Sensex and Nifty End Losing Streak as US–Russia Talks Fuel Optimism

Market Performance

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed higher on August 14, snapping a six-week losing streak.

• Sensex: Up 57.75 points or 0.07% at 80,597.66
• Nifty: Up 11.95 points or 0.05% at 24,631.30
• Advances: 1,655 stocks
• Declines: 2,221 stocks
• Unchanged: 142 stocks

The weekly gain stood at around 1% for both indices, as markets looked past recent tariff volatility.

Main News

Investor focus is now on the US–Russia meeting in Alaska scheduled for tomorrow. The talks are expected to address trade tensions and the additional 25% penalty imposed on India, with hopes of potential rollback.

Company & Sector Performance

• Nifty Pharma: Top sectoral gainer with a 3% weekly rise
• Nifty Auto & Nifty PSU Bank: Each gained 2%
• Nifty FMCG: Only sector to end the week in the red
• Nifty IT: Led gains in the day’s session, supported by Infosys announcing a majority stake acquisition in an Australian IT firm
• Nifty Metal & Nifty FMCG: Closed lower in the session

Broader Market Movement

Mid- and small-cap stocks underperformed:

• Nifty Midcap: Ended in the red
• Nifty Smallcap: Also slipped into negative territory

Summary

The Sensex and Nifty ended their losing run with modest weekly gains, driven by strength in pharma, auto, and banking sectors. While global tariff concerns still loom, market sentiment is cautiously optimistic ahead of the US–Russia trade discussions, which could shape the next market direction.