Nifty & Sensex — 18 Aug 2026
Pre-Market
Section titled “Pre-Market”Markets Data
Section titled “Markets Data”Neutral bias prevails with mixed global cues as US yields rise and dollar weakens. Domestic institutional buying offsets foreign outflows while oil's surge adds inflationary pressure. The VIX remains subdued, suggesting limited near-term volatility despite currency headwinds. Focus stays on earnings amid tepid overnight moves in US indices.
| Input | Value | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| GIFT Nifty | — unavailable | — |
| S&P 500 o/n | -0.10% | 0 |
| Nasdaq o/n | +0.15% | 0 |
| US 10Y yield | 4.68 ▲ | −1 |
| DXY | 99.595 | +1 |
| FII net (prev) | -2,535.1 cr | −1 |
| DII net (prev) | +5,101.46 cr | +1 |
| USD/INR | 95.592 | −1 |
| Prev close in range | middle third | 0 |
| India VIX | 11.3 ▼ | — |
| Brent | $91.42 ▲ | context |
| NET BIAS | Neutral | -1 |
1 of 9 inputs unavailable this morning.
- Markets give up intraday gains to close slightly higherThis reflects cautious investor sentiment despite a positive opening. — Moneycontrol
- Benchmark indices notch third straight session of gains amid lower volatilitySustained buying interest and stable volatility could signal continued bullish momentum. — Moneycontrol
- Midday surge as volatility plunges most sharply in four yearsA sharp drop in volatility often precedes or accompanies strong market rallies. — Moneycontrol
- Indices extend winning streak to three days with focus on earningsCorporate results will likely drive individual stock movements in the near term. — Moneycontrol
- Investment strategist outlines fixed-income approach for three-year horizonThis provides alternative strategies for risk-averse capital in uncertain markets. — ET Markets
EOD · 16:20 IST
Indian equities closed lower despite early gains, with the Nifty and Sensex both declining over 1%. While morning sessions showed resilience from reduced volatility and earnings anticipation, selling pressure emerged later. Defense stocks outperformed on policy support, contrasting with broader market weakness. The rupee held relatively steady amid central bank efforts to offset external pressures, as global bond markets remained tense over inflation concerns.
| Index | Close | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Nifty 50 | 24,154.9 | -1.15% |
| Sensex | 77,235.46 | -0.94% |
| Bank Nifty | 57,262.4 | -1.08% |
- Markets give up early gains to close slightly higherThis reflects a session where initial optimism faded, signaling cautious trading. — Moneycontrol
- Benchmark indices notch third straight day of gains amid lower volatilitySustained buying interest and easing volatility suggested underlying bullish sentiment. — Moneycontrol
- Midday surge fueled by sharpest volatility drop in four yearsThe dramatic VIX decline provided temporary relief, boosting intraday momentum. — Moneycontrol
- Indices extend winning streak ahead of earnings seasonInvestors positioned for upcoming corporate results drove continued upside. — Moneycontrol
- Rupee dips slightly as RBI counters external pressuresCurrency markets saw central bank intervention temper oil-related declines. — ET Markets
- Defense stocks rally on government localization pushPolicy tailwinds triggered sector-wide buying in government-linked firms. — ET Markets
- Bitcoin rebounds near $64k on improving macro conditionsCrypto markets mirrored risk-on sentiment from traditional finance cues. — ET Markets
- Tracking institutional investor positioning trendsMarket participants sought clues from major funds' allocation shifts. — ET Markets
- Bond yields spike globally on inflation and debt worriesFixed income markets priced in prolonged monetary tightening risks. — ET Markets
- Pune gets Maharashtra's first standardized property registration hubReal estate facilitation efforts signaled administrative streamlining. — ET Markets