Stock Market LIVE Updates (12 March 2026): Sensex Falls Over 800 Points, Nifty Slips Below 23,650 Amid Global Tensions
ndian equity markets ended sharply lower on Thursday as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and surging crude oil prices triggered heavy selling across sectors on Dalal Street. The benchmark indices witnessed strong volatility throughout the session.
Market Closing Snapshot
- Sensex: 76,034.42 (down 829 points, −1.08%)
- Nifty 50: 23,639.15 (down 228 points, −0.95%)
Nearly ₹2 lakh crore in investor wealth was wiped out during the session as global risk sentiment deteriorated and foreign investors continued selling.
Why the Stock Market Fell Today
Several global and domestic factors triggered the sharp sell-off in Indian equities:
1. Escalating Middle East Conflict
Rising tensions linked to the ongoing U.S.–Iran conflict created uncertainty in global markets, pushing investors toward safer assets.
2. Crude Oil Prices Above $100
Brent crude surged above the $100 per barrel mark due to fears of supply disruptions, a major concern for oil-import dependent economies like India.
3. Weak Global Market Sentiment
Asian and global markets also traded lower, amplifying risk-off sentiment among investors.
4. Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) Selling
Continuous outflows from foreign investors added pressure on Indian equities.
5. Rupee Weakness and Rising Bond Yields
The Indian rupee hit record lows against the US dollar, while rising bond yields made equities less attractive.
Sector Performance
- Worst Hit: Auto, Realty, and Consumer Durables stocks
- Broad Market: Midcap and Smallcap indices fell around 1.7% each.
Stocks Under Pressure
Heavyweight stocks such as InterGlobe Aviation, Larsen & Toubro, and Tata Motors were among the major losers.
Stocks That Gained
Some power and energy companies bucked the trend:
- Coal India surged about 5%
- NTPC rose around 2–3%
- Power Grid Corporation of India also ended higher.
Volatility Rises
The India VIX, a measure of market volatility, jumped more than 6%, signaling rising investor anxiety amid geopolitical uncertainty and crude oil shocks.
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