Markets slump: Sensex sheds 800 points, Nifty below 23,500, rupee hits record low

Indian equities fell sharply on Monday. The Sensex tumbled more than 800 points and the Nifty slipped below 23,500, while the rupee opened at a record low of 96.18 against the dollar.

राहुल शर्मा 22 May 2026, 01:58 AM • 1 min read • 11 views

Markets slump: Sensex sheds 800 points, Nifty below 23,500, rupee hits record low — With markets sliding, investors keep an eye on global cues.

Mumbai, May 18. Indian equities opened under heavy pressure on Monday. The benchmark Sensex fell about 805 points (1.07%) to 74,432.97 in early trade, while the Nifty 50 dropped roughly 245 points (1.04%) to 23,398.35.

Pressure on the rupee too

Amid geopolitical uncertainty and volatile energy prices, the Indian rupee has been under sustained pressure. On Monday it opened 0.2% lower at a record low of 96.18 against the dollar.

What drove the fall

Market experts cite sustained selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) as the main factor. Tensions in the Middle East and reports of fresh friction between the US and China have also weighed on global market sentiment.

Advice for investors

Analysts say the market is going through a volatile and uncertain phase. They suggest investors avoid panic selling and stay with quality stocks from a long-term view. The direction in the coming days will depend on global cues and FII flows.

Source: Market data

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