Indian equity benchmark indices extended their losing streak on Tuesday, August 18, ending lower as heavy selling in IT, FMCG, and Realty stocks dragged sentiment. Geopolitical uncertainties and elevated global crude oil prices continued to weigh on domestic equities.
The BSE Sensex dropped 492.70 points (-0.63%) to close at 77,235.46, while the NSE Nifty 50 slipped 132.75 points (-0.55%) to settle below the key 24,200 level at 24,154.90. Bank Nifty also edged lower, falling 235.40 points (-0.41%) to 57,262.40.
Market Summary & Sector Highlights
The Nifty IT index was the worst sectoral performer (-1.93%), pressured by concerns over global technology spending. FMCG, Metal, and Realty counters also experienced persistent profit-booking. In contrast, Auto (+0.30%) and Pharma (+0.08%) showed resilience, anchored by selective buying in large-cap names.
Top Nifty 50 Gainers (18 August)
- Axis Bank: ₹1,243.00 (+1.28%)
- Max Healthcare: ₹1,014.40 (+1.07%)
- Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M): ₹3,421.50 (+0.92%)
- Grasim Industries: ₹3,278.70 (+0.87%)
- Power Grid: ₹268.00 (+0.70%)
Top Nifty 50 Losers (18 August)
- Tata Motors: ₹322.80 (-2.24%)
- Asian Paints: ₹2,628.40 (-2.20%)
- Infosys: ₹1,115.00 (-2.18%)
- Wipro: ₹178.06 (-2.11%)
- HCL Technologies: ₹1,298.00 (-2.04%)
Market breadth heavily favoured decliners, with 39 of the 50 Nifty constituents closing in the red. Technically, the Nifty continues to hold its near-term support band around 24,100–24,200.
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Rupee at Close
18 Aug, 2026
The Indian rupee ended lower for the second consecutive session on Tuesday, settling at 95.68 per dollar, compared with the previous close of 95.61.
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FII’s & DII’s Activity on 18 Aug, 2026
Net value in crores
| BUY | SELL | |
| DII | 2,579.31 | |
| FII | 1,651.53 |
Source : NSE
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