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Stock Market Today LIVE: Indian stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty remained volatile on Tuesday, March 17, swing between gains and losses . Meanwhile, investors remained on edge amid lingering concerns over the ongoing US-Iran conflict in the Middle East, a sharp rise in crude oil prices, and continued strength in the US dollar, all of which have weighed on risk appetite.

Among sectors, Nifty Auto and Nifty Metal were leading while Nifty IT and Nifty FMCG lost the most.

Asian Markets Today

Asian markets moved higher, driven by gains in technology stocks, after Nvidia Corp. delivered a strong outlook for artificial intelligence, while optimism around the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz supported sentiment in US equities.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index climbed 1.2%, led by tech stocks that are perceived to be less vulnerable to the ongoing Iran conflict. Shares of Samsung Electronics Co. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. advanced, while South Korea’s benchmark index — often seen as a proxy for AI trends — surged 2.6%. The rally followed Nvidia’s projection that it could generate at least USD 1 trillion in AI chip revenue by the end of 2027.

In broader markets, S&P 500 Futures slipped 0.2% as of 10:36 a.m. Tokyo time. Japan’s Topix gained 1.1%, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.2%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index advanced 1%, whereas the Shanghai Composite Index remained largely flat. Euro Stoxx 50 Futures also showed little movement.

Meanwhile, the US dollar edged higher after posting its steepest single-day decline in over a month, and Treasury prices were slightly lower.

Brent crude advanced to over $103 a barrel Tuesday, after dropping 2.8% on Monday. Crude oil prices jumped over more than 2%, reversing some of the previous session’s losses, on worries about supply with the Strait of Hormuz mostly shut.

Brent crude oil price rose 2.81% to $103.06 a barrel, while the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rallied 2.97% to $96.28.

Member nations of the International Energy Agency had already agreed last week to undertake a record release of 400 million barrels from strategic reserves. This move helped calm investor nerves, alongside developments such as a Pakistani oil tanker becoming the first non-Iranian vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz with its automatic transponder switched on, according to shipping tracker MarineTraffic.

However, tensions remained elevated as attacks on energy infrastructure persisted, with drones striking key oil fields in the United Arab Emirates and Iraq on Monday. Meanwhile, allies of the US resisted pressure from Donald Trump to support efforts aimed at reopening the crucial shipping route for oil and natural gas tankers.

Silver prices jumped on Tuesday, March 17 supported by easing concerns over prolonged disruptions of crude oil shipments amid prolonged US-Iran conflict. Meanwhile, investors awaited multiple central bank policy decisions this week.

On MCX, silver rate rose 2% to ₹2,61,457 per kg while gold price advanced 0.8% to ₹1,56,996 per 10 grams.

In the international markets, Spot silver rose 0.6% to $81.28 per ounce, while, Spot gold firmed 0.4% to $5,023.19 per ounce as of 0251 GMT. U.S. gold futures for April delivery rose 0.5% to $5,027.20.

Stay tuned to this segment for the latest updates on the stock market today.

Shares of Adani Power rose over 2% on Tuesday, extending their recent gains, as the stock continued to rally on the back of a major order win and improving demand outlook.

The Adani Group stock climbed to ₹157.50, marking its highest level in three months, after surging more than 5% in the previous session following the announcement of a Letter of Award (LoA) from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company. With this, the stock has gained 7.5% over the last two trading sessions.

The rally has also been supported by expectations of higher electricity demand, as temperatures are forecast to remain above normal levels this summer, boosting power consumption across the country.

Shares of IDBI Bank fell another 3% on Tuesday after plunging 17% in the previous session, following a report that the government may halt the lender’s divestment process and scrap existing bids, as per media reports. The setback to the strategic sale comes as financial bids reportedly fell short of the government’s floor price, the reports added. If the Centre proceeds with the divestment, it may need to restart the bidding process. The stock has now declined over 19% in just two sessions and is nearing its 52-week low of ₹72 per share.

