Sensex Falls 493 Points, Nifty Drops 133 Points Amid Global Tensions

August 18, 2026

Mumbai: Indian benchmark indices ended lower on Tuesday, with the Sensex falling 493 points and the Nifty declining 133 points, as heightened geopolitical tensions and weakness across key sectors weighed on investor sentiment.

The Sensex declined 493 points, or 0.63 per cent, to close at 77,235.46, while the Nifty fell 132.75 points, or 0.55 per cent, to 24,154.90.

IT, Realty and PSU Banks Drag Markets

Selling pressure was visible across several major sectors, with Nifty IT, Nifty Realty and Nifty PSU Bank among the biggest drags on the benchmark indices.

Among Nifty constituents, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Asian Paints and Infosys were among the top losers.

The broader market also remained under pressure. The Nifty MidCap index fell 0.43 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index ended flat.

In contrast, the Nifty Auto index emerged as the best-performing sector during the session.

Nifty Faces Key Support at 24,150

Market analysts said the immediate resistance for the Nifty is around the 24,300 level. A sustained move above this zone could support a recovery towards 24,400-24,500.

On the downside, 24,150 remains an important support level. A decisive break below it could intensify selling pressure and push the index towards the 24,000 mark.

Analysts said investors remained cautious amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. While domestic economic fundamentals remain supportive, elevated crude oil prices and rising input costs could put pressure on earnings expectations.

Meanwhile, the rupee remained largely flat at around 95.67 against the US dollar, although broader weakness continued to weigh on the currency. Analysts expect the rupee to trade in the 95.25-95.85 range in the near term.