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Stock Market Today LIVE: The Indian stock market benchmark indices Sensex, Nifty 50 jumped around 1% each on Wednesday, March 18 following gains in global markets ahead of the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision due later today. Meanwhile, investors remained cautious over the ongoing US-Iran war in the Middle East and rising oil prices.

Sensex soared 858 points or 1.1% to day's high of 76,929.30 while Nifty 50 jumped 255 points to day's high of 23,836.

Broader markets ourperformed with Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 indices rising over 1.5% each. Among sectors, Nifty IT rose the most followed by Nifty Auto and Nifty Realty. However, Nifty Metal was in the red.

Global equities extended their rally for a third straight session as investors looked beyond immediate geopolitical tensions, focusing instead on signs of stability, even as the ongoing Iran conflict continued to disrupt energy markets and stoke inflation concerns. Oil prices declined.

The MSCI All Country World Index — the broadest gauge of global equities — rose 0.3%, marking its longest winning streak in over a month. Asian markets outperformed, climbing 1.4%, led by memory-chip stocks such as Samsung Electronics Co., which are perceived to be less exposed to the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, S&P 500 futures gained 0.3% as of 11:49 a.m. Tokyo time.

Among regional markets, Japan’s Topix surged 2.2%, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 added 0.2%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.1%, and China’s Shanghai Composite declined 0.4%. Euro Stoxx 50 futures also edged up 0.3%.

Futures linked to US and European equity indices moved higher, indicating that the rally could broaden across regions. The gains reflected cautious optimism among investors, despite the ongoing conflict showing little sign of easing.

Supporting sentiment, Brent crude fell 1.1% to trade near $102 per barrel. Oil prices eased after Iraq signed an agreement to resume exports via Turkey, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, while the US intensified efforts to reopen the key shipping route.

On the geopolitical front, US President Donald Trump stepped back from attempts to build a coalition for the conflict with Iran and criticised allies who rejected his proposals, even as he reiterated that the war could conclude soon.

In another development in the US-Iran war, the US and Israel continued their attacks overnight, with Iran confirming the death of national security chief Ali Larijani. Tehran also struck energy infrastructure in countries across the Persian Gulf region, while shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained at a near-halt.

Crude Oil Prices

Oil prices eased on Wednesday to pare back some of Tuesday's sharp gains after the Iraqi government and Kurdish authorities reached a deal to resume oil exports via Turkey's Ceyhan port, providing modest relief to concerns about Middle East supplies.

But with no signs of a de-escalation of the Iran conflict, which has left oil exports from the Middle East largely halted, Brent futures prices have settled above $100 per barrel for the prior four consecutive sessions.

After rising more than 3% on Tuesday, Brent futures edged back 67 cents, or 0.65%, to $102.75 a barrel by 0209 GMT on Wednesday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped $1.18, or 1.23%, to $95.03. (Reuters)

Gold Rate Today

Gold rate declined on the MCX in early deals on Wednesday, March 18, ahead of the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision, while geopolitical risks and concerns over a spike in inflation capped losses for the yellow metal.

MCX gold April futures were 0.21% down at ₹1,55,662 per 10 grams around 9:15 am, while MCX silver May futures were 0.76% down at ₹2,51,200 per kg at that time.

Gold and silver prices have been volatile lately amid the US-Iran war and volatility in crude oil prices.

The US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is widely expected to keep benchmark interest rates unchanged on March 18, considering the increased risk of a spike in inflation due to a sharp jump in crude oil prices driven by the US-Iran war.

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

Kellton Tech Solutions share price rallied nearly 5% on Wednesday, snapping its four-day losing streak, amid strong buying momentum. The small-cap stock surged as much as 4.92% to ₹17.25 apiece on the BSE.

Trading volumes of Kellton Tech Solutions shares also spurred. Around 8 lakh equity shares of Kellton Tech Solutions changed hands on the stock exchanges on March 18.

The gains in Kellton Tech Solutions shares follows a strong rally in the Indian stock market today. The benchmarks Sensex and Nifty 50 were trading over half a percent higher each.

Recently, Kellton Tech Solutions announced its partnership with FutureAge AI Labs to build Zourney, an AI-first B2B travel platform.