Bitcoin prices rose to nearly a six-week high on Tuesday, March 17, as investors lapped up riskier assets, driven by optimism that market volatility linked to the Middle East conflict may be easing.

The world’s largest cryptocurrency rose more than 4% to $75,921 — its highest level since February 4 — before trimming some gains. Despite the gains, Bitcoin remains roughly 40% below its record peak reached in October.

Smaller and more volatile digital assets posted even sharper gains. Solana and XRP each surged as much as 7%, while Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency, jumped up to 10% — more than double Bitcoin’s rise. Ether’s rally, its strongest since March 4, pushed the token to the highest level since early February.

Maharatna PSU power financier REC Limited on Monday announced a fourth interim dividend of ₹3.20 per share and fixed Friday, March 20, as the record date to determine eligible shareholders.

"...this is to inform that the Board of Directors ofREC Limited ("REC" / "the Company") in its meeting held on March 16, 2026, considered and declared 4"' interim dividend @ 32% (i.e. ~3.20 · per equity share offace value oHlO/ - each) for the financial year 2025-26," it informed in an exchange filing.

The company further stated that the dividend will be paid on or before April 14. The decision was approved at its board meeting and disclosed during market hours, with the stock trading marginally higher at ₹332.65 on the NSE.

Reliance Industries has signed a $3 billion (approximately ₹27,665 crore) binding long-term Supply and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with South Korea's Samsung C&T Corporation for the supply of green ammonia over a 15-year period from H2FY29.

In a statement on Monday, 16 March, Reliance said the agreement “sets a new benchmark in the global energy landscape, with India emerging as an exporter of green fuels produced through an end-to-end indigenous value chain anchored in the country”.

Anant Ambani, Executive Director at RIL, said the green ammonia supplied would be “cost-competitive and reliable” and called the partnership “an important step in India’s clean-energy journey”.

Oil prices rose more than 2% on Tuesday, reversing some of the previous session's losses, on worries about supply with the Strait of Hormuz mostly shut and U.S. allies rebuffing calls to send warships to help tankers move through the vital waterway.

Brent futures jumped $2.74, or 2.7%, to $102.95 a barrel by 0357 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained $2.45, or 2.6%, to $95.95.

In the previous session, Brent futures settled 2.8% lower while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slid 5.3% after some vessels sailed through the critical waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz - a chokepoint for about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas trade - has been largely disrupted by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, now in its third week, raising concerns about supply shortages, higher energy costs and rising inflation. (Reuters)

Stock Market Today LIVE: Redington share price declined over 5% in early trade on Tuesday after the company said its operations in the Gulf region have been restricted due to the ongoing US–Iran war. Redington shares slipped as much as 5.08% to ₹221.05 apiece on the BSE.

Redington’s step-down subsidiary, Redington Gulf FZE stated that its operations in the Gulf region are being pursued in a restricted manner amid the prevailing geopolitical tensions.

The company cited several challenges impacting its operations, including the re-routing of shipments and the closure of major ports and airspace, which have resulted in longer transit times. It also highlighted the need for higher working capital due to increased inventory levels and customer requests for extended payment timelines. In response, the business is prioritising capital preservation.

The rupee lost 14 paise and traded at 92.42 against the US dollar in early deals on Tuesday, as it failed to resist pressure from rising crude oil prices and the incessant withdrawal of foreign funds amid the heightened West Asia crisis.

Subdued domestic equity markets and elevated American currency also weighed on the local unit even as investors moved cautiously, awaiting the interest rate decision of the US Federal Reserve, according to forex traders.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the local unit opened at 92.35 and fell further to trade at 92.42 against the US dollar, registering a 14-paise decline from its previous closing level.

The rupee, one of the worst-performing Asian currencies, touched its lowest intra-day level of 92.47 at the end of the previous week before closing the session at 92.30 against the dollar, its lowest-ever closing level until Friday. (PTI)

Gold and Silver prices jumped on Tuesday, March 17 supported by easing concerns over prolonged disruptions of crude oil shipments amid prolonged US-Iran conflict. Meanwhile, investors awaited multiple central bank policy decisions this week.

