Last Updated on August 18, 2026 12:07 am by BIZNAMA NEWS
AMN
Benchmark domestic equity indices ended in the negative zone today. The Sensex dropped 281 points or 0.36 per cent to close at 77,728. The Nifty also lost 78 points or 0.32 per cent to settle at 24,288. However, the broader market at the National Stock Exchange managed to end in positive territory. The Midcap 100 index eked out a marginal gain, while the Smallcap 100 index increased 0.4 per cent.
Earlier, the markets opened on a weak footing amid geopolitical uncertainty, with both benchmark indices remaining under pressure after the opening bell. However, during the afternoon session, the indices pared some of their earlier losses, though they continued to trade in negative territory.
In the Sensex pack, 23 out of 30 companies registered losses. Among the top laggards, Infosys shed 2.7 per cent, HCL Tech dropped two and a half per cent and SunPharma lost 2.2 per cent. In contrast, Tata Steel advanced one and a half per cent, Axis Bank climbed one per cent and Reliance added 0.8 per cent.
In the sectoral indices on the BSE, 15 out of 28 sectors ended with losses. Among the top underperformers, Information Technology declined 1.7 per cent, Focused IT dropped 1.6 per cent and Telecommunication fell by 1.2 per cent. In contrast, Realty increased 1.4 per cent, Metal gained one per cent and Capital Goods added 0.8 per cent.
The overall market breadth at the BSE was negative, as shares of 2353 companies declined, 2087 advanced and 234 remained unchanged.
New Listings Deliver Strong Debuts
The primary market continued to attract investor attention, with two new listings delivering substantial gains on their debut sessions.
Molbio Diagnostics ended its first trading session on the BSE at Rs 1,036.30, representing a 28.41% premium over its issue price of Rs 807. The stock opened at Rs 980, a 21.44% premium, and moved between Rs 925.80 and Rs 1,064.85 during the session. More than 16.62 lakh shares changed hands.
Dhoot Transmission also made a strong debut, closing at Rs 1,187.50, up 36.34% from its issue price of Rs 871. The stock opened at Rs 1,193.80, a premium of 37.06%, and traded in the range of Rs 1,193.80 to Rs 1,212.70. More than 30.82 lakh shares were traded on the BSE.
Stocks in Focus
Larsen & Toubro gained 0.73% after the company announced that its subsidiary L&T Energy Hydrocarbon Offshore had secured an ‘ultra-mega’ order from a major Middle Eastern client for the development of multiple offshore facilities. Under L&T’s internal classification, the contract is valued at more than Rs 15,000 crore.
BSE Ltd fell 3.34% to Rs 3,332 after a foreign brokerage downgraded the stock to ‘underperform’. The brokerage cited concerns over lower trading volumes and the impact of the Closing Auction Session (CAS). It also reduced its target price by 16% to Rs 2,940 from Rs 3,520 and lowered its FY27-FY29 earnings estimates by 5-12%.
UFlex emerged as one of the strongest performers, surging 20% after reporting a sharp improvement in first-quarter performance. Consolidated net profit jumped 629.6% year-on-year to Rs 423.3 crore in Q1 FY27, while revenue increased 37.6% to Rs 5,366 crore.
PTC Industries advanced 7.09% after its consolidated net profit rose 466.2% year-on-year to Rs 29.2 crore. Total income increased 83% to Rs 197.1 crore.
Rubicon Research gained 11.42% following a strong quarterly performance. Net profit increased 95.8% year-on-year to Rs 84.78 crore, while net sales rose 51.6% to Rs 534.34 crore.
Turtlemint Fintech Solutions climbed 10.08% as its consolidated loss narrowed to Rs 37.78 crore from Rs 46.69 crore a year earlier. Revenue increased nearly 40% to Rs 294.08 crore.
On the downside, Cochin Shipyard declined 2.59% after quarterly net profit fell 19.38% to Rs 151.45 crore despite a modest rise in revenue.
Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services hit its 20% lower circuit after net profit declined 32.86% year-on-year to Rs 17.53 crore.
Voltas slipped 4.05% despite reporting a 51% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 213 crore, while PhysicsWallah gained 0.74% after narrowing its quarterly loss to Rs 88 crore. Anupam Rasayan India declined 1.15% despite reporting a 6% increase in net profit.
IPO Subscription Update
The IPO market also remained active, with two issues opening for subscription on Monday.
Horizon Industrial Parks received bids for 3.52 crore shares against 25.13 crore shares on offer by 4:48 pm, resulting in a subscription level of 0.14 times. The issue will remain open until August 19, with the price band fixed at Rs 57-60 per share.
Lalithaa Jewellery Mart received bids for 4.32 crore shares against 6.27 crore shares on offer, translating into a subscription of 0.69 times. The issue, which also closes on August 19, carries a price band of Rs 190-201 per share.
With crude prices, the rupee, global interest-rate expectations and geopolitical developments remaining key variables, investors are likely to maintain a cautious stance in the near term. The upcoming US Federal Reserve minutes and further developments in the Middle East could provide fresh direction to both domestic equities and global markets.