Renisha Chainani, Head - Research at Augmont noted that Gold and silver remain under pressure, hovering below key psychological levels of $5000 and $80 respectively, as investors stay cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve decision. Volatility in oil prices is complicating the inflation outlook, keeping real yields elevated and limiting upside in precious metals despite ongoing geopolitical risks.

Moreover, she added that the Fed is expected to maintain a pause, reinforcing a “wait-and-watch” approach amid sticky inflation and a softening labor market. Similar policy stances by ECB, BoE, and BoJ indicate a synchronized global pause. The key trigger for metals will be forward guidance—any dovish tilt could revive bullish momentum.

"Silver has also slipped below $80 (~ ₹255,000) and renewed break below $77 (~ ₹247,000) could trigger further profit-booking, dragging prices towards $70 (~ ₹230,000) in the near term," she predicted

For the yellow metal, she said, Gold briefly broke the key $5000 (~ ₹157,000) support and short-term bias remain bearish with strong support seen around $4850 (~ ₹150,000).

Logistics stock Sindhu Trade Links share price rose over 4% on Wednesday, March 18 reflecting the movements of the benchmark indices. Sindhu Trade Links has become a focal point for investors in the recent times as the stock has shown impressive growth over the last year, with its price increasing by 54.96% from ₹14 to ₹25, indicating a boost in investor sentiment and business activity, according to analysts.

Significantly, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have gradually raised their stake in the firm, climbing from a minimal 0.04% in March 2025 to 3.18% by December 2025, as per reports.

This ongoing increase suggests rising institutional confidence in the company's growth potential and operational outlook, which may continue to bolster stock performance in the future, according to experts.

Elitecon International share price was locked-in at 5% upper circuit at ₹55.83 on Wednesday, March 18 following gains in broader markets today.

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty extended their gains for the third straight session today. Currently, Elitecon International share price is down 87% from its 52-week high of ₹422.65 apiece, touched on 25 August 2025. The stock has hit a 52-week low of ₹27.66 apiece in March 2025.

he rupee fell 3 paise to 92.43 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday, weighed down by FII outflows and a stronger greenback amid the raging war in West Asia.

A fall in global crude oil prices and a positive opening at the domestic equity markets prevented a sharper decline in the local unit, according to forex traders.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the local unit opened at 92.42 against the greenback before slipping to 92.43, down 3 paise from its previous close.

The domestic unit on Tuesday hit the lowest intra-day level of 92.47 against the dollar before settling at an all-time low of 92.40, down 12 paise from its previous close.

Gold rate declined on the MCX in early deals on Wednesday, March 18, ahead of the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision, while geopolitical risks and concerns over a spike in inflation capped losses for the yellow metal.

MCX gold April futures were 0.21% down at ₹1,55,662 per 10 grams around 9:15 am. Gold prices have been volatile lately amid the US-Iran war and volatility in crude oil prices.

Silver prices were range bound on Wednesday, March 18, as investors stayed cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s rate decision later in the day, with inflation risks rising due to elevated oil prices amid the prolonged Middle East conflict. The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, while markets remain focused on the central bank’s outlook on energy-driven inflation.

On MCX, Silver rate fell around 0.9% to ₹2,50,919 per kg. In international markets as well, precious metals remained subdued. Spot silver declined 0.4% to $79 per ounce.

Urban Company share price jumped nearly 9% in early trade on Wednesday after the stock saw significant bulk deals in the previous session. Urban Company shares rallied as much as 8.83% to ₹119.55 apiece on the BSE.

As per NSE bulk deal data, SBI Mutual Fund acquired an additional 3.5 crore equity shares of Urban Company at ₹109.85 per share and 2.25 crore shares at ₹109.83 per share. The total transaction value was at ₹632.21 crore.

This resulted in SBI Mutual Fund increasing its total stake in the company to 3.98% from 1.89% held as of December 2025.

On the other hand, ABG Capital sold 1.74 crore Urban Company shares at ₹109.85 per share for ₹191.2 crore. ABG Capital held a 1.36% stake in the company as of December 2025.

The Indian stock market benchmark indices Sensex, Nifty 50 opened over 0.5% higher on Wednesday, following gains in global markets ahead of the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision due later today. Meanwhile, investors remained cautious over the ongoing US-Iran war in the Middle East and rising oil prices.

