helped by easing oil prices and a sharp rally in global markets amid hopes that the West Asia conflict would end soon.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 327.74 points to 75,646.13 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty went up by 111.75 points to 23,772.05.

From the 30-Sensex firms, InterGlobe Aviation, Bharat Electronics, Asian Paints, Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro and Eternal were among the major winners.

Trent, Infosys, Sun Pharma and Bajaj Finserv were among the laggards.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, cooled and traded at $105.7 per barrel level.

In Asian markets, South Korea’s benchmark Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index and Shanghai’s SSE Composite index were trading higher, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index quoted marginally lower. Kospi traded over 7% higher.

U.S. markets ended significantly higher on Wednesday (May 20, 2026).

“Brent crude declining to $106 this morning is a positive signal. Perhaps the market is taking cues from President Trump’s remark that ‘the conflict will end soon and oil prices would plummet’,” V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹1,597.35 crore on Wednesday (May 20, 2026), according to exchange data.

Investor sentiment has improved meaningfully as markets increasingly begin to price in the possibility of de-escalation and a potential diplomatic resolution between the U.S. and Iran, Ponmudi R., CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth-tech firm, said.

On Wednesday (May 20, 2026), the 30-share BSE benchmark climbed 117.54 points, or 0.16%, to settle at 75,318.39. The Nifty edged higher by 41 points, or 0.17%, to end at 23,659.

Benchmark equity indices tumbled in early trade on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) due to elevated oil prices, weak global market trends and renewed fears of restart of military operations if Iran failed to reach a peace deal.

The 30-share Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex tanked 517.11 points to 74,667.51 in early trade. The 50-share National Stock Exchange (NSE) Nifty dropped 152.45 points to 23,475.80.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Tata Steel, Bharat Electronics, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti, Eternal and UltraTech Cement were among the major laggards. Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Reliance Industries and Tech Mahindra were the winners.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, traded at $110.8 per barrel. In Asian markets, South Korea’s benchmark Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index, Shanghai’s SSE (Shanghai Stock Exchange) Composite index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index quoted lower.

U.S. markets ended lower on Tuesday (May 19, 2026). Broader Asian markets opened under pressure after renewed concerns emerged around the potential escalation in West Asia. Investor sentiment weakened following U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that he was an hour away from authorising military action against Iran before eventually postponing the decision.

“The development has once again revived fears surrounding geopolitical instability, global energy supply disruptions, and volatility in crude oil markets,” Hariprasad K., Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth, said.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) said he was an hour away from deciding to restart attacks on Iran, but put it off after receiving a call from interlocutors, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Tehran being “reasonable” in the peace talks.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹2,457.49 crore on Tuesday (May 19, 2026), according to exchange data.

U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance has said Iran having an atomic weapon would trigger a “nuclear arms race” worldwide and asserted that the U.S. was “locked and loaded” to restart military operations if Tehran failed to reach a peace deal.

“Sentiment across Indian markets is expected to remain fragile, with rising energy prices, currency weakness and uncertainty surrounding the West Asia conflict continuing to weigh on investor confidence,” Ponmudi R., Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth-tech firm, said.

On Tuesday (May 19, 2026), the Sensex declined 114.19 points, or 0.15%, to settle at 75,200.85. The Nifty dipped 31.95 points, or 0.14%, to end at 23,618.

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 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.

Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty drifted lower for the third day in a row on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) as geopolitical tensions and renewed concerns about potential U.S. tariff hikes weighed on investor sentiment.

Sustained foreign fund outflows also dragged the markets lower.

The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 102.20 points or 0.12% to settle at 84,961.14. During the day, it dropped 445.85 points or 0.52% to 84,617.49.

The 50-share NSE Nifty went down by 37.95 points, or 0.14%, to 26,140.75.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Maruti, Power Grid, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, HDFC Bank, Asian Paints and Tata Steel were among the biggest laggards.

However, Titan, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services were among the gainers.

“Indian equity markets ended today’s session on a subdued and cautious note, with investors adopting a selective approach amid mixed domestic and global cues. Elevated geopolitical tensions and renewed tariff-related concerns continued to cap risk appetite and deter aggressive positioning,” Ponmudi R., CEO of Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth tech firm, said.

Foreign institutional investors offloaded equities worth ₹107.63 crore on Tuesday (January 6), according to exchange data. Domestic institutional investors, however, bought stocks worth ₹1,749.35 crore.

“Domestic market sentiment remains cautious with risk-off undertones ahead of Q3 FY26 earnings and key U.S. jobs data. While QoQ corporate earnings are expected to improve, FIIs remain risk-averse amid global trade uncertainty,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said.

