Both the Nifty and the Sensex bounced back on August 20, 2026 after seven sessions of decline. The benchmark indices gained over 0.5 percent at open. The Nifty gained over 100 points and opened at 24,225.45; the Sensex gained over 500 points and opened at 77,468.45.All sectoral indices gained in early trade. The Indian rupee opened at 95.56 to the dollar versus Wednesday’s close of 95.75 to the dollar.
Independent market analyst, Ambareesh Baliga told Times Now Digital, “after 7 sessions of decline, markets bouncing back today-however the question is whether the gains will sustain. Nifty at 24,000 remains a good support level.”
Brent Crude oil prices traded near 92 dollars per barrel (at the time of filing this copy). Crude oil prices gained for the fifth straight session after US President Donald Trump unveiled a fresh set of measures aimed at crippling Iran’s economy. Global oil expert and CEO-Australia, Trading.com Peter McGuire told Times Now Digital, “With US President Donald Trump planning to cripple Iran to get them to the bargaining table we are going to see a lot. US aims to cripple Iran economically now. US is already an oil economic powerhouse with Venezuelan oil and now Iranian oil. US is producing 13.58 million barrels per day and Texas is the fourth largest market- this is the kind of dominance of US Crude. US dominance in energy markets is now breath-taking. We could see oil prices .
Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty closed lower on Wednesday as elevated crude oil prices amid a lack of a diplomatic resolution following the end of the US-Iran ceasefire dented investor sentiment. Extending its losses to the seventh day, the 50-share NSE Nifty declined 76.60 points, or 0.32 percent, to end at 24,078.30. It has tumbled 505.5 points, or 2 percent, in the last