At 9:20, Sensex was up 407 points or 0.54% at 76,478.41 while Nifty added 142 points or 0.6% to 23,723.25.

Urban Company share price will be in focus in trade on Wednesday after the stock saw significant bulk deals in the previous session. Urban Company shares had declined more than 3% on Tuesday.

As per NSE bulk deal data, SBI Mutual Fund acquired an additional 3.5 crore equity shares of Urban Company at ₹109.85 per share and 2.25 crore shares at ₹109.83 per share. The total transaction value was at ₹632.21 crore.

This resulted in SBI Mutual Fund increasing its total stake in the company to 3.98% from 1.89% held as of December 2025.

On the other hand, ABG Capital sold 1.74 crore Urban Company shares at ₹109.85 per share for ₹191.2 crore. ABG Capital held a 1.36% stake in the company as of December 2025.

Bank Nifty index gained 462.60 points, or 0.85%, to close at 54,876.00 on Tuesday, forming a bullish candle with a long lower shadow, signaling demand at lower levels.

“In the near term, the 55,250 – 55,300 zone is likely to act as a key resistance. A decisive move above 55,300 could pave the way for further upside towards 55,800. On the downside, the 54,400 – 54,300 band is expected to provide crucial support,” said Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities.

Nilesh Jain, VP- Head of Technical and Derivative research at Centrum Finverse Ltd. noted that the Nifty 50 index is rebounding from oversold levels, and he anticipates a gradual recovery towards the 23.6% retracement of the recent decline, placed around 23,800.

“However, the broader trend remains weak as long as Nifty 50 sustains below 24,250 levels. On the downside, immediate support is now placed at 23,250, followed by 23,000 levels. Meanwhile, India VIX declined sharply by around 9% and slipped below the 20 mark; a further easing in volatility would lend additional comfort to the bulls,” said Jain.

In the derivatives segment, significant call writing for Nifty was observed at the 23,600 strike followed by the 23,800 strike, while notable put writing was seen at the 23,500 and 23,300 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 Hitesh Tailor, Research Analyst - Research at Choice Equity Broking.

Sensex formed a bullish candle on daily charts and an uptrend continuation formation on intraday charts, indicating that a pullback is likely to continue in the near future.

“For day traders, 75,500 - 75,300 would act as crucial support zones. Above these levels, the pullback could continue till 76,500. Further upside may also persist, potentially lifting Sensex to 77,000. On the flip side, below 75,300, sentiment could change. If Sensex drops below this level, traders may prefer to exit their long positions,” said Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities.

The dollar held losses. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, traded at 99.56 after a two-day decline. The yen strengthened 0.06% to 158.91 per dollar. The euro was little changed at $1.1538, and Sterling held steady to $1.3353.

Crude oil prices fell after sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures showed an increase in US crude inventories. Brent futures dropped 1.11% to $102.27 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude declined 1.6% to $94.67.

Gold and silver rates today traded within a narrow range on Wednesday, March 18, on expectations around the Federal Reserve’s rate-cut trajectory against rising inflation risks stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.

Spot gold rate today was trading marginally higher at $5,012 per ounce, while spot silver was down 0.17% to $79.7 per ounce during the Asian trading hours on Wednesday.

The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged at its policy meeting on Wednesday, with investors closely watching the central bank’s assessment of rising energy prices and a softening labour market, according to a Bloomberg report.

US stock market ended higher on Tuesday as the Federal Reserve began its two-day policy meeting amid investors’ worries about high oil prices and the US-Iran war. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.10% to 46,993.26, while the S&P 500 gained 0.25% to end the session at 6,716.09. The Nasdaq closed 0.47% higher at 22,479.53.

Asian markets traded higher on Wednesday, following overnight gains on Wall Street, as investors await the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 1.38%, and the Topix rose 0.95%. South Korea’s Kospi rallied 2.8% while the Kosdaq jumped 1.66%. Hong Kong Hang Seng index futures indicated a higher opening.

The trends on Gift Nifty also indicate a mildly positive start for the Indian benchmark index. The Gift Nifty was trading around 23,657 level, a premium of nearly 40 points from the Nifty futures’ previous close.

The Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to open on a steady note on Wednesday, following gains in global markets, amid cautiousness over the ongoing US-Iran war in the Middle East.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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