Closing Bell: Nifty 50 Falls 0.61% to 6-Week Low as Crude Prices Near $99

Market Update at 04:00 PM: Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, ended lower on Tuesday, extending losses after hitting six-week lows in the previous session. Market sentiment remained subdued as escalating Middle East tensions pushed crude oil prices higher, raising concerns over inflation and global supply disruptions.

The Nifty 50 remained under pressure throughout the session, trading below its previous close for most of the day. The index opened at 23,743.10 and touched an Intraday high of 23,758.95 before weakening gradually to an intraday low of 23,623.10. The index failed to sustain any meaningful recovery and remained around the 23,650–23,700 zone for most of the session.

At close, the Nifty 50 settled at 23,635.10, declining 144.05 points, or 0.61 per cent. The Sensex fell 555.23 points to close at 75,577.58, also hitting a six-week low. The Bank Nifty declined 0.54 per cent, mirroring the weakness in the broader benchmarks.

Brent crude rose 1.47 per cent towards USD 99 a barrel, hitting its highest level since July 23. The rise came amid reports of attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants disrupting operations at several Saudi energy facilities, including the 400,000-barrel-a-day Jazan refinery.

Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz further intensified concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies. Stronger Chinese crude imports also provided support to crude prices.

Despite weakness in the benchmark indices, broader markets ended marginally higher. The Nifty Midcap 100 index gained 0.17 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 index advanced 0.21 per cent and recorded an all-time high.

On the sectoral front, six of the 11 sectoral indices ended in positive territory. The Nifty Media index emerged as the top gainer, rising 1.31 per cent, supported by a sharp rally in PVR Inox, whose shares surged more than 6 per cent.

The Nifty Financial Services index was the top loser, declining around 0.93 per cent and extending losses for the second consecutive trading session.

Among individual stocks, GE Vernova T&D India surged 8.77 per cent after securing a high-voltage direct current contract from Power Grid.

Defence stocks also gained following fresh procurement approvals. Bharat Electronics rose 1.62 per cent, while Hindustan Aeronautics gained 3.62 per cent, after the Defence Acquisition Council approved various proposals estimated at Rs 1.1 trillion for the armed forces.

Bharat Electronics was the biggest contributor to the Nifty 50, adding 5.09 points to the index. Hindustan Unilever contributed 3.87 points, while Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone added 2.69 points.

On the downside, ICICI Bank was the biggest drag on the index, reducing it by 43.85 points. HDFC Bank dragged the index by 25.04 points, while Reliance Industries contributed to a decline of 21.27 points.

Market breadth remained in favour of declining stocks on September 8, 2026. Of the 3,648 stocks traded on the NSE, 1,711 advanced, 1,833 declined and 104 remained unchanged.

A total of 151 stocks touched their 52-week highs, while 90 stocks hit their 52-week lows. Meanwhile, 132 stocks were locked in their Upper Circuits and 96 stocks were locked in Lower Circuits.

Market Update at 2:40 PM: The Nifty 50 and the Sensex extended their losses on Tuesday as investors weighed the outlook for oil prices, central banks’ policy actions and simmering U.S.-Iran tensions.

As of 2:32 PM, the Nifty 50 declined 126.55 points, or 0.53 per cent, to 23,652.60. The Sensex fell 497.17 points, or 0.65 per cent, to 75,635.64. 

Among the Nifty 50 constituents, Shriram Finance, HCL Technologies and Tech Mahindra were the Top Losers, reflecting continued selling pressure in key stocks.

In the broader market, the Nifty MidCap index rose 0.26 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index gained 0.09 per cent, indicating relative resilience in the broader segments despite weakness in benchmark indices.

Sector-wise, the Nifty Auto and Nifty Realty indices underperformed, while the Nifty Metal and Nifty Media indices outperformed, highlighting a mixed trend across sectors.

Market Update at 12:35 PM: Indian equities declined as investors assessed oil prices, central bank policy actions and simmering U.S.-Iran tensions amid cautious market sentiment.

The Nifty 50 and the Sensex fell on Tuesday as investors weighed the outlook for oil prices and central banks’ policy actions amid simmering U.S.-Iran tensions.

As of 12:25 PM, the Sensex fell 463.89 points, or 0.61 per cent, to 75,668.92. The Nifty 50 declined 118.60 points, or 0.50 per cent, to 23,660.55.

Among the Nifty 50 constituents, Shriram Finance, HCL Technologies and Tech Mahindra were the top losers, weighing on the benchmark indices.

In the broader market, the Nifty MidCap index declined 0.17 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index edged down 0.01 per cent, indicating a largely cautious trend across the broader market.

Sector-wise, the Nifty Auto and Nifty Realty indices underperformed, while the Nifty Metal and Nifty Media indices outperformed, reflecting mixed sectoral trends during the session.

