Both the Nifty and the Sensex began the trading day on a muted note on August 14, 2026. The Nifty opened at 24,361.90; the Sensex opened at 77,903.43. Brent Crude oil prices remained in focus after US stated they can maintain the blockade on Iran ‘indefinitely”. The Indian rupee opened at 95.37 to the dollar versus Thursday’s close of 95.44 to the dollar. All sectoral indices traded weak in early trade.

G. Chokkalingam Head of Research at Equinomics Research told Times Now Digital, “markets are likely to remain weak. Liquidity is a concern. IPO boom is taking away a lot of liquidity from the capital markets. Earnings session also getting over, so no fresh positive trigger expected. Global oil prices also remain firm. Generally on last day of the week, a vast number of retail investors stay away from taking fresh positions. Therefore market is likely to remain weak and it would be more of stock specific action.”

Stock markets on Thursday ended the trading day in a narrow range after a weak session of trade. Both the benchmark indices ended the trading day at mixed. The Nifty declined 0.16 percent and closed at 24,395.85 and the Sensex gained 0.15 percent and closed at 78,079.96.

Oil rates inched higher after the US threatened to maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely, reviving crude supply concerns, after prices fell in the previous session on a weaker global demand outlook. Global oil expert and CEO-Australia, Trading.com Peter McGuire told Times Now Digital, “oil nudges $90 barrel as conditions worsen in the Strait of Hormuz, geopolitical tensions between Iran and US are increasing and market sentiment has fear baked into the price. Uncertainty remains front of mind as traders brace for potentially higher prices and some are questioning whether $100 is back on the table. The next few days will be in focus as any form of resolution will determine prices.”

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