Stock Market Highlights Today: BSE Sensex ends 479 points down, Nifty50 sinks below 23,950 as crude oil prices rise

The rupee weakened by 47 paise to settle provisionally at 95.73 against the US dollar on Tuesday amid renewed geopolitical tensions in West Asia and a rebound in crude oil prices.

Forex market participants said the domestic currency also came under pressure due to strength in the US dollar and weakness in Indian equity markets.
In the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.43 versus the greenback. During the session, it touched an intraday high of 95.33 and slipped to a low of 95.76 against the US currency.

By the close of trading on Tuesday, the rupee ended at 95.73 (provisional), registering a decline of 47 paise compared with the previous session’s closing level.

Indian benchmark indices closed on a negative note during the monthly expiry session on 26 May, as selling pressure intensified in the second half of the session. Market sentiment turned weak amid a pullback in crude oil prices following rising tensions during the peace talks between the US and Iran. Sustained pressure in heavyweight stocks dragged the Nifty below the 24,000 mark at closing.

At close, the Sensex declined 479.26 points or 0.63% to settle at 76,009.70, while the Nifty fell 118 points or 0.49% to close at 23,913.70. On the sectoral front, weakness was largely witnessed in Nifty Consumer Durable, Private Bank, and Realty indices, which dragged the benchmark lower. However, selective buying interest was observed in Nifty Metal, FMCG, and Auto stocks, while the rest of the sectors traded with a mixed bias.

Despite the weakness in frontline indices, the broader market continued to witness buying interest. Nifty Midcap index touched a fresh all-time high and closed with gains of 0.54%, while the Smallcap index also advanced by 0.35%, indicating continued participation in the broader market space

"Near-term optimism around a potential US–Iran peace deal faded sharply following reports of US military operations in southern Iran, triggering a spike in crude prices and reversing the rupee’s brief appreciation. The monthly F&O expiry further amplified technical selling pressure in an already risk-off environment, leading domestic equities to close lower. Despite this, mid-cap resilience stood out, with the index touching an all-time high during the session. This strength reflects structural confidence in domestic earnings, supported by sustained DII inflows even as FII outflows weighed on sentiment. With crude still lower on a weekly basis, markets continue to price in a meaningful probability of de-escalation in West Asia,” says Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex ended the day in red after a day of volatile trading on weak global sentiment after crude prices rose and US launched fresh strikes in Iran. Nifty50 closed the day at 23,913.70, down 118 points or 0.49%. BSE Sensex ended at 76,009.70, down 479 points or 0.63%.

Stock market today: In the late afternoon trade, Sensex and Nifty have dropped over 0.5% as global sentiment turns negative on renewed US-Iran tensions. At 3:07 PM, Nifty50 was trading at 23,911.35, down 120 points or 0.50%. BSE Sensex was at 76,011.09, down 478 points or 0.62%.

After opening in the red, the stock market briefly turned positive before slipping back into negative territory. By 1:55 pm, the benchmark indices were once again trading in the red. While NSE Nifty50 tanked to 23,949.45, down 81.85 points or 0.34%, BSE Sensex was trading at 76,107.92, down 381.04 points or 0.50%.

The frontline indices continued to stabilize as India VIX fell below the 16.50 mark for the first time since its sharp surge in the first week of March 2026 post the inception of the War between US and Iran.

Coming to Nifty, the zone of 23930-23950 will act as a crucial support for the index while the resistance lies in the zone of 24080-24120.

On the downside, if the index slips below the level of 23930 then the next support is placed in the zone of 23780-23650.

In an event of a surge above 24120, the index can experience an extension of the rally towards 24250-24370.

On the options front, meaningful call writing witnessed across 24100 & 24200 strikes. On the put side, 24000 has a substantial open interest, followed by 23900 strike.

Nifty's Advance Decline Ratio is at 31:19.

Speaking of Sensex levels, support is at 76,100-75,800 while resistance is at 76,900-77,100.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex are continuing to trade in red in mid-afternoon trade. At 12:48 PM, Nifty50 was at 23,996.05, down 37 points or 0.15%. BSE Sensex is at 76,288.36, down 201 points or 0.26%.

Shares of Pine Labs climbed as much as 4.5% to touch an intraday high of Rs 152.80 on the BSE on Tuesday after the company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 59 crore for the March quarter, compared with a net loss of Rs 29 crore in the corresponding period last year, signalling a return to profitability.
Revenue from operations in the fourth quarter of FY26 increased 17% year-on-year to Rs 701 crore, up from Rs 599 crore recorded in the same quarter of the previous financial year.

