- The Indian stock market ended the week with a second consecutive decline amid global concerns
- US Treasury yields surged, with the 30-year yield hitting its highest since 2007
- India's IPO market remained active, with seven companies aiming to raise nearly Rs 7,000 crore
The week ending August 21 was marked by heightened volatility across global markets, as investors navigated rising US Treasury yields, elevated crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions and a busy primary-market calendar in India. While benchmark indices extended their losing streak, broader markets showed relative resilience and IPO activity remained strong.
Here's a recap of the week that was.
Market ends the week on subdued note
The Indian stock market ended a volatile week on a subdued note, with benchmark indices registering a second consecutive week of decline, weighed down by elevated crude oil prices, a rise in US Treasury yields, and geopolitical concerns surrounding the US-Iran war.
On Friday, the benchmark indices ended flat, with the Nifty 50 holding above 24,200 level. The Sensex rose 3.11 points to close at 77,540.83, while the Nifty 50 settled 20.15 points, or 0.08%, higher at 24,252.00.
For the week, the Sensex dropped 0.6% and the Nifty 50 declined 0.46%.
Despite weakness in benchmark indices, broader markets demonstrated relative resilience, with the Nifty Midcap 150 closing largely flat and the Nifty Smallcap 250 advancing 0.4% during the week.
ALSO READ: US Stock Market Today: Dow Jumps Over 270 Points; S&P 500, Nasdaq Rise As Yields Ease, Oil Dips
US Treasury Yields Spike
US Treasury yields surged, with the 30-year yield climbing to around 5.3%, its highest level since 2007, while the 10-year yield approached 4.7%. The sell-off was driven by concerns over massive US government borrowing, elevated debt levels, sticky inflation and uncertainty over the Federal Reserve's rate path.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to increase purchases of longer-dated bonds, briefly easing yields before selling resumed.
IPO Market Abuzz
India's primary market remained abuzz this week, with seven companies aiming to raise nearly Rs 7,000 crore through IPOs. The lineup included Horizon Industrial Parks (Rs 2,600 crore), Lalithaa Jewellery Mart (₹1,700 crore), Shankesh Jewellers (₹367.18 crore), Sunshine Pictures (₹282.14 crore), Gaja Alternative Asset Management (₹550 crore), Tempsens Instruments (₹650 crore) and Augmont Enterprises (₹825 crore).
The week also saw Dalal Street debuts of Dhoot Transmission, Molbio Diagnostics and Shiprocket shares — all listed with robust premiums.
SEBI In Action
SEBI this week barred two entities over alleged manipulation during the newly introduced Closing Auction Session (CAS) on August 13. Copthall Mauritius Investment, linked to JPMorgan, allegedly placed aggressive buy orders, while Mansi Share and Stock Broking placed large sell orders, distorting Sensex constituent prices. SEBI impounded Rs 3.68 crore in alleged wrongful gains and barred both entities pending further investigation.
The action came after SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said CAS would not be rolled back, though the regulator would examine concerns and consider improvements.
US-Iran War Escalates
US President Donald Trump this week escalated pressure on Iran, warning of an “Economic D-Day” and threatening tougher sanctions on countries and companies doing business with Tehran.
Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi slammed the latest threats from Washington, saying that the so-called ‘Economic D-Day' was a diversion from America's own crisis: unprecedented debt & surging interest costs.
“Undoubtedly, the US economic sanctions against Iran, which have targeted the fundamental human rights of every Iranian citizen, are a case of ‘economic terrorism' and ‘crimes against humanity',” he wrote in a post on X.
ALSO READ: Iran Warns Of 'Crushing' Response As US Threatens Toughest-Ever Sanctions
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