Stock markets fall for second day, dragged by HDFC Bank, West Asia crisis; Sensex down 238 points
Indian stock markets fell for the second consecutive day, with the Sensex and Nifty declining due to poor earnings from HDFC Bank and broader risk-aversion. Investors are reacting to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices.
Why it matters
Market volatility driven by regional conflicts and banking sector performance serves as a key indicator of investor confidence in the Indian economy.
Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed lower on Tuesday (July 21, 2026), dragged by selling in HDFC Bank for the second day alongside risk-off sentiment amid escalating West Asia crisis.
Falling for the second day, the 30-share BSE Sensex declined 238.41 points, or 0.31%, to settle at 77,470.11 with nine of its constituents closing lower and 21 with gains. During the day, it dropped 371.19 points, or 0.47%, to 77,337.33.
The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped by 50.80 points, or 0.21%, to end at 24,187.70.
Escalating U.S.-Iran conflict, uptick in crude oil prices and persistent foreign fund outflows reinforced a risk-off sentiment in stock markets, experts said.
From the Sensex pack, HDFC Bank declined for the second day, down 2%, after the lender’s quarterly earnings disappointed on the margin front.
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