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Dalal Street ends lower on weak bank earnings, rising Middle East tensions

The BSE Sensex fell 442.93 points, or 0.57%, to close at 77,708.52. The NSE Nifty50 also ended in the red, slipping 95.80 points, or 0.39%, to settle at 24,238.50.

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Indian stock markets ended lower on Monday as heavy selling in private banking stocks and rising tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. Weak quarterly earnings from some lenders raised concerns over pressure on net interest margins, while the continuing conflict between the US and Iran kept global markets cautious.

The BSE Sensex fell 442.93 points, or 0.57%, to close at 77,708.52. The NSE Nifty50 also ended in the red, slipping 95.80 points, or 0.39%, to settle at 24,238.50.

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BANKING STOCKS LEAD THE FALL

The biggest drag on the market came from private banks after their latest quarterly results failed to impress investors.

Axis Bank was the top loser on the Nifty, falling 5.48%, while HDFC Bank dropped 5.12%. Maruti Suzuki India also came under pressure, ending 2.18% lower.

On the other hand, a few stocks managed to buck the trend. Trent was the top gainer of the day, rising 2.98%. Power Grid Corporation gained 1.82%, while NTPC added 1.57%.

PROFIT BOOKING AFTER RECENT RALLY

According to Riyank Arora, Associate Vice President – HNI & Derivatives at Hedged.in, Monday's decline should not be seen as a sign of a major trend reversal.

"Indian equity markets ended today’s session in the red, with benchmark indices witnessing mild profit booking after the recent sharp rally. Selling pressure was visible across select heavyweight stocks, although the overall market structure remains constructive as key support levels are still intact," he said.

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He further added, "Today’s decline appears to be a healthy bout of profit booking following the recent rally rather than a change in the broader trend. As long as benchmark indices hold above their immediate support levels, the overall outlook remains positive. Traders may continue to adopt a buy-on-dips approach while maintaining disciplined risk management and keeping a close watch on key support zones."

BROADER MARKET REMAINS STEADY

The broader market performed better than the benchmark indices. The Nifty Midcap 50 rose 0.61%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 edged up 0.16%.

Among sectoral indices, Nifty Media was the best performer, climbing 1.09%, followed by Nifty Consumer Durables, which gained 0.72%. However, Nifty Auto slipped 0.26% and Nifty IT fell 0.22%.

Meanwhile, the India VIX, often called the market's fear gauge, declined 1.29%, suggesting that overall volatility remained under control despite the day's fall.

GLOBAL TENSIONS REMAIN A KEY CONCERN

Apart from domestic earnings, investors also kept a close eye on developments in the Middle East.

Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said geopolitical risks continue to cloud market sentiment. "On the global front, the conflict between the US and Iran deepened further, with strikes now extending into a ninth day and tensions increasingly centred on the Strait of Hormuz. With shipping in the region near a standstill and no clear path to de-escalation, concerns around global energy supply remain firmly in focus," he said.

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He further added, "In the near term, developments in the Middle East and upcoming tech results will be the key drivers of global market direction, with clear spillover into Indian equities."

WHAT INVESTORS SHOULD WATCH

For now, analysts believe the broader market trend remains positive despite Monday's decline.

Investors are likely to keep a close watch on upcoming corporate earnings, movement in crude oil prices and developments in the Middle East. These factors are expected to play a major role in deciding the market's direction over the coming sessions.

(Disclaimer: The views, opinions, recommendations, and suggestions expressed by experts/brokerages in this article are their own and do not reflect the views of the India Today Group. It is advisable to consult a qualified broker or financial advisor before making any actual investment or trading choices.)

- Ends
Published By:
Jasmine anand
Published On:
Jul 20, 2026 16:21 IST

Indian stock markets ended lower on Monday as heavy selling in private banking stocks and rising tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. Weak quarterly earnings from some lenders raised concerns over pressure on net interest margins, while the continuing conflict between the US and Iran kept global markets cautious.

The BSE Sensex fell 442.93 points, or 0.57%, to close at 77,708.52. The NSE Nifty50 also ended in the red, slipping 95.80 points, or 0.39%, to settle at 24,238.50.

BANKING STOCKS LEAD THE FALL

The biggest drag on the market came from private banks after their latest quarterly results failed to impress investors.

Axis Bank was the top loser on the Nifty, falling 5.48%, while HDFC Bank dropped 5.12%. Maruti Suzuki India also came under pressure, ending 2.18% lower.

On the other hand, a few stocks managed to buck the trend. Trent was the top gainer of the day, rising 2.98%. Power Grid Corporation gained 1.82%, while NTPC added 1.57%.

PROFIT BOOKING AFTER RECENT RALLY

According to Riyank Arora, Associate Vice President – HNI & Derivatives at Hedged.in, Monday's decline should not be seen as a sign of a major trend reversal.

"Indian equity markets ended today’s session in the red, with benchmark indices witnessing mild profit booking after the recent sharp rally. Selling pressure was visible across select heavyweight stocks, although the overall market structure remains constructive as key support levels are still intact," he said.

He further added, "Today’s decline appears to be a healthy bout of profit booking following the recent rally rather than a change in the broader trend. As long as benchmark indices hold above their immediate support levels, the overall outlook remains positive. Traders may continue to adopt a buy-on-dips approach while maintaining disciplined risk management and keeping a close watch on key support zones."

