Indian Stock Market Snaps Two-Week Winning Streak Amid Global Uncertainty

The Indian stock market benchmarks, Sensex and Nifty 50, ended in the red on Friday, August 14, snapping their two-week winning streak. The downturn was attributed to various global factors such as uncertainty over a US-Iran peace deal, volatile crude oil prices, rising bond yields, and concerns about inflation.

The Sensex declined by 71 points or 0.09%, ending at 78,009.25, while the Nifty 50 closed at 24,366, down 30 points or 0.12%. The mid-cap and small-cap segments underperformed, with the Nifty Midcap 100 index dropping 0.53% and the Nifty Smallcap 100 index falling 0.69%.

Analysts pointed out that weak global cues weighed on investor sentiment, with Brent crude prices trading above $87 per barrel. The US 10-year bond yield remained near 4.66%, putting pressure on emerging-market equities.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments, said a sideways trend persisted in the market as investors awaited clarity on energy price outlook and global bond yields. Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Research-Wealth Management at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, noted that developments in West Asia and crude oil prices would remain key variables for domestic equities.