Market Update at 10:50 PM: Indian benchmark equity indices remained under pressure on Tuesday, September 8, as persistent Middle East tensions and elevated crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment. At 10:49 a.m. IST, the Nifty 50 was down 88.75 points, or 0.37 per cent, at 23,690.40, while the BSE Sensex declined 364.57 points, or 0.48 per cent, to 75,768.24.

The weakness followed the benchmarks' six-week lows recorded in the previous session. Renewed hostilities between the U.S. and Iran have increased concerns over the stability of energy infrastructure and shipping routes across the Gulf, keeping investors cautious.

Iran warned on Monday that any fresh attacks on Tehran would invite retaliation against U.S. assets and cautioned that energy infrastructure across the Gulf, including U.S. oil and gas interests, remained vulnerable.

Brent crude futures rose around 0.6 per cent to nearly USD 98 per barrel, increasing pressure on oil-importing economies such as India. India imports around 85 per cent of its crude oil requirements, making the domestic market particularly sensitive to a sustained rise in global oil prices.

Higher crude prices and renewed U.S.-Iran tensions were keeping risk appetite subdued. Hitesh Tailor, Technical Research Analyst at Choice Broking, said the Nifty 50 could remain volatile around key support levels, while any recovery could face selling pressure at higher levels.

Sectoral performance remained weak, with 12 of 16 major domestic sectors trading lower. The financial sector declined 0.7 per cent, while private banks fell 0.6 per cent. Among major index constituents, HDFC Bank declined 0.7 per cent, ICICI Bank fell 1.1 per cent and Reliance Industries slipped 0.6 per cent.

Broader markets also remained under pressure, with the Nifty Smallcap index and Nifty Midcap index declining around 0.3 per cent each.

Market Update at 09:30 AM: The Nifty 50 and the Sensex opened lower on Tuesday as investors weighed the outlook for crude oil prices and central banks’ monetary policy actions amid simmering tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

As of 9:19 AM, the Sensex fell 327.39 points, or 0.43 per cent, to 75,805.42. The Nifty 50 declined 86.15 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 23,692.35.

Among Nifty 50 constituents, Shriram Finance, HCL Technologies and Tech Mahindra were the top losers in early trade, dragging the benchmark lower.

In the broader market, the Nifty MidCap index declined 0.17 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index edged down 0.01 per cent, indicating a cautious start across the broader market.

Pre-Market Update at 7:40 AM: Indian benchmark equity indices are likely to open lower on Tuesday, September 8, as GIFT Nifty signals a weak start amid elevated crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions and mixed global cues. The Nifty 50 and Sensex ended lower in the previous session, with the Nifty 50 remaining below the crucial 23,800 level.

The Sensex declined 382.62 points, or 0.50 per cent, to close at 76,132.81, while the Nifty 50 fell 118.55 points, or 0.50 per cent, to settle at 23,779.15. The Nifty 50 moved between 23,890.00 and 23,737.90 during the session, while the Sensex touched a high of 76,477.20 and a low of 75,970.50.

GIFT Nifty was trading around 23,799, down about 27 points, indicating a negative start for Dalal Street. The futures signal remains close to Monday's levels, suggesting that the opening could be weak but not sharply lower.

The market is likely to remain sensitive to movements in crude oil, Asian equities and the rupee during the first hour of trade.

U.S. equity markets were closed on Monday for the Labor Day holiday. In the latest available session on Friday, the S&P 500 declined 0.40 per cent to 7,718.60, the Nasdaq fell 0.29 per cent to 26,506.99 and the Dow Jones slipped 0.51 per cent to 53,414.25.

The decline followed stronger-than-expected U.S. employment data, which revived expectations of a possible Federal Reserve rate hike in September. Investors are now awaiting upcoming U.S. inflation data, including the key CPI release due on Wednesday.

Asian markets are showing a divergent trend. Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 2.12 per cent to 66,399.80, while South Korea's KOSPI surged 4.61 per cent to 6,995.39. Semiconductor stocks led gains amid renewed optimism around artificial intelligence and memory-chip demand, benefiting companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix.

The Shanghai Composite was marginally higher at 3,932.70, up 0.07 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng declined 0.93 per cent to 25,413.10.

European markets also ended mixed on Monday. The FTSE 100 declined 0.08 per cent to 10,822.10, the DAX fell 0.15 per cent to 26,006.50, while the CAC 40 gained 0.33 per cent to 8,306.15.

Brent crude was trading around USD 96.98 a barrel, while WTI crude was at USD 92.70. Oil prices remain near six-week highs as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz raise concerns over global energy supplies.

For India, sustained high crude prices could widen the import bill, increase inflationary pressures and strain the current-account balance. Higher oil prices could weigh on airlines, paints, oil marketing companies and other fuel-intensive sectors, while upstream and refining companies could see a different impact depending on their exposure to crude prices.

The geopolitical backdrop remains fragile as the U.S.-Iran conflict shows few signs of easing. Uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz and the timing of its full reopening continues to raise concerns over global oil supplies.

