The Indian stock market experienced a downturn today, August 26, 2025, with the Sensex falling by 350 points and the Nifty testing the 24,850 level. Several factors contributed to this negative sentiment, including weak global cues, the looming threat of additional US tariffs, and profit booking in banking stocks.

Market Performance:

• Sensex: The Sensex fell by over 650 points, reflecting a broad market decline. On Monday, the Sensex had closed at 81,635.91, a gain of 329.06 points or 0.40%.
• Nifty: The Nifty also experienced a decline, testing the 24,850 level. Yesterday, the Nifty 50 closed at 24,967.75, up by 97.65 points or 0.39%.
• Bank Nifty: Banking stocks showed some weakness, with the Bank Nifty ending slightly lower, indicating selective profit booking. On Monday, the Bank Nifty ended 10.10 points, or 0.02%, lower at 55,139.30.

Key Influences:

• Global Cues: Indian equities were set to open lower today due to weak global cues. Most equity benchmarks in Asia slipped in tandem with the dollar as the feud between US President Donald Trump and the Federal Reserve intensified.
• US Tariffs: Dalal Street is bracing for additional US tariffs taking effect from Wednesday.
• Asian Markets: Most Asian markets experienced declines, with the MSCI AC Asia Pacific down 0.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei fell by 1.09 per cent, and South Korea's Kospi declined by 0.86 per cent.
• Wall Street: Wall Street closed lower on Monday as optimism over potential rate cuts by the Fed waned. The S&P 500 index and Nasdaq were down 0.43 per cent and 0.22 per cent, respectively.
• FPI Selling: Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) remained net sellers for the second straight day on Monday. So far this year, global funds have sold ₹1.17 trillion.

Sectoral Performance:

• IT and Realty: Buying was seen across key sectors, especially in IT and real estate, helping the indices maintain momentum above key technical levels.
• Media and Public Sector Banks: Media and public sector bank stocks came under pressure, emerging as the day's key laggards.

Vodafone Idea:

• Vodafone Idea shares plummeted over 7% after the Centre ruled out further AGR relief.

Technical Levels to Watch:

• Nifty: Key support for Nifty50 lies at 24,900-24,850, and a break below 24,850 could drag the index to 24,750-24,700. For bulls, 25,000 is the breakout point, with potential upside to 25,150-25,200. A break below 24,897 could trigger further selling towards 24,702, while a break above 25,020 could trigger bullishness towards 25,142.
• Sensex: BSE Sensex immediate resistance levels are R1 (81,800), R2 (82,230), and R3 (82,555), while immediate support levels are S1 (81,388), S2 (80,515), and S3 (79,996). Below 81,300 level, the chances of hitting 81,000 - 80,800 increase significantly.

Other Key Points:

• The Gift Nifty, an early indicator for the Nifty 50, indicated a negative start.
• The intraday market trend looks non-directional, making level-based trading ideal.

In conclusion, the Indian stock market is experiencing a downturn due to a combination of global and domestic factors. Investors are advised to closely monitor key technical levels and global cues to navigate the current market volatility.