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About ₹13 lakh crore in market value was wiped out from NSE, which fell 3.26% to 23,002.15 points
Indian stock markets experienced their worst single-day fall since the June 2024 election crash, with Sensex and Nifty plunging over 3%. Soaring crude prices and hawkish US Federal Reserve commentary triggered the selloff, wiping out over Rs 11.5 lakh crore in market capitalization. The decline mirrored the post-election panic, though markets historically show resilience.
There are a few under-the-surface factors that are supporting the stock market.
Sensex, Nifty Highlights on 19 March 2026: The Nifty 50 fell 3.26% to 23,002.15 points, while the BSE Sensex also lost as much to settle at 74,207.24. The Indian rupee is expected to fall past the 93 to dollar mark when the forex market opens after a day's break on Friday. All 16 major sectors declined, with financials and banks falling 3.8% and 3.4%, weighed by HDFC Bank. Auto stocks dropped 4.3%, losing the most among major sectors, while real estate and travel and tourism fell 3.8% each.
Auto stocks led the market decline as the Nifty plunged 600 points, with the sector falling up to 4% amid rising crude oil prices and Fed-driven macro concerns. Weak sentiment was compounded by geopolitical tensions, while banks and IT also dragged indices lower despite broader sectoral pressure.
FPIs offloaded stocks worth ₹52,704 crore today, accounting for 60% of total outflows, NSDL data show
The US granted a 30-day waiver allowing countries to buy Russian oil stranded at sea, aiming to stabilize global energy markets disrupted by the Iran war.
Brent Crude futures crossed $116 per barrel in the overseas trade as fresh attacks on key energy infrastructure in the region heightened fears of a tight global supply
According to market analysts, oil marketing companies came under pressure as higher crude prices threaten to squeeze their refining and marketing margins
Foreign selling in Indian equities surged in the first half of March, led by financials, marking the heaviest fortnightly selling in 17 months and dragging the Nifty 50 to its worst fortnight since the COVID-19-led rout in March 2020.
RBI’s net-short dollar book, a measure of the degree it has sold forward its stockpile of US currency, is nearing $100 billion across offshore and onshore markets
Rising equity-bond correlation weakens traditional hedges, boosting gold’s strategic appeal
Analysts say persistent inflation concerns, driven by elevated crude oil prices, have reduced safe-haven demand for precious metals
Crude-sensitive stocks including airlines, paint and tyre makers fell up to 4% as Brent crude surged above $110 amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Rising oil prices are expected to pressure margins and fuel costs, with analysts warning of potential impact on India’s macroeconomic indicators if elevated prices persist.
HDFC Bank's shares plummeted nearly 9%, dragging the Nifty Bank index down over 3% and breaching key support levels. Other major bank stocks also saw declines, influenced by HDFC Bank's fall and the US Federal Reserve's hawkish stance. Investors now await the RBI's upcoming meeting for further direction.
The spot rupee had fallen to a low of 92.63 on Thursday and traders reckon that steeper losses are in store for the currency unless the central bank intervenes
Sensex, Nifty Live Updates on 19 March 2026: Iran accused Israel of striking its facilities in the huge South Pars gas field on Wednesday in a major escalation in the U.S.-Israeli war that sent oil prices shooting higher, and retaliated by vowing attacks on oil and gas targets throughout the Gulf, firing missiles at Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The offer for the Choice Nifty 50 Index Fund and the Choice Nifty Next 50 Index Fund closes on April 2, 2026
US Fed decision, geopolitical tension to keep market under pressure
Major corporate developments include leadership changes at HDFC Bank, strategic acquisitions by Belrise and Nazara, and significant contracts and approvals for companies across finance, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors
Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn on Thursday. This sharp decline erased recent gains. Soaring crude oil prices and hawkish commentary from the US Federal Reserve were key factors. Global markets also saw substantial losses. HDFC Bank shares contributed to the selloff.
Midcap stocks, including RVNL and Ashok Leyland, have experienced sharp declines following the US-Israel-Iran conflict and a surge in oil prices above $100 per barrel. This geopolitical event has triggered inflation concerns and economic instability, leading to investor caution and significant stock price drops across various sectors.
Defence stocks have failed to rally despite the ongoing Iran-Israel war, with many declining up to 11% amid broader market weakness. While some stocks have posted gains, the trend remains mixed. Analysts see long-term potential driven by rising global defence spending despite near-term volatility and valuation concerns.
The US Fed’s hawkish stance has reinforced risk-off sentiment, with markets pushing rate cut expectations to 2027 amid rising oil shock risks. Bond yields climbed and equities fell on the outlook. While some experts see continued pressure, others believe much of the uncertainty is already priced in, suggesting limited near-term market reaction despite geopolitical tensions.
Indian IT stocks fell up to 2% after the US Federal Reserve kept policy rates unchanged, citing persistent inflation concerns. Higher energy prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, coupled with tariff impacts, are pushing up inflation projections. This decision, along with existing investor worries about AI's impact on demand, contributed to a broader market downturn.
As of March 18, five NSE F&O stocks witnessed a sharp rise in futures open interest, reflecting increased derivatives activity. A rise in open interest typically signals stronger trader participation, as market participants initiate fresh positions or build on existing ones, indicating growing conviction in the near-term price direction of these stocks.
On March 18, three large-cap stocks appeared in the White Marubozu bullish scan on StockEdge. This candlestick pattern indicates strong buying interest, with prices opening at the low and closing at the high. Traders often view it as a signal of sustained momentum and potential continuation of an uptrend.
We have collated a list of recommendations from top brokerage firms from ETNow and other sources.
As long as the stock is priced above the 200-day SMA on the daily time frame, it is generally considered to be in an overall uptrend.
Indian markets continued their recovery for a third straight session, with Nifty approaching the 23,800-24,000 resistance zone. Key stocks like Manappuram Finance, Kotak Bank, Nazara Technologies, and United Breweries are in focus due to significant corporate developments, including acquisitions, licensing agreements, and environmental clearances.
Indian equity markets closed strong on March 18, with benchmarks extending their upward trend. Analysts suggest the index holding above Wednesday's low of 23,618 will pave the way for further gains towards 24,000 and 24,300. Volatility eased as India VIX fell sharply below 20.
Markets are experiencing a cautious rebound after recent declines. This rally, fueled by short covering and domestic institutional buying, is met with skepticism. Experts suggest a decisive shift depends on a resolution to the West Asia conflict. Foreign institutional investors continue to sell, adding to market unease. Traders await clarity on the geopolitical situation before committing further.
Iran has warned of retaliation, raising fears of further strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure and prolonged volatility in global markets
The company is targeting a massive $2 billion quarterly revenue run rate within two years, driven by increasing demand for optical solutions for advanced AI workloads.
Defense-technology stocks have been hot in recent months, and now investors are pouring into Swarmer shares following this week’s IPO.
