Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Sensex, Nifty Open Higher as Oil Prices Ease
Indian stock markets started Monday a little higher.
The Sensex and Nifty are two important measures of how Indian shares are performing.
Lower oil prices helped investors feel somewhat more positive.
However, worries about conflicts and possible US sanctions on Iran limited the gains.
Some metal, banking, energy, and technology stocks rose.
Healthcare, pharmaceutical, consumer, and some other shares fell.
Experts said the Nifty may move within a limited range rather than rise sharply.
Investors are also watching company earnings, global markets, and an upcoming market expiry for clues.
The Sensex opened 88.73 points higher at 77,629.56, while the Nifty began 33.05 points up at 24,285.05.
Indian equities opened positively after two consecutive weekly losses, but later surrendered much of their early gains.
Metal, media, oil and gas, and several technology stocks gained, while healthcare, pharma, FMCG, and selected consumer shares declined.
Brent crude fell more than 2% to around $92-$93 a barrel, while WTI traded below or near $85.69 as investors awaited new US sanctions on Iran.
Analysts expect the Nifty to remain range-bound, with geopolitical risks, crude prices, and Tuesday’s futures and options expiry likely to increase volatility.
- Who
- Indian equity investors, domestic and foreign institutional investors, market analysts, and companies listed on the Sensex and Nifty.
- What
- The Sensex and Nifty opened higher, but their gains were later reduced amid oil-price and geopolitical concerns.
- When
- Monday morning; the first article also refers to the previous session on August 21 and upcoming Tuesday futures and options expiry.
- Where
- Indian equity markets, including trading in Mumbai; global attention also focused on West Asia, Iran, and Asian markets.
- Why
- Lower crude oil prices supported stocks, while potential US sanctions on Iran, elevated oil prices, and geopolitical tensions restrained gains.
Factors Supporting Gains
Risks Limiting Gains
Market direction
Factors Supporting Gains
A resilient domestic economy, improving earnings growth, strong activity in broader-market companies, and lower crude prices could support a rally.
Risks Limiting Gains
Elevated crude prices, geopolitical tensions, and increased selling at higher levels could keep the indices range-bound.
Investor activity
Factors Supporting Gains
Domestic institutional investors continued buying, while investors showed interest in companies with robust results and favorable forward guidance.
Risks Limiting Gains
Foreign institutional investors remained net sellers, and analysts cautioned investors against chasing stocks at elevated valuations.
Global and geopolitical outlook
Factors Supporting Gains
A decline of up to 2% in crude prices reduced some pressure on Indian equities at the open.
Risks Limiting Gains
Potential US sanctions on Iran, the West Asian crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, and weaker Asian equities created uncertainty.
- Sensex opening
- 77,629.56, up 88.73 points or 0.11%
- Nifty opening
- 24,285.05, up 33.05 points or 0.14%
- Crude oil
- Brent was reported around $92-$93 a barrel; WTI was below or near $85.69
- Nifty range outlook
- Analysts identified a near-term range of 24,200 to 24,600
- Key support zone
- 24,060-24,000, according to technical analysts
- Domestic institutional investors
- Bought equities worth Rs 2,124 crore on August 21, extending their buying streak to nine sessions
- Foreign institutional investors
- Sold equities worth Rs 543 crore on August 21, their second consecutive session of net selling