On MCX, silver rate rose 2% to ₹2,61,457 per kg while gold price advanced 0.8% to ₹1,56,996 per 10 grams.

In the international markets, Spot silver rose 0.6% to $81.28 per ounce, while, Spot gold firmed 0.4% to $5,023.19 per ounce as of 0251 GMT. U.S. gold futures for April delivery rose 0.5% to $5,027.20.

VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments said:

"With total uncertainty and confusion regarding the trend of the war continuing, this uncertainty is getting reflected in the market, too. Even seasoned experts lack conviction to advise investors on the right strategy. All that can be said with conviction now is: remain invested and continue with SIPs.

Nifty’s sharp bounce of 257 points yesterday was triggered mainly by short-covering from oversold territory. This bounce back is unlikely to sustain, given the massive selling by FIIs which touched ₹9366 crores yesterday. In the near-term this FII selling will continue since other markets like the South Korean and Taiwanese markets are giving better returns to FIIs. More importantly, the earnings growth prospects in these markets look much better compared to India’s. In brief, the sustained FII selling is likely to weigh on markets in the near-term."

Indian stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty opened on a weak note on Tuesday, March 17, despite positive cues from global peers, as investor sentiment remained subdued. The cautious tone comes amid lingering concerns over the ongoing US-Iran conflict in the Middle East, a sharp rise in crude oil prices, and continued strength in the US dollar, all of which have weighed on risk appetite.

At 9:20, Nifty fell 24 points or 0.1% to 23,384.40 while Sensex lost 80 points and 0.11% to 75,422.47.

Bank Nifty index ended 655.55 points, or 1.22%, higher at 54,413.40 on Monday, forming a bullish candle with a long lower shadow and a minor upper shadow, indicating strong buying interest at lower levels.

“The daily RSI has also shown a pullback after marking low of 23, hinting at a short term recovery. Going ahead, the 54,900 – 55,000 zone will act as a key hurdle for the Bank Nifty index. A sustained move above 55,000 could extend the pullback rally towards the 55,500 level. On the downside, 54,000 – 53,900 is expected to serve as a crucial support zone,” said Sudeep Shah - Head of Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities.

Nilesh Jain, VP- Head of Technical and Derivative research at Centrum Finverse Ltd. noted that the markets are likely to remain volatile, but expects a gradual recovery, with Nifty 50 potentially retracing towards 23,800, which represents the 23.6% retracement of the entire decline.

“Momentum indicators and oscillators have entered extremely oversold territory, indicating the possibility of a pullback. However, the broader structure remains weak, and any pullback is likely to attract selling pressure. Meanwhile, the volatility index, INDIAVIX, cooled off by around 5% but continues to remain elevated above 21. A correction below 18 will be required for bulls to regain control,” said Jain.

In the derivatives segment, significant call writing was observed at the 23,500 strike followed by the 23,700 strike, while notable put writing was seen at the 23,200 and 23,000 strikes.

“Considering the ongoing geopolitical tensions, traders are advised to remain cautious near the key support and resistance levels and wait for a clear breakout on either side before initiating fresh directional trades,” said Aakash Shah, Technical Research Analyst at Choice Equity Broking.

Sensex formed a bullish candle on daily charts, indicating that a pullback move is likely to continue in the near future.

“For day traders, 75,200 and 75,000 would act as key support zones. As long as Sensex is trading above these levels, the pullback formation is likely to continue. On the higher side, 76,000 and 76,500 would serve as key resistance areas for the bulls. Conversely, below 75,000, the uptrend would become vulnerable. If that level is breached, the index could retest the levels of 74,300 - 74,000,” said Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities.

According to him, the current market texture is volatile, and hence, level-based trading would be the ideal strategy for day traders.

On Monday, the Indian stock market ended with sharp gains, led by fag-end buying in financials, auto, and FMCG stocks, despite persisting geopolitical risks.

