Stock market today, July 22 -- The Indian stock market closed lower on Tuesday, July 21, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 declining for a second straight session as persistent tensions in the Middle East and higher crude oil prices continued to dampen investor sentiment.

The Sensex dropped 238 points, or 0.31%, to settle at 77,470.11, while the Nifty 50 fell 51 points, or 0.21%, to close at 24,187.70.

However, the market is likely to open on a cautious note as trends in the Gift Nifty index signalled a negative start on Wednesday, 22 July. Gift Nifty was trading near the 24,108 mark, down over 72 points from the previous close of Nifty futures.

"Indian equities are poised for a measured start on Wednesday, with positive globa...