Market Close Report Today, August 21, 2026: Sensex, Nifty Flat As Benchmarks Struggle For Direction After Rebound

Mumbai, August 21: Indian equity benchmarks ended largely flat in a volatile and rangebound session on Friday, as buying in metal and realty stocks offset selling across IT, FMCG, auto, media and pharma shares. The Sensex rose just 3.11 points, or 0.00%, to 77,540.83, while the Nifty gained 20.15 points, or 0.08%, to 24,252.00. 

The benchmarks struggled for direction through the session after staging a rebound in the previous session. Investors remained cautious amid elevated crude oil prices, renewed pressure in global bond yields and mixed global cues. The Nifty had snapped a seven-session losing streak on Thursday, while the Sensex had ended a four-session slide.  

Moreover, Indian equities fell during the week, with the Nifty and Sensex declining 0.5% and 0.6%, respectively, as a sharp rise in crude prices added to inflation worries and fuelled a broader selloff in global bonds. Escalating tensions in the Middle East kept oil markets on edge, while higher global bond yields weighed on risk appetite. 

Metals, Realty Stocks Gain 

Buying was visible in metal and realty stocks, helping the benchmarks hold on to marginal gains despite weakness in several heavyweight sectors. 

Power Grid Corporation, Nestle India, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Bharat Electronics were among the top Nifty gainers. Power Grid was the strongest performer among the index’s gainers, while financial and defensive names also provided support.  

Among individual stocks, Welspun Corp surged 15.3% after the pipe manufacturer secured a record $1.8 billion (around ₹15,000 crore) supply order. 

The broader market, however, remained mixed. The Nifty Smallcap index rose 0.7%, while the mid-cap index ended flat, indicating selective buying beyond the benchmark stocks. 

IT, FMCG, Auto Stocks Drag 

Selling pressure was seen across auto, FMCG, IT, media and pharma stocks, limiting the upside in the headline indices. 

Maruti Suzuki, Trent, InterGlobe Aviation, Infosys and HCL Technologies were among the top Nifty losers. 

The divergent sectoral performance reflected a cautious approach among investors, with market participants continuing to assess the impact of elevated crude prices, global bond yields and geopolitical risks on corporate earnings and the broader economy. 

Oil Remains Key Risk 

Crude oil remained a key market trigger as Brent traded close to $94 a barrel and was headed for a second consecutive weekly gain amid concerns over supply disruptions linked to the US-Iran conflict. 

For India, sustained oil prices above $90 a barrel remain a concern because of the country’s dependence on imported crude. Higher energy costs can increase the import bill, put pressure on the rupee, raise inflation risks and squeeze margins for fuel-intensive companies. 

Market Outlook 

Friday’s flat close reflected a tug-of-war between sector-specific buying and broader risk aversion. The Nifty managed to hold above the 24,200 level, but the lack of strong follow-through after Thursday’s rebound suggests investors remain cautious. 

Going ahead, movements in crude oil, global bond yields and developments in the Middle East are likely to remain key drivers. At the same time, domestic institutional flows and stock-specific developments could continue to result in a selective and volatile market. 

Source

•  NSE
• BSE