Indian stock markets closed lower for the second straight session on Wednesday, June 18, as escalating tensions between Israel and Iran weighed on sentiment. Investor caution ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision also contributed to the subdued mood.

The Sensex ended 139 points, or 0.17 per cent, lower at 81,444.66, while the Nifty 50 settled at 24,812.05, down 41 points, or 0.17 per cent. The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices fell 0.34 per cent each.

The across-segment selling dragged the overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms to nearly ₹446 lakh crore from ₹448 lakh crore in the previous session, making investors poorer by about ₹2 lakh crore in a single day.

Indian stock market: 10 key highlights from the day

1. Why did the Indian stock market extend losses to a second consecutive session?

The Indian stock market extended losses for the second consecutive session due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Caution ahead of US Fed policy later today also kept sentiment sombre.

“The domestic market failed to maintain the opening gains as the continuing tensions in the Middle East and volatility in oil prices dragged the overall sentiment. Investors will keep an eye on the US Fed policy later today; the prospect of higher inflation due to the tariff threat may lead the FOMC to keep the rates unchanged,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.

2. Top gainers in the Nifty 50 index

Shares of IndusInd Bank (up 4.69 per cent), Titan Company (up 2.15 per cent) and Trent (up 1.80 per cent) ended as the top gainers.

3. Top losers in the Nifty 50 index

As many as 36 stocks ended lower in the Nifty 50 index, with TCS (down 1.72 per cent), Adani Ports (down 1.57 per cent) and Hindustan Unilever (down 1.44 per cent) ending as the top losers.

4. Sectoral indices today

Most sectoral indices ended lower today, with Nifty Media (down 1.27 per cent), IT (down 0.83 per cent) and Metal (down 0.72 per cent) losing significantly.

On the other hand, Nifty Consumer Durables (up 0.79 per cent) ended as the top gainer among sectoral indices. Nifty Bank (up 0.21 per cent), Private Bank (up 0.39 per cent) and Auto (up 0.37 per cent) also ended higher.

5. Most active stocks in terms of volume

KBC Global (34.15 crore shares), Vodafone Idea (30.10 crore shares) and Vishal Mega Mart (14.85 crore shares) were the most active stocks in terms of volume on the NSE.

6. Five stocks jump more than 10% on NSE

Electronics Mart India, Aakash Exploration Services, Silly Monks Entertainment, Ahlada Engineers and Sakar Healthcare were the five stocks that jumped more than 10 per cent on the NSE.

7. Three stocks crash more than 10%

Ugro Capital Limited-RE, Orient Cement and KBC Global were the three stocks that crashed more than 10 per cent on the NSE.

(This is a developing story. Please check back for fresh updates.)

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