The average commodity-ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to around 10 vessels a day over the past 10 days, the lowest level since May, following strikes involving vessels in the region.

Gold was trading near USD 4,405 an ounce, down around 0.62 per cent, while silver was around USD 66.18 an ounce. Domestic silver was quoted at approximately Rs 238.71 per gram, up 0.39 per cent.

The Dollar Index stood at 98.88, down around 0.27 per cent, while the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield was near 4.80 per cent. Elevated U.S. yields remain relevant for foreign portfolio flows into emerging markets such as India.

The Indian rupee closed Monday at Rs 94.50 per U.S. dollar, weakening by 7 paise from the previous close of Rs 94.43. Rising crude prices and weakness in domestic equities offset support from foreign-currency inflows.

The Nifty 50 declined 118.55 points, or 0.50 per cent, to close at 23,779.15 on Monday. Analysts said the immediate bias remains negative, with sustained trading below 24,025 potentially opening the way towards the 23,600-23,500 support zone.

The 23,600-23,500 region remains an important downside area, while a break below 23,606 could expose the index to the 23,500 level. On the upside, 23,900-24,000 is likely to act as the immediate resistance zone.

The RSI is moving deeper into the bearish zone, indicating weak momentum. Near-term downside levels include 23,700 and 23,620, while 23,900 remains an important resistance level.

Bank Nifty closed at 57,088.30, down 0.49 per cent. Immediate support is placed around 57,000, while 57,400-57,600 is the first resistance zone.

India VIX rose around 4.5 per cent to 11.16-11.18 from approximately 10.68 previously. The rise indicates an increase in expected near-term volatility, although the volatility gauge remains relatively low by historical standards.

Foreign portfolio investors were net buyers of shares worth around Rs 280 crore on Monday, while domestic institutional investors purchased approximately Rs 567 crore. Institutional buying provided some support but was not enough to prevent the benchmark indices from closing lower.

NSE's revised pre-open session rules came into effect from September 7. Market orders are restricted to the 9:00 AM to 9:05 AM window, while only limit orders are permitted thereafter. The change brings the opening auction framework closer to the Closing Auction Session and is broadly neutral for the market, although it is relevant for trading execution.

SEBI has eased compliance requirements for foreign portfolio investors investing exclusively in government securities by removing the requirement to furnish investor-group details. The move could support foreign participation in Indian government securities.

Banking-system liquidity surplus reached around Rs 11.16 lakh crore, prompting the Reserve Bank of India to absorb more than Rs 6 lakh crore through liquidity operations. The development remains relevant for banks, money-market rates and short-term liquidity conditions.

India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme has been recognised by the U.K. under its carbon-border adjustment framework. The development could benefit exporters exposed to European carbon-related trade requirements.

Lower commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues to keep crude oil prices elevated, creating risks for airlines, paints and other fuel-intensive industries while having a mixed impact on energy companies.

China's August trade-balance data is scheduled during the Asian session, with market expectations pointing to a trade surplus of around USD 120.1 billion. The data could influence metals, commodities and China-sensitive global cyclicals.

In the U.S., consumer inflation expectations, employment-related indicators and consumer credit data are scheduled later today. The key U.S. CPI report is due on Wednesday and could influence Federal Reserve rate expectations, bond yields and global risk sentiment.

GE Vernova T&D India emerged as the L1 bidder for Power Grid's 6,000 MW, ±800 kV HVDC transmission project connecting Barmer II and South Kalamb. The development is positive for the company's order pipeline and the broader power-transmission theme.

Novartis India received approval for the acquisition of Pfizer's Minipress and Minipres trademarks and related intellectual property for approximately Rs 1,250 crore. The transaction is expected to strengthen the company's branded-pharma portfolio.

Asian Energy Services reported Q1 FY27 revenue of Rs 271.19 crore, up 135.06 per cent year-on-year, although revenue declined 19.82 per cent sequentially. The result presents a mixed picture, with strong annual growth but sequential moderation.

GMM Pfaudler saw Persistence Capital Fund I purchase 2.4 lakh shares, representing 0.53 per cent of the company's paid-up equity, for Rs 29.67 crore. The transaction is a positive institutional-flow trigger.

Kopran promoter-group entity United Shippers sold shares representing 2.48 per cent of the company for approximately Rs 28.13 crore. The transaction is a negative ownership-flow trigger.

RPP Infra Projects saw a promoter-group member sell 1.67 per cent of the equity, while two other investors acquired stakes of around 2.65 per cent each. The ownership developments are mixed.

APL Apollo Tubes shares turn ex-Dividend on September 8 for a final dividend of Rs 8.50 per share, making the stock relevant from a corporate-action perspective.

Stocks under the F&O ban for Tuesday include SAIL, LIC Housing Finance, Inox Wind and Kaynes. Securities enter the ban period when their open positions cross 95 per cent of the market-wide position limit.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.

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