The Sensex jumped 938.93 points, or 1.26%, to close at 75,502.85, while the Nifty 50 settled 257.70 points, or 1.11%, higher at 23,408.80.

“Markets recovered, however, volatility is likely to continue as investors remain cautious amid ongoing geopolitical developments in West Asia and fluctuations in energy prices. The conflict continues to weigh on sentiment and keep overall risk appetite subdued,” said Siddhartha Khemka - Head of Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

Crude oil prices rose more than 2%, reversing some of the previous session’s losses, on worries about supply with the Strait of Hormuz mostly shut. Brent crude oil price rose 2.81% to $103.06 a barrel, while the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rallied 2.97% to $96.28.

Bitcoin prices rose to nearly a six-week high amid improved investors’ risk appetite. The largest cryptocurrency climbed about 4% to $74,512, the highest since February 4 before paring some of the gains. Bitcoin price is still down around 40% from a record high reached in October. Ether price rose as much as 10%, while Solana and XRP prices rose as much as 7%.

Gold was little changed, after the US dollar slipped and traders weighed attempts to contain an oil-supply shock arising from the war in the Middle East.

Bullion was near $5,000 an ounce in early trading, having lost 0.3% in the previous session. Oil rose after falling on Monday, with investors assessing the release of emergency stockpiles against rising threats to energy infrastructure, while a gauge of the dollar fell 0.6%. US President Donald Trump appealed for help from other nations to secure the Strait of Hormuz, where crude transit has ground to a near-halt. (Bloomberg)

Sensex formed a bullish candle on daily charts, indicating that a pullback move is likely to continue in the near future. Nifty 50 index formed a bullish candle with shadows in either direction, signaling pullback from the oversold territory. In the derivatives segment, significant call writing was observed at the 23,500 strike followed by the 23,700 strike, while notable put writing was seen at the 23,200 and 23,000 strikes.

Nifty 50 is displaying short-term recovery momentum after rebounding from the 22,950 support zone, with the index currently trading near the 23,400 – 23,500 resistance band. The recent rebound indicates short-covering and selective dip-buying following the sharp corrective phase witnessed earlier.

“Immediate support is placed around 23,200 – 23,100, while a stronger base remains near 22,950. Sustaining above these levels may help maintain the ongoing recovery attempt. On the upside, 23,500 continues to act as the key resistance, and a decisive breakout above this level could extend the recovery toward the 23,800 – 24,000 zone in the near term,” said Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money.

From a momentum perspective, the RSI is hovering around 30, indicating oversold conditions, while the MACD remains in negative territory, reflecting that the broader trend continues to remain cautious.

“Overall the broader technical structure remains neutral to mildly bearish, unless the Nifty 50 index decisively reclaims higher resistance levels, which would be required to confirm a stronger trend reversal,” he added.

US stock market ended sharply higher on Monday, fueled by gains in AI-related stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.83% to 46,946.41, while the S&P 500 rallied 1.01% to end the session at 6,699.38, its strongest one-day gain in over a month. The Nasdaq closed 1.22% higher at 22,374.18.

Asian markets traded higher on Tuesday, following overnight rally on Wall Street, as investors monitor the latest developments in the US-Iran war. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.75%, while the Topix rallied over 1%. South Korea’s Kospi surged 2.94%, and the Kosdaq advanced 1.53%. Hong Kong Hang Seng index futures indicated a higher opening.

The trends on Gift Nifty also signal a positive start for the benchmark indices, Nifty 50 and Sensex today. The Gift Nifty was trading around 23,457 level, a premium of nearly 28 points from the Nifty futures’ previous close.

The Indian stock market is expected to extend gains on Tuesday, following a rally in global markets, even as sentiment remains cautious due to the ongoing US-Iran war in the Middle East. The trends on Gift Nifty also signal a positive start for the benchmark indices, Nifty 50 and Sensex today.Pranati Deva is a seasoned financial journalist with over a decade of experience in high-pressure newsroom environments, currently working as a Senior...

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