Sensex remains unchanged, Nifty below 24,250; IT, oil, and gas stocks exert pressure

The stock markets showed a mixed picture: the Sensex index stagnated, while Nifty traded below the 24,250 mark. Stocks in the information technology, oil, and gas sectors exerted downward pressure on the market.

According to market updates for Friday, August 21, 2026, the benchmark indices Nifty50 and Sensex rose slightly amid the weakening of the global rally in the stock market, as the yield on long-term US Treasury bonds stabilized. By 9:17 AM, Sensex increased by 49.70 points, or 0.06 percent, reaching 77,587.42, and Nifty50 rose by 17.75 points or 0.07 percent, totaling 24,249.60.

In broader market segments, Nifty MidCap fell by 0.04 percent, while Nifty SmallCap showed a growth of 0.44 percent.

During trading, BSE Sensex opened with a negative trend and traded with little change, registering a decline of 19.18 points or 0.02 percent to the level of 77,518.54.

Before the market opened, the Nifty 50 index reached 24,284.05, showing an increase of 52.20 points or 0.22 percent. Simultaneously, BSE Sensex demonstrated an increase of 164.46 points or 0.21 percent, setting a preliminary level of 77,702.18.

The currency market also noted the strengthening of the rupee against the US dollar: the rupee opened at 95.64 against the dollar, compared to the closing level of 95.71 on Thursday.

Preliminary view on Nifty50

The Nifty index recovered after the key support zone around 24,000 after filling the gap left during the rally on July 29, 2026. It is predicted that sustained trading above the 24,250 level could lead the index to the 24,400–24,450 zones, which are likely to serve as strong resistance areas. The overall chart structure remains sideways as the index continues to consolidate in the range of 23,600–24,700 at close.

In the Initial Public Offering (IPO) sphere, it was announced that the IPO of Augmont Enterprises will open for subscription on Friday with a target of raising 825 crore rupees. Additionally, the second day of subscription for the book-built issue of Tempsens Instruments (India) is valued at 650 crore rupees.

In global markets, the Asia-Pacific region traded with mixed sentiment on Friday morning, following the sharp decline in Washington's markets the previous day due to rising bond yields. Japan's Nikkei 225 index fell by 0.65 percent, while South Korea's Kospi rose by 0.47 percent.

Regarding commodities, oil prices rose amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran. October futures on the International Exchange traded at $93.84 per barrel, up by 0.64 percent. The Secretary of State for Finance stated that Washington would create the most coordinated economic isolation against Iran.

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business-standard.comAugust 20, 05:22

GIFT Nifty signals positive opening; Kospi rises by 6%; Brent crude exceeds $92

Early trading indicators for GIFT Nifty, an early indicator of Nifty50, showed growth, suggesting a potentially positive start to trading. According to data from Thursday, August 20, 2026, GIFT Nifty indicated that Nifty50 might break its seven-day winning streak at the open, as Asian markets rose and global bond yields declined. Futures traded at 24,217 points, an increase of 98 points.

Asian-Pacific markets demonstrated growth amid falling bond yields after the US announced plans to buy back long-term Treasury bonds to lower borrowing costs. The South Korean stock market, represented by Kospi, rose by 6 percent, while Japan's Nikkei 225 increased by 1.3 percent.

Overnight, the Dow Jones and S&P 500 indices increased by 0.22 and 0.21 percent, respectively. The Nasdaq Composite gained 0.16 percent.

Brent crude continued to rise for the fifth consecutive day amid heightened tensions. This followed a statement by US President Donald Trump about conducting an unprecedented economic war operation against Iran. According to Bloomberg, this statement came after Iran was accused of failing to reach an agreement with Washington.

Brent crude futures for October delivery traded on the Intercontinental Exchange at $92.08 per barrel, up 0.53 percent. Meanwhile, gold futures lost previous gains after touching their highest level since June, while silver futures showed growth.

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)

The Initial Public Offering of Tempsens Instruments (India) is set to open for subscription on Thursday. This book-built offering is valued at 650 crore rupees. Gaja Alternative Asset Management will also continue its IPO on the second day, aiming to raise 550 crore rupees from the primary market. In the SME segment, the IPOs of Dhanwel Hybrid Seeds and Mopshop Distribution open for subscription on the second day. The final subscription day is scheduled for the IPOs of Shankesh Jewellers and Sunshine Pictures.

