Indian indices fall on crude oil surge

On August 18, 2026, Indian benchmark indices declined sharply as elevated crude oil prices and fading hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough in West Asia weighed on investor sentiment. The BSE Sensex fell 492.70 points (0.63%) to settle at 77,235.46, marking its third consecutive session of losses, while the NSE Nifty declined 132.75 points (0.55%) to 24,154.90, extending its losing streak to six sessions. Brent crude rose 0.17% to $91.02 per barrel, adding to inflation concerns. Rising US bond yields and a sell-off in US Treasuries further dampened risk appetite, leading to a risk-off trend in Indian equities. IT stocks led losses amid fears that persistently high interest rates could dampen global technology spending. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 2,535.10 crore on Monday. The India — Indian rupee weakened 7 paise to close at 95.68 against the US dollar. In a separate development, the annual general meeting of Tata Sons was adjourned due to lack of quorum, as the Sir Dorabji Tata and Allied Trusts and Sir Ratan Tata Trust could not be present. This comes within a week of chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran opting out of reappointment after his term ends next February.