Stock Market Today: Sensex Down, Nifty Below 24,400 as Oil Prices Surge; Key Drivers And What Investors Should Know

Sensex and Nifty trade lower on August 12, 2026, as elevated crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions and global market cues weigh on investor sentiment.

By: Nisha Srivastava
Last Updated: August 12, 2026 10:50:23 IST

Stock Market Today Live Updates:  Indian benchmark indices opened on a subdued note on Wednesday, with the Nifty slipping below the 24,400 mark. At 9:33 am IST, the Sensex declined 100.19 points, or 0.13%, to 78,054.06, while the Nifty fell 34.60 points, or 0.14%, to 24,437.10. Market breadth remained mixed, with 1,693 shares advancing, 1,344 declining and 173 remaining unchanged. Among Nifty constituents, Hindalco, Nestle, ONGC, Grasim Industries and Tech Mahindra were among the top gainers. On the other hand, Bajaj Finserv, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Max Healthcare, InterGlobe Aviation and Titan Company featured among the major laggards.

India Stock Market Performance (August 12, 2026): NSE Nifty Opens Down And BSE Sensex Slips Slightly

The Indian stock market is trading under pressure today, with NSE Nifty 50 down 0.40% at 24,373.30 and BSE Sensex down 0.30% at 77,916.46.

NIFTY 50 Index Today

  • Opening Price: 24,472.45
  • Intraday High: 24,473.30
  • Intraday Low: 24,357.50
  • Previous Close: 24,471.70

BSE Sensex Today

As of August 12, 2026, at 10:35 AM IST, the BSE SENSEX is trading at 77,916.46, down by 237.79 points (-0.30%) from its previous close.
  • Open: 78,263.33
  • Day High: 78,263.33
  • Day Low: 77,784.04

NIFTY 500 Index Today

The NIFTY 500 Index is trading at 23,629.35, down by 0.22% (-51.80 points) as of 10:40 AM IST on August 12, 2026.
  • Open Price: 23,689.55
  • Daily High: 23,690.05
  • Daily Low: 23,585.00
  • Previous Close: 23,681.15

Bank NIFTY Index Today

  • Current Price: ₹57,446.25
  • Change: -0.42%
  • Previous Close: ₹57,686.95
  • Opening Price: ₹57,604.35
  • Intraday High: ₹57,607.25
  • Intraday Low: ₹57,158.10

What is Happening in the Indian Stock Market Today?

The Indian indices were trading under pressure on 12th August, 2026. The Nifty 50 index was trading below the 24,400 mark, while the Sensex was falling as well. The rising oil prices, geopolitical tensions due to the Strait of Hormuz region, and upcoming inflation data was hurting investor sentiment.

  • Nifty 50: 24,366.40, down 0.43%
  • Sensex: 77,827.31, down 0.42%
  • Bank Nifty: Around 57,446 in early trading, down 0.42%
  • Crude oil: Around $90 a barrel, raising concerns about India’s import bill and inflation.
  • Market breadth: Selling pressure is broad, with 13 of 16 major sectors lower in early trade.
  • Nifty Metal: Among the outperformers, gaining about 0.5%, helped by higher global aluminium prices.
  • State-owned banks: Also showed strength, with the sector gaining around 1.8%.
  • Hindalco: Rose about 2.5%.
  • National Aluminium: Jumped around 7.3%.
  • Godrej Consumer Products: Fell sharply, declining about 9.4% after CEO Sudhir Sitapati’s sudden departure.
  • Bata India: Gained around 3.5% following strong quarterly profit.

Key Factors Driving the Indian Stock Market Today

Rising crude oil prices: Elevated oil prices are a major concern for India because the country relies heavily on imported crude. Higher oil prices can increase inflationary pressure and widen the import bill.

US-Iran tensions: Continuing uncertainty around the conflict and shipping disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz is keeping investors cautious. The possibility of disruption to energy supplies remains a key market risk.

Inflation data: Investors are also awaiting fresh inflation data from India and the US. The US inflation reading could influence expectations around the Federal Reserve’s future interest-rate decisions.

Global market cues: Asian markets were mixed on Wednesday, while global investors remained focused on US inflation and geopolitical developments

What Indian Investors Should Know Today

The Indian markets are trading cautiously on August 12, 2026, due to lower levels of the Sensex and Nifty 50, with rising crude oil prices and geopolitical concerns being cited as factors behind the bearish trends in India’s equity markets. The developments in the US-Israel-Iran situation, the dangers posed to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the release of inflation numbers and movements in the rupee have been closely watched by the investors. Metal stocks and certain banking stocks have shown some strength along with stock-specific news due to corporate results and other factors.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The Sunday Guardian suggests that readers consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment or money-related decisions. The stock market involves significant risk.

Check out other tags:

Most Popular

The Sunday Guardian is India’s fastest
growing News channel and enjoy highest
viewership and highest time spent amongst
educated urban Indians.

The Sunday Guardian is India’s fastest growing News channel and enjoy highest viewership and highest time spent amongst educated urban Indians.

© Copyright ITV Network Ltd 2025. All right reserved.