Stock Market Today: March 31, 2026 – Nifty & Sensex Market Update

Published On: 31/03/20262.5 min read

Stock Market Today: March 31, 2026 – Nifty & Sensex Market Update

Indian equity markets ended the fiscal year on a subdued note on March 31, 2026, with both the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 finishing lower amid global uncertainties and record foreign investor outflows. The stock market today exhibited cautious trading as geopolitical shocks and surging crude oil prices weighed on sentiment, pushing key indices towards multi-month lows.

Overview of Stock Market Today – March 31, 2026

The BSE Sensex closed at 74,835 points, down 1.72% from its previous close, while the NSE Nifty 50 settled at 22,735.40, declining by 2.13%. This marks the weakest fiscal year close for both indices in two years for Sensex and nearly one year for Nifty, driven by significant foreign institutional investor (FII) selling pressure and concerns about India’s energy inflation and growth prospects.

Key Market Statistics

  • BSE Sensex Performance:
    Opening: 76,150.10
    Day High: 76,345.80
    Day Low: 74,578.35
    Previous Close: 76,107.50
    52-Week High: 85,978.25
    52-Week Low: 71,425.01
  • NSE Nifty 50 Performance:
    Opening: 23,180.00
    Previous Close: 23,226.50
    Day Range: 22,700.50 – 23,190.35
    Monthly Performance: -4.8%
    Year-to-Date: -5.9%

Sectoral Performance on March 31, 2026

The stock market today saw weakness across major sectors with energy and IT sectors under pressure. Energy stocks declined due to fears over rising crude prices affecting input costs, while IT stocks fell on weak global demand projections.

  • Energy Sector: -3.5%
  • IT Sector: -2.0%
  • Banking Sector: -1.2%
  • Metal Sector: -0.9%

Top Gainers and Losers

  • Top Gainers:
    Hindustan Zinc: +1.8%
    Bajaj Auto: +1.2%
    ABB India: +0.7%
  • Top Losers:
    Reliance Industries: -3.6%
    Tata Consultancy Services: -2.6%
    State Bank of India: -1.9%

Market Drivers Impacting Stock Market Today

Foreign Institutional Investor Outflows

FIIs recorded a net sale of over ₹12,000 crore on March 31, 2026, marking the highest foreign selling streak in nearly two years. This persistent selling heightened pressure on the rupee and equities.

Oil Prices and Economic Concerns

Rising crude oil prices due to Middle East tensions pushed energy costs upward, stoking inflation worries and dampening investor sentiment about India’s growth outlook.

Currency and Global Market Snapshot

The Indian Rupee weakened further, trading near record lows at 88.50 per US Dollar. Globally, major markets closed lower as the geopolitical situation and US trade policy uncertainties persisted. The Dow Jones fell 0.8%, and European markets were similarly subdued.

Market Breadth and Volume

Market breadth was negative with 1,350 stocks declining and 900 stocks advancing on the BSE. The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices also fell by 1.5% and 1.3%, respectively.

Corporate News and Events

  • Tata Steel announced a new capacity expansion plan for 2027.
  • Reliance Industries withdrew from a large green energy project citing revised economics.
  • Infosys expanded its contract with a European client worth €450 million.

Outlook and Technical Levels for Nifty

Technically, Nifty 50 faces immediate support at 22,680 and resistance near 23,150. A break below this support may lead to further downside pressure. Investors await cues from upcoming monetary policy reviews and crude oil price trends.

For more detailed information on upcoming IPOs and market updates, visit nextipoindia.com.

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Stock market today: March 31, 2026, update covering Nifty and Sensex closing lower amid global worries and foreign outflows, sector performance, and outlook.

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