Indian equity markets extended their gains for a second straight session on March 17, 2026, with benchmark indices closing higher amid broad-based buying across sectors. Strong performance in metal, auto and realty stocks helped the BSE Sensex reclaim the 76,000 mark, even as global markets remained cautious due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia and elevated crude oil prices.
Investor sentiment improved during the session as buying emerged across large-cap stocks, while broader market indices also participated in the rally. Over the past two trading sessions, investors added more than ₹3 lakh crore in market value, with the total market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies rising to around ₹433 lakh crore from nearly ₹430 lakh crore on Friday.
Index performance
Sensex rose 567.99 points (0.75%) to close at 76,070.84.
Nifty 50 gained 172.35 points (0.74%), ending the session at 23,581.15.
Nifty Bank advanced 462.60 points (0.85%) to 54,876.00.
Nifty IT declined 281.65 points (0.97%) to 28,760.90.
Broader markets also recorded gains.
Nifty Midcap climbed 559.45 points (1.02%) to 55,174.40.
Nifty Smallcap added 51.75 points (0.67%) to 7,813.50.
Sectorally, Nifty Metal surged 2.82%, Auto gained 2.11%, and Realty rose 1.80%, while banking and financial services indices also advanced close to 1%. However, IT and FMCG stocks ended lower, limiting the broader market gains.
Key market drivers
Sectoral momentum
Metal, auto and realty stocks led the market rally as investors rotated into cyclical sectors. Banking stocks also supported the benchmark indices, with the Nifty Bank and financial services indices closing nearly 1% higher.
Broad-based participation
Unlike the previous session, the rally extended to the broader market. The BSE Midcap index rose 1.08%, while the BSE Smallcap index gained 0.43%, reflecting improved risk appetite among investors.
Commodities and currency
Gold prices on MCX (April contract) rose to ₹1,56,000, gaining ₹217 (0.14%).
Silver prices on MCX declined to ₹2,55,400, falling ₹1,132 (0.38%).
The Indian Rupee traded near record lows around ₹92.4 against the US dollar, reflecting continued pressure from higher energy import costs and external market volatility.
Market volatility
Market volatility eased during the session. The India VIX fell 8.39% to 19.79, indicating a slight reduction in investor anxiety after recent market swings.
Market takeaway
Tuesday’s gains highlight improving short-term sentiment in Indian equities, supported by buying in cyclical sectors and broad-based participation across market segments. However, elevated crude oil prices, geopolitical developments in West Asia and currency pressures remain key factors that could influence market direction in the near term.
Source: Moneycontrol, Business Standard, Google Finance, Livemint
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