Prime End of the Day Summary: View on Market Performance 15 May 2026

Nifty Ends Lower on Weak Global Cues; Rupee Hits Record Lows

After two sessions of brief recovery, Nifty saw mild profit booking and ended 46 points lower at 23,643. The index opened 42 points higher and extended gains in early trade, but the advance was largely reversed in the second half, with the index slipping as much as 229 points intraday. For the week, Nifty declined 2.20%.

NSE cash market turnover fell 7% from the previous session.

Among Nifty constituents, Tata Motor Passenger Vehicles (TMPV), Dr Reddy’s, and Infosys were the top gainers. On the other hand, Hindalco, Eternal and Nestle were the major laggards.

Sector-wise, performance was mixed. Media, IT and FMCG were the strongest gainers, while metal, PSU banks and realty came under pressure and ended among the top laggards.

Broader markets also weakened along with the benchmarks. Nifty Midcap 100 fell 0.45%, while Nifty Smallcap 100 declined 0.61%. Market breadth turned weak after two sessions, with the BSE advance-decline ratio at 0.70, indicating profit booking in the mid- and small-cap space after recovery of last two days.

The Indian rupee plunged to a fresh record low of 96.14 before settling at 95.97, as the trade deficit widened more than expected and a sharp short squeeze emerged after the 96 level was breached. Higher global crude prices and a stronger dollar index, after the U.S. rejected Iran’s 14-point peace proposal, also weighed on the currency.

Nifty briefly crossed the crucial 23,800 resistance during the session but could not hold above it. A decisive breakout above this level is needed to revive bullish momentum in the market. On the downside, the swing low of 23,262 continues to act as support for the index.