Stock Market Closing Bell: Sensex, Nifty End Lower Amid Selling Pressure

Indian benchmark indices closed lower on Monday after a volatile trading session, with selling pressure emerging across key sectors. The Sensex slipped below the 77,300 mark, while the Nifty50 settled below 24,200. PSU bank stocks faced notable declines, while derivatives activity remained elevated. Investors also tracked crude oil prices, which fell over 2%, along with geopolitical developments, currency movements and global market cues. Gold gained during the session as market uncertainty continued to influence investor sentiment.

The Sensex stood at 77,616.79, gaining 75.96 points or 0.10% from the previous close of 77,540.83. The index saw early volatility, slipping from higher levels before recovering. It remained above 77,600 during the latest trading session.

The Nifty stood at 24,221.90, down 30.10 points or 0.12% from the previous close of 24,252. The index witnessed a sharp intraday decline after trading around 24,280, falling below 24,230 near 11 am. It remained in negative territory.

Bank Nifty declined 0.90% since the last expiry, even as futures open interest climbed 26.24%. In the options segment, call open interest jumped 187.16%, while put open interest rose 158.94%. Overall options open interest increased 159.29%, indicating a sharp rise in derivatives activity as the index moved lower.

Several stocks are likely to remain in focus today on company-specific developments. Reliance Industries, Power Grid, JSW Infrastructure, Kaynes Technology, Federal Bank, and IREDA feature among key names to watch. IREDA has set September 11 as the record date for its proposed Rs. 0.75 final dividend, while Power Grid won a renewable-energy transmission project in Gujarat.

Nifty PSU Bank stocks traded lower intraday, with Bank of Baroda falling 2.13% to Rs. 241.74, followed by Canara Bank at 1.63%. SBI declined 0.83%, PNB 0.63%, Bank of India 0.52%, Punjab & Sind Bank 0.43%, and Union Bank 0.15%.

Gift Nifty signalled a positive start for Indian equities on August 24. Market expert Vaishali Parekh recommended Wockhardt, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Power Grid Corporation for intraday trading. Her recommendations include specific buy levels, targets and stop-losses as investors assess market momentum amid mixed global cues and ongoing geopolitical concerns.

Muthoot Finance futures gained 4.25%, while open interest climbed 14.88% in the September contract, indicating a long build-up. The August contract also advanced 4.27%, accompanied by a 12.82% rise in open interest, highlighting increased bullish activity across near-term futures positions.

The Nifty stood at 24,193.90, down 58.10 points or 0.24% from the previous close of 24,252. The index slipped sharply after 11 am, touching nearly 24,180 before recovering modestly. It remained below the previous close amid sustained intraday pressure.

The Sensex stood at 77,325.82, down 215.01 points or 0.28% from the previous close of 77,540.83. The index weakened sharply after 11 am, falling below 77,400 and touching nearly 77,320 before a marginal recovery. The benchmark remained under pressure during the session.

MP Steel has filed draft papers with SEBI for an IPO comprising a fresh issue of up to Rs 95 crore and an offer for sale of up to 23.07 lakh shares by promoters. The stainless-steel products maker plans to use fresh proceeds for a billet manufacturing unit, working capital and general corporate purposes. It reported Rs 413.41 crore revenue and Rs 15.81 crore profit for FY26.

Reliance Industries traded at Rs. 1,308.10, down Rs. 5.90 or 0.45% from the previous close of Rs. 1,314. The stock witnessed selling pressure through the morning, falling below Rs. 1,306 before recovering slightly around noon. It remained below the previous close amid continued intraday weakness.

The US dollar-rupee pair stood at 95.7100, up 0.0250 or 0.03% as of 12:31 pm IST. The rupee weakened early before recovering, with the dollar-rupee rate rising steadily through the morning. It remained above the previous close of 95.6850.

Light crude oil traded at $85.24 per barrel, down 2.09% during the session. The commodity remained under pressure as investors assessed geopolitical developments, supply concerns and broader global market conditions.

Natural gas stood at $2.721 per million BTUs, declining 1.88%. Traders continued to monitor demand expectations, supply conditions and developments affecting the global energy market.

Gold traded at $4,709.6 per troy ounce, rising 0.62%. The precious metal advanced as investors continued to assess geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility, supporting safe-haven demand.

Copper was quoted at $6.5880 per pound, gaining 0.02%. The metal remained largely stable as investors weighed industrial demand, economic signals and conditions across major global markets.

Godrej Industries Group has signed an MoU with the Haryana government outlining a proposed investment of approximately Rs. 20,000 crore in the state, with the potential to generate around 40,000 jobs. Shares of Godrej Industries traded at Rs. 1,231.55, up Rs. 1.70 or 0.14%, after touching an intraday high of Rs. 1,250 and low of Rs. 1,222.25. Trading volume stood at 4,269 shares, 66.20% below its five-day average.

European equities opened largely subdued, with the Stoxx 600 little changed as investors assessed the region’s economic outlook and awaited key data. Technology and healthcare stocks lagged, while ASML Holding and SAP declined more than 1%. Meanwhile, Dow futures remained unchanged, offering limited direction to global markets.

The Nifty stood at 24,165.60, down 86.40 points or 0.36% from the previous close of 24,252. The index remained under pressure through the session, falling below 24,200 after a sharp decline around 1 pm before a modest recovery.

The Sensex stood at 77,269.59, down 271.24 points or 0.35% from the previous close of 77,540.83. The index remained under pressure through the session, falling below 77,300 around 1 pm before recovering slightly. 

Mindspace Business Parks REIT has approved a Rs. 500 crore debt raise, according to an exchange filing. The fundraising is aimed at strengthening its financial position and supporting its business requirements. The development is likely to remain in focus among investors and market participants.

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Fahim Moin Hussain Sayed and Naim Mueen Sayyed in a money-laundering probe linked to a Rs. 2.60 crore cyber fraud in Goa. The agency said funds were routed through 400-plus accounts, with ₹3.25 crore in cash seized.