Equity benchmark indices BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 traded in negative territory on Monday, tracking a surge in crude oil prices after US–Iran negotiations failed, heightening fears of a prolonged geopolitical conflict.

The breakdown of a 21-hour round of talks between the US and Iran has cast uncertainty over a fragile ceasefire, with both sides blaming each other for the stalemate. The escalating tensions pushed Brent crude prices up to $102.2 per barrel, raising concerns over inflation and input cost pressures globally.

Reflecting the risk-off sentiment, the Sensex plunged 1,682 points, while the Nifty 50 also traded sharply lower from previous close.

At 1.30 pm, Sensex traded 755.93 points or 0.97 per cent lower at 76,794.32, and Nifty 50 fell 223.75 points or 0.93 per cent to 23,826.85.

Broader markets mirrored the weakness, with midcap and smallcap indices declining alongside frontline benchmarks.

All sectoral indices were in the red, led by auto, oil & gas, IT and PSU bank stocks, which were down 1–2 per cent at the time of writing.

Auto stocks drag

Among Nifty 50 constituents, Adani Enterprises, NTPC, Max Healthcare and ICICI Bank emerged as top gainers, while Maruti Suzuki, Eicher Motors, Reliance Industries, Bajaj Finance and InterGlobe Aviation were among the major laggards.

Market breadth remained weak, with 1,980 stocks declining out of 3,226 traded on the NSE, while 1,149 advanced and 97 remained unchanged. Around 63 stocks hit their 52-week highs, whereas 20 touched fresh lows. Additionally, 95 stocks were locked in upper circuits, while 72 hit lower circuits.

Midcap & smallcap movers

In the midcap space, stocks such as Tata Investment Corporation, JSW Energy, Voltas, Multi Commodity Exchange of India and BHEL gained between 2–5 per cent. On the flip side, Hero MotoCorp, Hindustan Petroleum, Swiggy, Ashok Leyland and PB Fintech declined 3–4 per cent.

Smallcap stocks also saw heightened volatility, with Jyoti CNC Automation and Ola Electric slumping 7–14 per cent. Meanwhile, Ather Energy, Tata Chemicals, Reliance Power and CESC advanced 3–8 per cent.

On the BSE, Enviro Infra Engineers, Zydus Wellness, NTPC Green Energy, KRN Heat Exchanger and Inox India surged 7–16 per cent, while Afcons Infrastructure and Cohance Lifesciences were among the key losers along with Jyoti CNC and Ola Electric.

Asian markets traded lower, tracking the negative global cues, while US markets ended on a mixed note on Friday, adding to investor caution.

Published on April 13, 2026