Sensex rises 287 points, Nifty closes above 24,300 on lower crude

Indian equity benchmarks closed higher on August 25, 2026, after paring earlier losses in the final hour of trade. The BSE Sensex gained 286.98 points, or 0.37 per cent, to settle at 77,656.09. The NSE Nifty 50 rose 115.50 points, or 0.48 per cent, to 24,334.55.

Buying was concentrated in healthcare and pharmaceutical stocks. Adani Enterprises, Max Healthcare and Apollo Hospitals featured among the top Nifty gainers. HDFC Life, Cipla and ONGC were among the losers.

The Nifty Bank index ended almost flat, down 11.75 points or 0.02 per cent at 57,514.20. Union Bank, AU Bank and Canara Bank provided some support within the banking pack.

Market participants linked the late recovery to a sharp drop in crude oil prices. The ongoing situation around Iran had kept oil elevated in recent sessions, but the day's move provided relief to energy-importing economies and to rate-sensitive sectors.

Broader market breadth was positive in the closing stages. The session reflected a mix of global cues, domestic institutional flows and the impact of lower commodity prices on corporate margin expectations.

Analysts noted that the advance remained selective rather than broad-based, with defensive and healthcare names outperforming cyclical sectors earlier in the day.