Tue, 23 Jun 2026 · LIVE
Updated Jun 23, 2026 · 09:45
Business India News Updated Jun 23, 2026

Sensex, Nifty Open Flat as West Asia Tensions Ease, Pharma Leads

Indian equity markets opened on a flat note on Tuesday as easing West Asia tensions offset sectoral declines. Nifty Pharma led gains, rising 0.41%, while Nifty Metal was the worst performer, falling 0.8%. Market experts noted that falling Brent crude prices below $80 per barrel have improved the outlook for India's GDP growth and corporate earnings. However, they cautioned that the progress of the monsoon will be closely watched for its impact on rural demand and inflation.

Sensex, Nifty open subdued amid easing West Asia tensions

Mumbai, June 23

Indian equity markets opened on a flat note on Tuesday after a multi-session rally driven by easing tensions in West Asia.

Sensex opened at 77,086.05, down 8 points or 0.01 per cent, while Nifty started the session at 24,071.30, lower by 31.60 points or 0.13 per cent.

Sector-wise, Nifty Pharma was top gainer, rising 0.41 per cent, followed by Nifty MidSmall Healthcare (up 0.40 per cent), Nifty 500 Healthcare and Nifty Media, both gaining 0.29 per cent.

While Nifty Cement and Nifty Oil & Gas also advanced 0.27 per cent and 0.18 per cent, respectively.

In contrast, Nifty Metal was the worst-performing sector, declining 0.8 per cent, followed by Nifty IT, which fell 0.77 per cent.

Among Nifty 50 constituents, Infosys, Hindalco Industries, TCS, HCLTech, Tech Mahindra, Tata Steel and Wipro were the top losers in early trade.

The broader market remained resilient, with smallcap and midcap indices outperforming the benchmarks.

Nifty Smallcap 50 rose 0.34 per cent, while Nifty Smallcap 250 and Nifty Smallcap 500 gained 0.33 per cent and 0.28 per cent, respectively.

Meanwhile, India VIX -- the market's fear gauge -- declined 0.7 per cent to 12.75.

According to market experts, easing tensions in West Asia and the sharp correction in Brent crude prices below $80 per barrel have improved the outlook for India's GDP growth and corporate earnings in FY27.

They noted that stability in the rupee and a moderation in foreign portfolio investor (FPI) selling remain key positives for equities.

However, they cautioned that the progress of the monsoon will be closely watched, as a prolonged rainfall deficit could weigh on rural demand, inflation and sectors such as FMCG.

In the commodities market, international benchmark Brent crude fell 0.5 per cent to $77.51 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined 0.35 per cent to $73.60 per barrel.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Sarah B

Interesting to see how global geopolitics impacts our markets. The fact that Sensex is barely down despite the rally shows resilience. But I'm more worried about monsoon—if rains fail, rural demand will take a hit, and FMCG sectors might struggle. Let's hope for balanced growth. 💡

Rohit P

Smallcaps and midcaps outperforming the benchmarks—that's where the real action is! Nifty Smallcap 50 up 0.34% is a good sign for retail investors like us. But I'm a bit cautious, bhai. Market is at all-time highs, aur corrections bhi aati rehti hain. Better to have a diversified portfolio instead of chasing only IT or metal. 📈

Michael C

Good to see India VIX declining—fear is reducing. The West Asia peace and lower oil prices are positive for India's fiscal math. But I'm not convinced we're out of the woods yet. FPI selling has moderated but hasn't stopped entirely. Need to watch monsoon and global cues closely.

One thing I'd critique: the article didn't mention sector-specific risks for metals and IT beyond just the decline. A bit more analysis would help.

Nisha Z

Pharma sector shining again! Nifty Pharma up 0.41%—yeh healthcare wala growth sustainable lag raha hai. But FMCG stocks might face pressure if monsoon is weak, as the article mentions. As a small investor, main sochti hoon ka healthcare and pharma mein thoda allocate karna chahiye. Hope the market stays stable for our SIPs! 🙏

V We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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