Stock markets trade marginally higher amid elevated crude oil prices
Indian stock markets showed resilience, trading marginally higher despite global caution triggered by U.S. market volatility and rising crude oil prices. Investors remain wary of geopolitical tensions, specifically regarding U.S.-Iran relations.
Why it matters
Market fluctuations reflect the sensitivity of emerging economies to global geopolitical instability and U.S. economic policy shifts.
Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty were trading marginally higher in early deals on Friday (August 21, 2026) as elevated crude oil prices due to geopolitical uncertainties and a sharp fall in U.S. markets made investors cautious.
After a positive beginning to the trade, the 30-share BSE Sensex turned flat and was down 25.97 points to 77,506.51 in early deals. The 50-share NSE Nifty also skidded 5.75 points to 24,223.10 after a positive start.
However, both the benchmark indices bounced back and were trading marginally higher. The BSE benchmark quoted 62.60 points higher at 77,595.14, and the Nifty was up 10.65 points to 24,244.80. Among the 30 Sensex firms, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bharat Electronics, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, Tata Steel and ICICI Bank were among the biggest winners.
InterGlobe Aviation, Titan, Hindustan Unilever and Trent were among the laggards.
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