Closing Bell: Sensex flat, Nifty at 24,252; IT, FMCG drag

Today Stock Market Highlights, Friday, August 21, 2026: Indian benchmark indices closed largely unchanged on Friday as global markets weakened following a rise in bond yields, while elevated crude prices and ongoing US-Iran tensions kept investors cautious. The Sensex gained a marginal 3.11 points to finish at 77,540.83, while the Nifty50 advanced 20.15 points, or 0.08 per cent, to settle at 24,252. Both indices extended their losing streak to a second consecutive week.

t, !Maruti Suzuki India and !InterGlobe Aviation were among the biggest Nifty50 laggards. In the broader market, the Nifty MidCap index rose 0.1 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index gained 0.69 per cent. Sectorally, FMCG, Auto and IT stocks underperformed, whereas Metal and Private Bank indices emerged as the stronger performers