Stock Market Close Report Today, August 25, 2026: Stocks Gain Despite Weak Global Cues, Expiry Day

Mumbai, August 25: Indian equity benchmarks ended higher on Tuesday, recovering from early losses in a volatile expiry session as buying in select IT, pharma and PSU banking stocks helped the Nifty reclaim the 24,300 mark. The gains came despite weak global cues, elevated crude oil prices and persistent concerns over tensions between the US and Iran. 

At the close, the Sensex rose 286.98 points, or 0.37%, to 77,656.09, while the Nifty gained 115.50 points, or 0.48%, to 24,334.55. Market breadth remained weak, however, with 1,993 shares advancing against 2,153 declines, while 156 stocks ended unchanged. 

Nifty Ends Above 24,300 

The benchmarks were volatile through the session as investors navigated a mixed global setup and the monthly derivatives expiry. The Nifty had slipped below 24,200 in early trade but recovered as buying emerged at lower levels, eventually settling above 24,300. 

The recovery came despite weakness across Asian markets and a softer close on Wall Street, particularly in technology stocks. Investors also remained cautious as markets assessed the implications of expanded US sanctions on Iran and the potential impact on crude oil supplies. 

Among the Nifty’s top gainers were Adani Enterprises, InterGlobe Aviation, Max Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals and Adani Ports. At the other end, Cipla, HDFC Life, Hindalco Industries, ONGC and Coal India were among the biggest losers. 

IT, Pharma, PSU Banks Shine 

Sectoral performance was mixed, with consumer durables, infrastructure, IT, media, pharma and PSU banks each gaining around 0.5%. The buying in IT stocks came despite weakness in global technology shares, while pharma and PSU banking stocks provided support to the broader market. 

On the other hand, selling pressure was visible in energy, metal and private banking stocks, limiting the overall market’s gains. 

The Nifty Midcap index also ended around 0.5% higher, showing some appetite for broader-market stocks. The Nifty Smallcap index, however, ended marginally lower, reflecting the uneven nature of the session. 

Oil, Iran Sanctions In Focus 

Crude oil remained a key variable for Indian investors. Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday after falling more than 2% in the previous session, with Brent crude trading around $92 a barrel as markets assessed the impact of expanded US sanctions on Iran. 

For India, sustained crude prices above $90 a barrel remain a concern given the country’s dependence on imported oil. Higher energy costs can put pressure on inflation, the trade deficit and the rupee, while also affecting corporate margins. 

Geopolitical risks remained elevated after an oil tanker was reportedly struck near Oman, while concerns persisted over the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Vodafone Idea, PC Jeweller In Focus 

Among individual stocks, Vodafone Idea was one of the biggest volume movers, with the stock gaining nearly 8% as reports of potential debt funding from a consortium of public sector banks boosted investor sentiment. 

PC Jeweller also declined 1% after its recent rally after shareholders approved proposals to increase authorised share capital and raise up to ₹1,000 crore through a QIP. 

Meanwhile, Shankesh Jewellers made a strong market debut, listing at an 11% premium to its IPO price on the NSE, while Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar fell 5.9% amid profit booking across sugar stocks after the government eased rules governing duty-free raw sugar imports. 

Overall, Indian equities demonstrated resilience despite a volatile expiry session and weak global cues. The focus now shifts to crude oil, geopolitical developments, foreign fund flows and global technology stocks for cues on the market’s next move. 

Source

• NSE
• BSE