- By Aditya Pratap Singh
- Tue, 17 Mar 2026 03:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Stock Market Today: The domestic equity indices continued the previous day's gaining momentum on broad-based value buying. BSE Sensex settled 567.99 points or 0.75 per cent higher at 76,070.84, while NSE's Nifty50 ended the session at 23,581.15, up 172.35 points or 0.74 per cent.
"Indian equities extended their recovery for a second consecutive session, supported by easing volatility and selective sectoral strength, although underlying caution continues to shape market behaviour. A key positive was the sharp decline in India VIX, which dropped nearly 8% to sub-20 levels," said Hariprasad K, SEBI-registered Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth.
From the Sensex, basket Eternal, Tata Steel, Mahindra and Mahindra, BEL, L&T, Bharti Airtel, Maruti, Indigo, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Bank, Trent and Asian Paint were the top gainers.
At the sectoral front, the automobile stocks rebounded, with the Nifty Auto index gaining around 2 per cent during the session. On the other hand, the Nifty IT index remained under pressure, declining over 2 per cent and hovering near multi-year lows.
"The market extended its gains, driven largely by bargain hunting by domestic investors. Cyclical sectors such as autos, metals, and financials continued to be leaders, rebounding after being among the worst affected during the sell-off. However, it is premature to conclude that this reversal is sustainable in the short term, as war-related uncertainties persist. Whereas from a long-term perspective, deploying funds appears reasonable, given the correction in India's premium valuations and the intact outlook for FY27," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.
Meanwhile, the Crude prices continue to trade over $100 per barrel. Last seen, Brent Crude was trading at $102.9 per barrel.
Indian currency traded weakly by 0.08 per cent at 92.38, due to a firm dollar index hovering near 100, along with elevated crude oil prices.
"The combination of strong dollar demand and rising energy costs is keeping the rupee under pressure. The overall bias remains weak as long as crude sustains at higher levels. Market focus now shifts to the US Fed policy decision due tomorrow late evening, which is expected to act as a key trigger for the next directional move in the dollar, and consequently, the rupee, said Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities.