Stock Markets Rebound: Sensex Climbs 325 Points on IT, PSU Bank Stocks
Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty gave up most of their intra-day gains to end nearly 0.5% higher on Friday (March 20, 2026), following intense buying in PSU bank, IT and metal stocks amid concerns over a further spike in fuel-driven inflation.
Market Highlights
The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 325.72 points or 0.44% to settle at 74,532.96. During the day, it jumped 1,079.15 points, or 1.45%, to 75,286.39. The 50-share NSE Nifty edged higher by 112.35 points, or 0.49%, to end at 23,114.50. Intra-day, it jumped 343 points, or 1.49%, to 23,345.15.
Top Gainers and Losers
From the 30-Sensex firms, Tata Steel, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Trent, Reliance Industries, Titan, NTPC and Sun Pharma were among the major gainers.
HDFC Bank, Bharat Electronics, Kotak Mahindra Bank and ICICI Bank were among the laggards.
Fuel Price Hike and Global Oil Market
Meanwhile, the price of premium or higher-grade petrol on Friday (March 20, 2026) was increased by ₹2 per litre, and the rate of bulk diesel sold to industrial users was hiked by about ₹22 a litre, reflecting the spike in global oil prices amid conflict in West Asia.
"Positive comments aimed at de-escalating the conflict and avoiding attacks on oil and gas infrastructure led to a moderate rebound during the day. However, investor sentiment remains fragile, with gains tapering off as participants remain reluctant to hold positions over the weekend amid war-related uncertainties," Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, said.
Global Market Trends
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, jumped 1.88% to $110.7 per barrel.
"Indian equities witnessed a relief-driven rebound, primarily driven by short-covering after a sharp build-up of bearish positions in the previous sessions," Hariprasad K., Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth, said.
Investor Insights
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹7,558.19 crore on Thursday (March 18, 2026), according to exchange data. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs), however, bought stocks worth ₹3,863.96 crore.
On Thursday (March 18, 2026), the Sensex tanked 2,496.89 points or 3.26% — its biggest single-day plunge since June 2024 — to settle at 74,207.24. The Nifty tumbled 775.65 points, or 3.26%, to end at 23,002.15.
Key Takeaways for Investors
Indian investors should remain cautious and keep a close eye on global market trends, especially the movement of Brent crude prices and the conflict in West Asia. It is essential to have a diversified portfolio and to avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.
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