Sensex and Nifty open flat as crude oil prices weigh on sentiment

India's benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty opened flat on March 17, 2026, as higher crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment. As of 9:42 am, the S&P BSE Sensex gained 63.36 points to 75,566.21, while the NSE Nifty50 added 21.90 points to 23,430.70.

Higher crude oil prices dampened sentiment, leading to a flat open for Indian equities on March 17, 2026. Per India Today, IT stocks declined amid broader caution, with the market reflecting global oil pressures in early trading at the BSE and NSE.

Makala yanayohusiana

Dramatic illustration of BSE traders panicking amid plunging Nifty and Sensex indices, Middle East oil crisis, and HDFC Bank slump.
Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Indian benchmarks plunge over 3% in biggest single-day drop in nearly two years amid Middle East attacks and HDFC Bank slump

Imeripotiwa na AI Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Indian equity benchmarks Nifty 50 and Sensex crashed more than 3% on Thursday, their steepest single-day decline since June 2024, closing at 23,002.15 and 74,207.24 respectively. Escalating West Asia conflicts drove crude above $110 a barrel, stoking inflation fears, while HDFC Bank shares tumbled over 5% following chairman Atanu Chakraborty's resignation.

India's benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty are poised for a weak start on March 13 amid ongoing Middle East conflict, with Brent crude hitting $100 per barrel. This follows earlier market turmoil from the West Asia crisis, including Iran's Strait of Hormuz closure.

Imeripotiwa na AI

India's stock markets opened higher on Monday, with the Sensex gaining 87.45 points to 83,965.62 and the Nifty rising 39.40 points to 25,829.70 as of 9:23 am. Eternal IT shares were up 3%. The headline suggested a larger Sensex gain of over 250 points, but the reported figure was lower.

Foreign portfolio investors pulled out a record Rs 1.18 lakh crore in March, driving the Sensex down 2.22% to 71,947.55 and Nifty 2.14% to 22,331.40 on Monday. The rupee breached 95 intra-day before closing at 94.83 against the dollar. Elevated crude prices above $100 per barrel due to the West Asia conflict added pressure.

Imeripotiwa na AI

Crude oil prices surpassing $100 have erased Rs 20 lakh crore from Indian equity markets this week, amid escalating Iran conflict. The rupee hit a record low as foreign institutional investors continued selling, intensifying the downturn. Experts suggest the panic could present long-term buying opportunities.

Wall Street's main indices show moderate gains in a low-volatility session, as investors digest retail sales data below expectations and await Wednesday's employment report.

Imeripotiwa na AI

Despite weakness in the broader market due to escalating Middle East tensions and hawkish US Federal Reserve signals, certain smallcap stocks in India posted strong gains of up to 41% over five sessions. Crude oil prices rose above $110 per barrel, raising inflation concerns. A selective rally highlighted top performers across various sectors.

Jumatatu, 6. Mwezi wa nne 2026, 13:21:36

Indian stock indices rebound 1% on West Asia ceasefire hopes

Jumapili, 22. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 01:49:32

Nifty grapples with dead cat bounce amid market caution

Jumapili, 8. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 21:20:58

Middle East conflict fuels global market volatility and oil price surge

Jumanne, 3. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 15:24:45

Indian stocks face ongoing pressure from Middle East tensions

Jumapili, 1. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 19:41:05

West Asia crisis triggers sharp fall in Sensex and Nifty

Jumapili, 1. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 01:23:07

Analysts predict Nifty drop to 24,300 on support breach

Jumamosi, 28. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 07:10:56

Nifty tests support amid corrective market phase

Jumatano, 25. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 02:44:49

Sensex gains over 500 points led by IT stocks rally

Alhamisi, 8. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 23:16:15

Sensex gains over 200 points, Nifty above 25,900

Jumatatu, 15. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 11:36:19

Sensex opens 300 points lower, Nifty below 26,000

 

 

 

Tovuti hii inatumia vidakuzi

Tunatumia vidakuzi kwa uchambuzi ili kuboresha tovuti yetu. Soma sera ya faragha yetu kwa maelezo zaidi.
Kataa