Iran Hormuz tensions hit Indian indices

On August 24, 2026, Indian benchmark indices ended lower as escalating geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz weighed on investor sentiment. The BSE Sensex declined 171.72 points (0.22%) to settle at 77,369.11, while the NSE Nifty fell 32.95 points (0.14%) to close at 24,219.05. The decline was driven by Iran's threat to seize vessels and alter transit rules for the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments, ahead of the US announcement of sanctions against Tehran. Heavyweight stocks led the decline, with SBI Life Insurance Company and Bajaj Finance among the top losers on the Nifty. The broader market was mixed: the NIFTY Midcap_100 edged up 0.13%, while the NIFTY Smallcap_100 declined 0.26%. Among sectoral indices, the Nifty PSU Bank Index recorded the steepest fall, while the Nifty Metal outperformed. Technical analysts noted that the 24,300 region remains a crucial resistance for the Nifty, with support at 24,145. Market experts expect continued volatility as traders react to new US sanctions on Iran and Tehran's potential response.