Finance
Stock Market Highlights on Monday, March 23, 2026: The Nifty50 and Sensex plunged as the US-Iran dispute escalated, raising concerns about energy supply.
The Nifty 50 closed 601.85 points, or 2.60 percent, lower at 22,512.65, while the Sensex closed 2.46 percent, or 1,836.57 points lower at 72,696.39.
The market capitalization of all BSE-listed companies fell by ₹14 trillion to ₹414.76 trillion from ₹428.76 trillion at Friday’s close.
The Nifty India volatility index is up 19.11% to 27.17 so far on Monday. It closed 17.17% higher at 26.73.
Larger markets underperformed benchmark indices. The Nifty MidCap and Nifty SmallCap indices were trading 3.69% and 4.16% lower, respectively.
The Nifty Construction Durable fell more than 5% to become the sector’s worst performer. The Nifty Realty and Nifty Metal both underperformed.
Meanwhile, the Nifty IT outperformed with minimal losses.
Brent crude prices surged after US President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s power ambitions if the nation did not open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. In reprisal, Iran threatens to target Middle Eastern energy infrastructure.
Brent crude was trading at $108.73 a barrel, up 2.37 percent on the Intercontinental Exchange.