US Stock Trading: Futures Rise

US stock futures traded higher during Asian trading hours, supported by a weakening US dollar and declining bond yields. Dow Jones and S&P 500 futures rose by 0.04 and 0.15 percent, respectively. Overnight, the Dow Jones and S&P 500 indices increased by 0.22 and 0.21 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite increased by 0.16 percent.

Market Updates: Good Morning Readers!

This message is a live broadcast covering market events from Business Standard. Topics include: markets, market news, Asian markets, US markets, stock market trading, stocks, IPOs, and SME IPOs. The material was first published on August 20, 2026, at 7:52 AM IST.

business-standard.comAugust 11, 05:19

GIFT Nifty predicts negative opening, while Asian markets rise amid focus on Adani Group stocks

GIFT Nifty signaled a possible negative opening for the Nifty50 index, while most Asian markets showed growth. This signal emerged against the backdrop of diminished hopes for an agreement between the US and Iran.

GIFT Nifty futures traded at 24,617.50 points, which is 43 points lower. The rise in Asian markets was driven by investors analyzing the situation in the Middle East and events that occurred on Wall Street overnight.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index increased by 0.42 percent, and in South Korea, the Kospi index rose by 0.32 percent. Overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 indices closed down by 0.11 percent and 0.06 percent, respectively. The Nasdaq Composite finished trading with a decline of 0.32 percent.

Oil prices rose due to concerns about future supply. U.S. oil reserves fell below 300 million barrels, the lowest level since 1983, occurring amidst signs of a stalemate between the US and Iran. August futures traded at $87.80 per barrel on the Intercontinental Exchange, showing a rise of 0.09 percent.

Gold and silver futures also showed gains: gold rose by 1.51 percent, and silver by 2.02 percent.

First Quarter Results Today

The list of companies reporting their first-quarter results includes Arkade Developers, Ashiana Housing, Ashoka Buildcon, Balrampur Chini Mills, Bata India, Borana Weaves, AvenuesAI, Confidence Petroleum India, DAM Capital Advisors, Delta Corp, EPL, Esab India, Finolex Cables, Flair Writing Industries, Gokaldas Exports, Gujarat Energy, Harsha Engineers International, Hind Rectifiers, IFCI, Innova Captab, Insecticides (India), ISGEC Heavy Engineering, Jash Engineering, JNK India, JSW Dulux, KPI Green Energy, Kalpataru Projects International, Landmark Cars, Lloyds Enterprises, Manappuram Finance, Man Industries (India), MRF, NBCC (India), PI Industries, Polyplex Corporation, Precision Camshafts, Repco Home Finance, RHI Magnesita India, Rail Vikas Nigam, Sandhar Technologies, Som Distilleries & Breweries, Senco Gold, Siemens, SKF India, Skipper, S.P. Apparels, Sunflag Iron & Steel Company, Surya Roshni, TARC, TCPL Packaging, TD Power Systems, Techno Electric & Engineering Company, Unichem Laboratories, Venky's (India), Viyash Scientific, and Zydus Lifesciences.

IPOs Today

The subscription for the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Milky Mist Dairy Food, valued at 1,553 crore rupees, is scheduled to begin on Tuesday. The second day of subscription will be open for Dhoot Transmission and Molbio Diagnostics, aiming to raise 3,066.89 crore and 939.70 crore rupees, respectively. The final subscription day is set for LEAP India and Technocraft Ventures, whose offerings are valued at 251.88 crore and 2,480 crore rupees. Additionally, Optimystix Entertainment is included in the final subscription day, aiming to raise 108.50 crore rupees from the primary market.

Asian Markets Show Growth

As mentioned, Asian markets were rising as investors assessed the Middle Eastern situation and events that took place on Wall Street overnight. The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong grew by 0.42 percent, and the Kospi in South Korea increased by 0.32 percent.

Regarding US stock futures, they traded mixed due to the low probability of a Strait of Hormuz deal between the US and Iran. S&P 500 futures rose by 0.09 percent, while Dow Jones futures traded 0.07 percent lower.

Summarizing the overnight trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 declined by 0.11 percent and 0.06 percent, respectively. The Nasdaq Composite closed with a drop of 0.32 percent.