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

Markets in Europe were trading mostly lower.

U.S. markets ended higher on Tuesday (January 6).

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, declined 0.81% to $60.21 per barrel.

On Tuesday (January 6), the Sensex dropped 376.28 points, or 0.44%, to settle at 85,063.34. The Nifty declined 71.60 points, or 0.27%, to end at 26,178.70.

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower on Monday (January 5, 2025), dragged by blue-chip HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and IT stocks amid fresh warning from the U.S. to further raise tariffs against India.

The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 322.39 points or 0.38% to settle at 85,439.62. During the day, it tanked 446.68 points or 0.52% to 85,315.33.

After hitting a record intra-day high of 26,373.20, the 50-share NSE Nifty failed to carry forward the momentum and declined 78.25 points or 0.30% to end at 26,250.30.

From the 30-Sensex firms, HDFC Bank, Infosys, HCL Tech, Bajaj Finance, Tata Consultancy Services and Reliance Industries were among the biggest laggards.

In contrast, Bharat Electronics, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Steel and UltraTech Cement were among the gainers.

“The benchmark Nifty index scaled a new lifetime high of 26,373.20 during the session; however, profit-taking emerged near the top, dragging the index lower to test the crucial 26,200 support zone by the close.

“Market sentiment remained guarded, with participants staying largely on the sidelines amid escalating geopolitical tensions following the U.S. attack on Venezuela over the weekend,” according to Ashika Institutional Equities.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth ₹289.80 crore on Friday (January 2), according to exchange data. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also bought stocks worth ₹677.38 crore.

“President Donald Trump’s renewed remarks on potential tariff hikes against Indian imports linked to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil added a layer of geopolitical caution to global markets, keeping risk appetite in check during today’s session,” 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 and Shanghai’s SSE Composite index ended significantly higher, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index ended marginally up.

Markets in Europe were trading in the green. U.S. markets ended mostly in positive territory on Friday (January 2).

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, dipped 0.13% to $60.67 per barrel.

On Friday (January 2), the Sensex climbed 573.41 points or 0.67% to settle at 85,762.01. The Nifty went up by 182 points or 0.70% to 26,328.55.

Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) as persistent foreign fund outflows and a muted trend in global equities dented investors’ sentiment.

The 30-share BSE Sensex dropped 209.32 points to 84,486.22 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty edged lower by 63.25 points to 25,878.85.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Eternal, InterGlobe Aviation, Bajaj Finserv, Tata Steel, UltraTech Cement and Kotak Mahindra Bank were among the biggest laggards.

However, Bharti Airtel, Mahindra & Mahindra, Adani Ports and Reliance Industries were among the gainers.

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

U.S. markets ended lower on Monday (December 29).

Foreign Institutional Investors offloaded equities worth ₹2,759.89 crore on Monday (December 29), while Domestic Institutional Investors bought stocks worth ₹2,643.85 crore, according to exchange data.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, went up by 0.03% to $61.96 per barrel.

On Monday (December 29), the Sensex declined by 345.91 points or 0.41% to settle at 84,695.54. The Nifty edged lower by 100.20 points or 0.38% to 25,942.10.

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended marginally lower on Monday (December 15, 2025) in tandem with a weak trend in global markets and persistent foreign fund outflows.

Also, uncertainty over an India-U.S. trade deal weighed on investors’ sentiment, analysts said.

The 30-share BSE Sensex dipped 54.30 points, or 0.06%, to at 85,213.36.

During the day, the benchmark declined 427.34 points, or 0.50%, to 84,840.32.

The 50-share NSE Nifty edged lower by 19.65 points, or 0.08%, to 26,027.30.

From the Sensex firms, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti, Adani Ports, Bajaj Finserv, Titan, and HDFC Bank were among the major laggards.

However, Hindustan Unilever, Trent, HCL Tech, Asian Paints, and Tata Steel were among the gainers.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹1,114.22 crore on Friday (December 12), while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth ₹3,868.94 crore, according to exchange data.

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

European markets were trading higher. U.S. markets ended lower on Friday (December 12).

“Persistent foreign fund outflows and a weak rupee have kept markets in a narrow range, with currency volatility is likely to continue until clarity emerges on the India-U.S. trade deal,” Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Ltd., said.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, went up 0.15% to $61.21 per barrel.

On Friday (December 12), the Sensex climbed 449.53 points, or 0.53%, to settle at 85,267.66. The Nifty surged 148.40 points, or 0.57%, to 26,046.95.