On a sequential basis, profit after tax rose 40% from Rs 42 crore reported in Q3FY26. However, quarterly revenue declined nearly 6% from Rs 744 crore posted during the October-December period.

For the full financial year FY26, the company reported revenue of Rs 2,711 crore, compared with Rs 2,274 crore in FY25, reflecting an annual growth of 19%.
The company also reported a profit of Rs 113 crore for FY26, reversing the loss of Rs 145 crore recorded in the previous financial year.

Dalal Street began the day in red but slowly jumped in green. While NSE Nifty50 rose to 24,059.60, up 27.90 points or 0.12%, BSE Sensex was trading at 76,534.38, up 45.42 points or 0.06%, as on 10:13 am.

Yesterday’s push and close above the 20 dma may invite some mean reversion move. As long as the dips thereof do not stretch beyond 23950, the 24450 objectives will continue to be in play. Downside marker may be placed near 23850, says Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited.

"Even though negotiations are continuing for an end to the West Asia crisis there are no indications of an imminent end to the conflict. The “self defence strikes” by the US in Southern Iran has come as a dampener to the ongoing negotiations. But this is not viewed by the markets as the beginning of another round of military strikes. That’s why Brent crude remains around $ 98 having fallen more than 20% from the peak.

An interesting and important trend is the risk appetite in the market. Every time a positive development emerges, indicating an end to the conflict and followed by dip in crude prices, the market has been rallying. This was evident in the 1073 point rally in the Sensex yesterday. This risk appetite is a reflection of the resilience of the economy and optimism of investors. A resolution to the conflict and significant dip in crude prices has the potential to largely address the macro headwinds which the economy is facing now. This appears to be the message from the market, says VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in red on Tuesday on weak global cues. At 9:18 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 23,989.20, down 43 points or 0.18%. BSE Sensex was at 76,341.42, down 148 points or 0.19%.

"Indian equity markets are expected to open on a mildly negative note, with Gift Nifty trading around 24,030, down by 95 points, indicating subdued opening cues for domestic indices. Global markets remained largely positive amid easing geopolitical concerns and stable investor sentiment, though some profit booking at higher levels may keep domestic markets range-bound in the early trade.

Nifty ended on a strong positive note on 25th May 2026, closing near the day’s high at 24,031.70, up 312.40 points or 1.32%, supported by strong buying momentum across sectors. The index opened with a strong gap-up at 23,940.25 and rallied above the crucial 24,000 mark to touch an intraday high of 24,054.45. Technically, the formation of a strong bullish candlestick pattern indicates improving short-term sentiment and sustained buying interest. Immediate support is placed around the 23,750–23,800 zone, while resistance is seen near the 24,100–24,200 range.

Bank Nifty ended on a strong positive note on 25th May 2026, closing near the day’s high at 55,293.65, up 1,238.30 points or 2.29%, supported by sustained buying momentum in banking stocks. The index opened with a strong gap-up at 54,610.55 and rallied above the crucial 55,000 mark to touch an intraday high of 55,405.20. Technically, the formation of a strong bullish candlestick pattern reflects strengthening momentum and improving sentiment in the banking space. Immediate support is placed around the 54,500–54,700 zone, while resistance is seen near the 55,500–55,800 range.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned net buyers on 25th May 2026 and purchased equities worth ₹821.80 crore, reflecting improved participation from overseas investors. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) also remained supportive and continued their strong buying activity with net equity purchases worth ₹3,856.90 crore, providing further strength to overall market sentiment.

The overall market structure continues to remain favorable, supported by strong institutional buying, positive global sentiment, and sustained strength in banking and heavyweight stocks. However, after the recent sharp rally, some consolidation or profit booking near higher resistance zones cannot be ruled out. Holding above immediate support levels will be important for maintaining the ongoing bullish momentum in the near term,” says Hitesh Tailor, Research Analyst, Choice Equity Broking Private Limited.

Oil prices moved higher on Tuesday while global equities traded mixed, as hopes surrounding a near-term peace agreement between the United States and Iran weakened following fresh American military strikes in the Middle East.

According to an official familiar with the developments, Iran’s foreign minister and the country’s chief negotiator travelled to Doha for discussions with Qatar’s prime minister regarding a possible agreement with the US aimed at ending the conflict. The talks came even as both Washington and Tehran attempted to temper expectations of an immediate breakthrough.

