Sensex Today Ends 71 Points Lower | Nifty below 24,400 | ONGC & Hindalco Among Top Losers
Indian equity markets ended the day on a negative note on August 2026, with the Sensex closing 71 points lower and the Nifty slipping below the 24,400 mark. The decline was led by selling pressure in heavyweights such as ONGC and Hindalco, which emerged as top losers. The broader market sentiment remained cautious as investors weighed global cues and domestic economic data.
The Sensex, after opening on a flat note, failed to sustain gains and drifted lower through the session. The Nifty, which had been hovering around the 24,400 level, broke below it in the latter half of trading. Sectoral indices were mixed, with buying seen in select IT and pharma stocks, while metals and energy counters witnessed profit booking.
ONGC and Hindalco were among the top losers, dragging the benchmarks lower. The decline in these stocks was attributed to weak global commodity prices and profit-taking after recent gains. Analysts say the market is in a consolidative phase, with investors awaiting fresh triggers from the upcoming quarterly earnings season and global central bank policy cues.
| Index/Stock | Change (points) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Sensex | -71 | 79,500 (approx) |
| Nifty | -20 | 24,390 |
| ONGC | -2.5% | 250 |
| Hindalco | -3.1% | 610 |
The market breadth was negative, with more declines than advances on the BSE. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued to be net sellers, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) provided some support. The Indian rupee remained stable against the US dollar, trading in a narrow range.
"The market is taking a breather after the recent run-up. Investors are being selective, and any sharp fall in global commodity prices is impacting domestic metal and energy stocks," said a market analyst.
Going forward, market participants will closely monitor the movement of crude oil prices, the US Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates, and the progress of the monsoon for cues. The coming week is expected to be volatile, with monthly derivatives expiry and key economic data releases.
For investors, the current consolidation offers an opportunity to review their portfolios and focus on quality stocks with strong fundamentals. Experts advise staying cautious and avoiding speculative trades in the near term.
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