BROADER MARKET REMAINS STEADY

The broader market performed better than the benchmark indices. The Nifty Midcap 50 rose 0.61%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 edged up 0.16%.

Among sectoral indices, Nifty Media was the best performer, climbing 1.09%, followed by Nifty Consumer Durables, which gained 0.72%. However, Nifty Auto slipped 0.26% and Nifty IT fell 0.22%.

Meanwhile, the India VIX, often called the market's fear gauge, declined 1.29%, suggesting that overall volatility remained under control despite the day's fall.

GLOBAL TENSIONS REMAIN A KEY CONCERN

Apart from domestic earnings, investors also kept a close eye on developments in the Middle East.

Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said geopolitical risks continue to cloud market sentiment. "On the global front, the conflict between the US and Iran deepened further, with strikes now extending into a ninth day and tensions increasingly centred on the Strait of Hormuz. With shipping in the region near a standstill and no clear path to de-escalation, concerns around global energy supply remain firmly in focus," he said.

He further added, "In the near term, developments in the Middle East and upcoming tech results will be the key drivers of global market direction, with clear spillover into Indian equities."

WHAT INVESTORS SHOULD WATCH

For now, analysts believe the broader market trend remains positive despite Monday's decline.

Investors are likely to keep a close watch on upcoming corporate earnings, movement in crude oil prices and developments in the Middle East. These factors are expected to play a major role in deciding the market's direction over the coming sessions.

(Disclaimer: The views, opinions, recommendations, and suggestions expressed by experts/brokerages in this article are their own and do not reflect the views of the India Today Group. It is advisable to consult a qualified broker or financial advisor before making any actual investment or trading choices.)

- Ends
Published By:
Jasmine anand
Published On:
Jul 20, 2026 16:21 IST

Indian stock markets ended lower on Monday as heavy selling in private banking stocks and rising tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. Weak quarterly earnings from some lenders raised concerns over pressure on net interest margins, while the continuing conflict between the US and Iran kept global markets cautious.

The BSE Sensex fell 442.93 points, or 0.57%, to close at 77,708.52. The NSE Nifty50 also ended in the red, slipping 95.80 points, or 0.39%, to settle at 24,238.50.

BANKING STOCKS LEAD THE FALL

The biggest drag on the market came from private banks after their latest quarterly results failed to impress investors.

Axis Bank was the top loser on the Nifty, falling 5.48%, while HDFC Bank dropped 5.12%. Maruti Suzuki India also came under pressure, ending 2.18% lower.

On the other hand, a few stocks managed to buck the trend. Trent was the top gainer of the day, rising 2.98%. Power Grid Corporation gained 1.82%, while NTPC added 1.57%.

PROFIT BOOKING AFTER RECENT RALLY

According to Riyank Arora, Associate Vice President – HNI & Derivatives at Hedged.in, Monday's decline should not be seen as a sign of a major trend reversal.

"Indian equity markets ended today’s session in the red, with benchmark indices witnessing mild profit booking after the recent sharp rally. Selling pressure was visible across select heavyweight stocks, although the overall market structure remains constructive as key support levels are still intact," he said.

He further added, "Today’s decline appears to be a healthy bout of profit booking following the recent rally rather than a change in the broader trend. As long as benchmark indices hold above their immediate support levels, the overall outlook remains positive. Traders may continue to adopt a buy-on-dips approach while maintaining disciplined risk management and keeping a close watch on key support zones."

BROADER MARKET REMAINS STEADY

The broader market performed better than the benchmark indices. The Nifty Midcap 50 rose 0.61%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 edged up 0.16%.

Among sectoral indices, Nifty Media was the best performer, climbing 1.09%, followed by Nifty Consumer Durables, which gained 0.72%. However, Nifty Auto slipped 0.26% and Nifty IT fell 0.22%.

Meanwhile, the India VIX, often called the market's fear gauge, declined 1.29%, suggesting that overall volatility remained under control despite the day's fall.

GLOBAL TENSIONS REMAIN A KEY CONCERN

Apart from domestic earnings, investors also kept a close eye on developments in the Middle East.

Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, said geopolitical risks continue to cloud market sentiment. "On the global front, the conflict between the US and Iran deepened further, with strikes now extending into a ninth day and tensions increasingly centred on the Strait of Hormuz. With shipping in the region near a standstill and no clear path to de-escalation, concerns around global energy supply remain firmly in focus," he said.

He further added, "In the near term, developments in the Middle East and upcoming tech results will be the key drivers of global market direction, with clear spillover into Indian equities."

WHAT INVESTORS SHOULD WATCH

For now, analysts believe the broader market trend remains positive despite Monday's decline.

Investors are likely to keep a close watch on upcoming corporate earnings, movement in crude oil prices and developments in the Middle East. These factors are expected to play a major role in deciding the market's direction over the coming sessions.

(Disclaimer: The views, opinions, recommendations, and suggestions expressed by experts/brokerages in this article are their own and do not reflect the views of the India Today Group. It is advisable to consult a qualified broker or financial advisor before making any actual investment or trading choices.)

- Ends
Published By:
Jasmine anand
Published On:
Jul 20, 2026 16:21 IST

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