Separately, Japan’s Nikkei newspaper reported that the two sides were discussing a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz roughly 30 days after a peace agreement is reached to formally end hostilities.

However, despite the diplomatic discussions continuing, US forces carried out strikes in southern Iran on Monday. The operations reportedly targeted boats suspected of attempting to deploy mines, along with missile launch locations, in what the US described as defensive military actions.

The developments pushed Brent crude futures up more than 1% in early Asian trading to $97.32 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude also traded slightly higher compared with Monday’s last traded levels, although it remained down 5.5% from Friday’s close. There was no formal settlement on Monday because of the US Memorial Day holiday.

Index in the daily chart formed a strong bullish candlestick pattern with a higher high and a higher low and a bullish gap below its base 54055-54590. The index in the process closed above the 20 & 50 days EMA highlighting positive bias.

The index has generated a breakout above the falling supply line joining the recent highs signaling strength. Index sustaining above the Monday’s gap area will keep the bias positive and will open further upside towards 56,000 and 56,600 levels in the coming sessions. Index has immediate support at 54,000 levels while major support is placed at 53,000-52,500 being the confluence of the lower band of the 8th April bullish gap area and the 61.8% retracement of the previous pullback (22,182-24,601). The daily stochastic is in uptrend thus supports the positive bias in the index.

Nifty is expected to continue its gradual upmove provided crude oil prices remain soft, the rupee sustains its recovery from record lows and geopolitical tensions continue to ease. Indian benchmark indices opened sharply higher and held gains through the session, with the Nifty 50 ending up 1.3%, while Midcap and Smallcap indices gained 0.9% and 1.4%, respectively. The rally was primarily driven by a sharp fall in Brent crude prices, which declined nearly 6% to around USD 95 per barrel — slipping below the USD 100 mark for the first time in over two weeks amid hopes of a resolution to the Iran conflict. Reflecting this, the rupee appreciated 40 paise to 95.20 against the US dollar, while India VIX declined over 6% to 16.7, indicating easing volatility and improving investor confidence.

Sectorally, Automobile, Banking and Financial stocks led the gains. Bank stocks rose up to 4% during the session as softer crude prices strengthened expectations of interest rate stability and lower inflation risks. Auto stocks also gained on hopes that lower fuel prices could support demand and ease input cost pressures. Sentiment was further supported after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US and India were close to finalising an interim trade agreement, with the US Trade Representative expected to visit India soon.

Overall, the simultaneous easing in crude prices, rupee pressure and geopolitical concerns provided a strong boost to risk appetite and drove broad-based participation across the market,” says Siddhartha Khemka - Head of Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

Index in the daily chart formed a strong bullish candlestick pattern with a higher high and higher low and a bullish gap below its base (23,835-23,922). The index in the process closed above the 20 & 50 days EMA highlighting positive bias.

The index has generated a breakout above the last 9 sessions broad trading range of 23,200-23,900 signaling strength. Index sustaining above the Monday’s gap area will keep the bias positive and will open further upside towards 24,200 and 24,600 in the coming sessions.

Index has immediate support at 23,600 levels while major support is placed at 23,200-23,000 being the confluence of the lower band of the 8th April bullish gap area and the 61.8% retracement of the previous pullback (22,182-24,601). The daily stochastic is in up trend thus supports the positive bias in the index.

Indian equity markets climbed to their highest level in two weeks on Monday after indications of progress in peace discussions between the United States and Iran pushed crude oil prices lower and improved investor sentiment towards riskier assets.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington and Tehran had “largely negotiated” a memorandum of understanding on a peace agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz — a key maritime route that handled nearly one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments before the conflict began.
Following the remarks, Brent crude futures dropped 5.5% to $97.8 per barrel, touching their lowest level in two weeks.

The NSE Nifty advanced 312 points, or 1.3%, to settle at 24,032, while the BSE Sensex gained 1,074 points, or 1.4%, to end at 76,489. Both indices recorded their strongest closing levels since May 8.

However, analysts noted that gains remained somewhat restricted after officials from both the United States and Iran attempted to cool expectations of an immediate breakthrough in negotiations.

Out of the 16 major sectoral indices, 15 ended in positive territory. Broader markets also performed well, with the small-cap index rising 1.4% and the mid-cap index gaining 0.9%.

Financial stocks led the rally among heavyweight sectors, climbing 2.2%. Private sector banking majors HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank surged 2.6% and 2.3%, respectively.

Foreign portfolio investors have sold domestic equities worth $23.9 billion so far this year, exceeding last year’s record annual outflows.