Indian Stock Market Today Highlights: Sensex & Nifty End Flat on August 21
The Indian stock market closed virtually unchanged on Friday, August 21, as benchmark indices struggled to build momentum following global macro headwinds, elevated crude oil prices, and rising US Treasury yields.
At the closing bell, the BSE Sensex gained a marginal 3.11 points (0.00%) to finish at 77,540.83. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty 50 held above key psychological levels, settling 20.15 points (+0.08%) higher at 24,252.00. Outperforming the frontline pack, Bank Nifty jumped 266.05 points (+0.46%) to end at 57,761.95, propelled by sustained buying in heavyweights.
Market Drivers & Sectoral Trends
- Financials & Metals Lead: Buying interest was prominent across financial services, metals (+0.86%), energy, and real estate. Heavyweight private banks provided necessary cushion against global growth concerns.
- Auto & IT Under Pressure: Profit booking in major automobile names (-0.60%), technology stocks (-0.46%), and FMCG drags (-0.74%) capped the day’s upside.
- Global Cues: Persistent tension in the Middle East kept Brent crude hovering above $93 per barrel, while climbing US bond yields triggered risk-off sentiment across emerging markets.
Top Nifty Gainers & Losers (August 21 Post-Close)
| Category | Stock | Close Price (₹) | Change (%) | Key Trigger |
| Top Gainer | Power Grid | ₹272.40 | +2.87% | Strong buying in utility and PSU space. |
| Top Gainer | HDFC Life | ₹554.80 | +2.36% | Value buying across life insurance counters. |
| Top Gainer | Kotak Mahindra Bank | ₹402.80 | +1.37% | Rebound in private banking heavyweights. |
| Top Loser | Maruti Suzuki | ₹13,565.00 | -1.77% | Profit-taking in auto major drag indices down. |
| Top Loser | Trent | ₹2,924.00 | -1.55% | Pressure in discretionary retail names. |
| Top Loser | HCLTech | ₹1,302.50 | -1.21% | Broader IT sector weakness following US rate worries. |
Outlook
Technical charts signal that Nifty’s immediate trend remains cautiously optimistic as long as it holds support at the 24,150–24,100 zone. A breakout above 24,400 could open doors for targets towards 24,500 in the upcoming sessions.
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Rupee at Close
21 Aug, 2026
Indian rupee ended flat at 95.70 per dollar on Friday versus previous close of 95.71.
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FII’s & DII’s Activity on 21 Aug, 2026
Net value in crores
| BUY | SELL | |
| DII | 2,124.14 | |
| FII | 542.71 |
Source : NSE
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NOTE: *** The above information is based on the source and just for information and educational purposes only. Please consult your financial advisor before buying any stocks. Thank You ***
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