IN Market Today: Sensex Falls 250 Points, Nifty Below 24,250; Infosys, IndiGo Lead Losses
Key Points
Sensex falls over 250 points; Nifty slips below 24,250.
Rising crude oil and Middle East tensions weigh on markets.
Infosys and IndiGo lead losses amid selling pressure.
Foreign outflows add to investor caution and market volatility.
Indian stocks came under fresh pressure on August 18, 2026, with the Sensex falling more than 250 points and the Nifty slipping below 24,250. Brent crude moved above $91 a barrel as hopes for a US-Iran ceasefire faded, adding to concerns among investors. Infosys and IndiGo were among the stocks in focus as traders turned cautious. The Nifty was heading into its sixth straight losing session, leaving investors watching closely for signs of support.
Sensex Falls 250 Points, Nifty Below 24,250; Infosys, IndiGo Lead Losses
Sensex and Nifty Extend Their Losing Streak
Indian equities stayed under pressure on August 18, 2026, as higher crude prices and renewed Middle East concerns weighed on sentiment. The Nifty 50 fell 0.27% to 24,219.80, while the Sensex was down 0.40% at 77,418.06 by 9:48 a.m. IST. The move put the Nifty on track for a sixth straight session of losses. The Sensex was also lower for a third consecutive session. Nine of 16 major sectors were trading in the red, pointing to selling pressure across several parts of the market.
Why Is the Indian Stock Market Falling Today?
Crude oil is one of the main sources of pressure. Brent crude moved above $91 a barrel after the temporary US-Iran ceasefire expired. Expectations for an immediate agreement have also weakened. Iran has taken a firmer stance, while the US has ruled out extending the ceasefire arrangement.
Higher oil prices matter for India because the country imports a large share of its crude needs. A sustained rise in prices can increase the import bill and add to inflation pressure. Companies with high fuel and transport costs can also feel the impact.
Foreign selling is adding to the weakness. Foreign investors sold around ₹25.35 billion ($265 million) on August 17. It was their biggest outflow in three weeks.
What Is Happening With Infosys and IT Stocks?
Infosys (NSE: INFY) remained under pressure and was among the large-cap stocks weighing on market sentiment. On August 17, Infosys shares fell 2.66% to ₹1,138. TCS declined 2.02%, Wipro lost 1.14%, and HCL Technologies dropped 2.57%. Infosys was also about 34% below its reported 52-week high of ₹1,727.85.
The weakness was visible across the technology sector. On August 18, the Nifty IT index fell 1.4%, making it the weakest major sector. Higher US bond yields and concerns about global technology demand are keeping investors cautious about IT stocks.
Why Is IndiGo Under Pressure as Oil Rises?
InterGlobe Aviation (NSE: INDIGO) is another stock drawing attention as crude prices move higher. Airlines are sensitive to fuel costs because aviation fuel is a major part of their operating expenses. If oil remains elevated, airline margins can come under pressure.
For IndiGo, the next few sessions will offer a better indication of how investors are viewing the impact of higher fuel costs. If the oil rally lasts, the pressure could extend to airline earnings and valuations.
What Should Investors Watch Next?
Can Nifty Hold the 24,200 to 24,250 Zone?
The immediate question is whether the Nifty can move back above 24,250. The index closed at 24,287.65 on August 17, down 0.32%, after posting its fifth consecutive losing session.
A sustained break below this zone could keep short-term sentiment weak. Traders are also likely to watch Brent crude, US Treasury yields and foreign institutional flows for further signals.
What Could Trigger a Market Recovery?
Any clear improvement in US-Iran tensions could ease some of the pressure on crude prices and markets. A fall in oil prices would also help sectors such as aviation and transport. For now, investors may remain cautious rather than expect a quick rebound while geopolitical risks are still high.
An AI stock analysis tool can help investors compare price trends, technical signals and company data before making investment decisions.
Infosys Stock Forecast and Technical View
Infosys is facing a difficult short-term setup after its recent decline. The 2.66% fall on August 17 added to the selling pressure, while the stock’s wide gap from its 52-week high points to weak momentum.
From a technical perspective, traders may look for signs that the stock is forming a base after the recent fall. A recovery backed by stronger trading volume could improve the short-term picture. Another move lower would keep the stock under pressure.
What are Analysts Saying About the Market?
Geojit Investments’ chief investment strategist V.K. Vijayakumar said Brent crude moving above $91 and the rise in the US 10-year yield were negative for foreign inflows. His comments point to the pressure from higher oil prices and tighter global financial conditions.
Conclusion
Indian stocks remain under pressure as crude oil rises and uncertainty around the Middle East continues. The Nifty’s move below 24,250 adds to the technical weakness, while the decline in Infosys shows that large-cap IT stocks are also facing selling pressure. Investors will be watching crude prices, foreign flows and geopolitical developments closely before looking for a sustained market recovery.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is for research and informational purposes only. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be treated as investment or trading advice.
What brings you to Meyka?
Pick what interests you most and we will get you started.
I'm here to read news
Find more articles like this one
I'm here to research stocks
Ask Meyka Analyst about any stock
I'm here to track my Portfolio
Get daily updates and alerts (coming March 2026)