Stock Market Update 18 May 2026: Sensex Loses Over 800 Pts; Nifty 50 Below 23,500

As the markets reopened on Monday (18 May 2026) after the weekend break, most indices were trading in the red.

At around 9:18 AM, the Sensex was down by around 805 points (1.07%) to trade at 74,432.97. The Nifty 50 was also trading lower by around 245 points (1.04%) at 23,398.35.

Even on Friday, the indices closed on a weaker note. The Sensex dropped 160.73 points to close at 75,237.99. The Nifty 50 also dropped 46.10 points to close at 23,643.50.

How Other Indices Are Performing?

Not just the Sensex and the Nifty 50, but most other Indian indices were in the red during early trading on Monday.

At around 9:21 AM, Bank Nifty was down by around 1.18% to trade at 53,076.60. The Nifty Financial Services index was also down by around 1.33% to trade at 25,006.80.

All sectoral indices, including the Nifty Auto (down by 1.6%), Nifty Metal (down by 1.21%), and Nifty Pharma (down by 0.23%), were also in the red. The only index in the green was the Nifty IT (up by 0.41%).

How Are The Stocks Performing?

Most stocks saw selling pressure on Monday morning. Upon market opening, about 755 shares were in the green, while 2,027 shares were in the red.

The top gainers on Nifty included Solar Industries, Infosys, Adani Power, LTM, and Wipro. The top losers were United Spirits, Power Grid, Tata Steel, TVS Motor Company, and HAL.

Factors Impacting The Markets

• Renewed Middle East Tension: The uncertainty in the Middle East is one of the most crucial factors that is causing the current market volatility. The recent reports of fresh hostilities between the US and China have impacted the global markets adversely. The American president has also warned that the clock is ticking for Iran.

• Rupee Under Pressure: The Indian National Rupee (INR) has been under constant pressure due to geopolitical uncertainty and volatile energy prices. On Monday, the currency opened 0.2% down at a record low of 96.18 per US dollar, eclipsing its previous all-time low of 96.1350.

• Weak Global Markets: Amid renewed US-Iran hostilities and weakening oil prices, most global markets gave weak cues on Monday. As of 9:17 AM, Gifty Nifty was trading lower by 1.39% at 23,424, American Dow was down by 1.07% at 49,457.18, Japan’s Nikkei was down by 1.21% at 60,668.96 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was down by 1.35% at 25,613.

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Investor Takeaway

The Indian stock markets seem to be going through a highly volatile and uncertain phase. FIIs continue to pull their money out of the market. Even the global markets are providing no definite cues. Investors must proceed with extreme caution and keep an eye on the constantly changing geopolitical situation.

Sources:

The Economic Times

Moneycontrol