Indian Markets Mixed: Sensex Up, Nifty Down Amid US-Iran Tensions
By Market Desk
Indian stock markets saw mixed trading on Aug 13, 2026. Sensex gained 114 points, Nifty 50 dipped 40 points due to US-Iran deal uncertainty and falling crude oil prices.
The Indian stock market experienced a mixed session on August 13, 2026, with the Sensex closing higher while the Nifty 50 edged lower. Investor caution dominated due to persistent uncertainty surrounding a potential US-Iran deal.
Key Market Movements
- Sensex: Up 114 points (0.15%) to 78,079.96
- Nifty 50: Down 40 points (0.16%) to 24,395.85
- Nifty Midcap 100: Rose 0.15%
- Nifty Smallcap 100: Inched up 0.27%
- Brent crude: Declined 2%, trading near $87 per barrel
- Indian rupee: Depreciated 11 paise to 95.44 per dollar
The primary factor influencing the domestic market’s struggle for direction was the ongoing uncertainty surrounding a potential US-Iran deal. This geopolitical tension also impacted global crude oil prices and the Indian rupee’s valuation.
Broader Market Performance
Despite the main indices’ divergence, broader market indices registered modest gains for the session. The Nifty Midcap 100 index rose by 0.15%, while the Smallcap 100 index saw a 0.27% increase, indicating some underlying strength.
Commodities and Currency Movement
In the commodities market, Brent crude saw a 2% decline, trading near $87 per barrel. This drop was fueled by speculation of sustained weak oil demand for the year, while the Indian rupee depreciated by 11 paise against the dollar, closing at 95.44 compared to its previous close of 95.33.
Strait of Hormuz Dynamics
Both the US and Iran have asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for approximately one-fifth of the world’s crude oil shipments. Iran had previously closed the Strait on February 28, 2026, leading to a US naval blockade which compelled Tehran to halt its oil shipments.
Inflationary Pressures Persist
Softer retail inflation figures for July in both the US and India helped alleviate immediate interest rate hike concerns from the US Federal Reserve and the Reserve Bank of India. However, the ongoing volatility in oil prices continued to highlight a prominent inflation risk for the economy, maintaining a cautious outlook.