Indian equity markets remained volatile on Thursday, August 13, 2026, with the Sensex down around 130 points while the Nifty 50 hovered near the 24,350 level. Selling pressure in key sectors and cautious investor sentiment kept the benchmarks in negative territory. Earlier in the session, the Nifty slipped to around 24,345, while the Sensex was down about 0.25%.

Sensex, Nifty Under Pressure

The domestic market extended its decline for a third consecutive session as investors remained cautious amid geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and elevated crude oil prices. The Nifty 50 was recently reported at 24,344.75, down 0.37%, while the Sensex stood at 77,774.75, down 0.25%.

Crude oil prices near the $88-per-barrel level remain a key concern for India, which is heavily dependent on imported crude. Higher oil prices can increase the country's import bill and put additional pressure on inflation and the current account.

Lenskart Shares in Focus

Lenskart Solutions remained one of the most actively watched stocks during Thursday's session. The company recently reported strong Q1 FY27 numbers, with net profit jumping 182.3% year-on-year to ₹228 crore, while revenue increased 33.6% to ₹2,214 crore. EBITDA rose 61.3% to ₹589 crore.

Lenskart also received a boost from the latest MSCI India index reshuffle, with the eyewear retailer among the companies selected for inclusion in the MSCI India Index. The move could attract passive fund flows linked to the index.

Bharti Airtel Remains Active

Bharti Airtel continued to attract investor attention amid strong operating performance and recent corporate developments. The telecom major had reported a 37% year-on-year increase in June-quarter net profit, while revenue rose 18%, supporting positive broker commentary on the stock.

The stock has also been closely watched by institutional investors. LIC was reported to have increased its exposure to Bharti Airtel during the June quarter, making it one of the insurer's largest stock purchases during the period.

Astral Gains Attention After Q1 Results, MSCI Rejig

Astral Ltd. was another actively tracked counter. The company delivered a strong Q1 FY27 performance, with profit rising sharply, prompting several brokerages to maintain or upgrade their positive views on the stock. Citi retained its Buy rating with a target price of ₹1,900, while Nuvama upgraded the stock to Buy.

However, Astral also came under the spotlight after MSCI announced that it would be removed from the MSCI India Index and shifted to the MSCI India Smallcap Index. The change could lead to index-linked selling pressure even as the company's fundamentals remain closely watched.

Global and Geopolitical Factors

Investors are closely monitoring developments involving Iran and the US, particularly the possibility of a broader resolution in the Gulf region. Any escalation could push crude prices higher and create additional headwinds for oil-importing economies such as India.

Meanwhile, the expiry of derivatives contracts is expected to contribute to intraday volatility, keeping traders cautious.

Market Outlook

The near-term market outlook remains cautious and volatile. The 24,350 zone is an important level for the Nifty, while investors will continue to track crude oil prices, foreign institutional flows, global cues and developments in the Middle East.

Stock-specific activity in Lenskart, Bharti Airtel and Astral is likely to remain high as investors digest corporate results, brokerage views and the latest MSCI index changes.