Stock markets decline in early trade amid rising crude oil prices
Indian stock markets, including the Sensex and Nifty, declined in early trade due to rising global crude oil prices and cautious investor sentiment. Analysts point to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as a primary factor influencing market volatility.
Why it matters
Fluctuations in oil prices and geopolitical instability directly impact emerging market economies and investor confidence in India.
Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty drifted lower in early trade on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) as higher crude oil prices weighed on investors' sentiment.
The 30-share BSE Sensex dipped 35.99 points to 78,097.31 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty skidded 31.15 points to 24,444.55.
Further in the trade, the BSE benchmark dropped 211.37 points to 77,953.66, and the Nifty traded 65.10 points down at 24,411.15.
From the Sensex pack, Bharti Airtel, Mahindra & Mahindra, UltraTech Cement, Adani Ports, Titan and Bajaj Finance were among the major laggards.
State Bank of India, Tech Mahindra, Axis Bank and Asian Paints were among the winners.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, traded 1.24% higher at $90.01 per barrel.
"The market is defying a breakout on the upside and is moving sideways. The principal factor restraining a rally is the strengthening Brent crude which has again moved above $89 level.
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