Markets fall in early trade amid rising crude oil prices
Indian equity markets, including the Sensex and Nifty, declined in early trade on August 19, 2026, due to rising crude oil prices and geopolitical instability. The expiry of a U.S.-Iran ceasefire has heightened concerns over energy supply disruptions, negatively impacting investor sentiment globally.
Why it matters
Rising energy costs and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are creating significant volatility in global financial markets and impacting long-term bond yields.
Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Wednesday (August 19, 2026) as elevated crude oil prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainties dented investors' sentiment.
The expiry of the temporary 60-day U.S.-Iran ceasefire without any meaningful diplomatic breakthrough has renewed concerns over a prolonged disruption to energy supplies, driving crude oil prices higher, an expert said.
The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 166.19 points to 77,070.93 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 59 points to 24,096.75.
From the Sensex pack, Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro, Bajaj Finance, Bharat Electronics, Power Grid and Mahindra & Mahindra were among the major laggards. HCL Tech, Infosys, Eternal, Sun Pharma and Kotak Mahindra Bank were among the winners.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, traded 0.67% higher at $91.63 per barrel.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in