Stock markets fall for 2nd day amid soaring Middle East tensions

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed lower on Wednesday, June 18, as soaring tensions in the Middle East and caution ahead of the US Fed interest rate decision hit investor sentiment.

Surrendering its early gains, the 30-share BSE Sensex declined by 138.64 points or 0.17 percent to close at 81,444.66.



After a weak opening, the index hit a high of 81,858.97 in morning deals but failed to hold onto gains later. The barometer dipped 346.29 points or 0.42 percent to hit a low of 81,237.01.

The 50-share NSE Nifty edged lower by 41.35 points or 0.17 percent to settle at 24,812.05, marking its second day of losses.