Sensex flat, Nifty at 24,252; IT, FMCG, auto stocks drag

Stock Market Highlights, Friday, August 21, 2026: Indian benchmark indices ended almost unchanged on Friday as global markets weakened amid a rebound in bond yields and continued strength in crude oil prices, with lingering US-Iran tensions keeping investors cautious. The Sensex edged up 3.11 points to close at 77,540.83, while the Nifty50 gained 20.15 points, or 0.08 per cent, to settle at 24,252. Both indices recorded their second straight weekly decline.

t, !Maruti Suzuki India and !InterGlobe Aviation emerged as the biggest laggards on the Nifty50. Broader markets outperformed the benchmarks, with the Nifty MidCap index rising 0.1 per cent and the Nifty SmallCap index advancing 0.69 per cent. Among sectoral indices, FMCG, Auto and IT stocks remained under pressure, while Metal and Private Bank stocks posted relatively stronger gains. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing,