Indian Benchmark indices closed lower today, as rising tensions in the Middle East dampened investor sentiment.

Synopsis:

 

Indian benchmark indices ended lower on 12 March amid rising Middle East tensions. Sensex and Nifty declined, while the rupee hit a record low against the dollar. Auto led sectoral losses, whereas energy and metal stocks were among the few gaining sectors.

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Indian equity markets ended the session on a weaker note on 12 March, as escalating tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. While benchmark indices declined, selective buying interest emerged in power stocks, supported by expectations of stronger electricity demand amid forecasts of an early summer.

Coal India Ltd

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464.85-5.25 (-1.11 %)

Updated - 13 March 2026
476.00day high
DAY HIGH
464.00day low
DAY LOW
2317050
VOLUME (BSE)

Market Performance

Benchmark indices closed the day in negative territory.

  • The Sensex declined 1.08% to close at 76,034.42.

  • The Nifty 50 fell 0.95%, settling at 23,639.15.

Despite the broader weakness in the market, power sector stocks attracted buying interest, reflecting expectations of higher electricity consumption during the upcoming summer season.

Currency Market Update

The Indian rupee weakened by 0.17% against the U.S. dollar, touching a record low of 92.19.

The depreciation followed fresh attacks on oil and transportation infrastructure in the Middle East, which pushed crude oil prices higher. Rising crude prices increased pressure on the domestic currency. Market participants are also anticipating potential central bank intervention to manage excessive volatility in the currency market.

Sectoral Performance

Most sectoral indices closed the day in the red.

Key sectoral movements included:

  • Auto declined 3%, leading the losses among sectors.

  • FMCG fell 1.77%.

  • Realty dropped 1.6%.

  • Pharma slipped 0.31%.

  • IT declined 0.24%.

However, a few sectors managed to end the session with gains:

  • Energy rose 1.93%.

  • Metals advanced 0.35%.

These were the only sectors that closed the day in positive territory.

Broader Market Movement

The broader market also experienced mild selling pressure.

  • The Nifty Midcap index declined 0.3%.

  • Small-cap indices fell 0.6%.

This indicates that weakness was visible beyond the benchmark indices, with broader market segments also facing downward pressure.

Top Stock Movements

Top Gainer

  • Coal India emerged as one of the top performers, gaining around 5.20%.

Top Loser

  • M&M recorded the biggest decline of the session, falling 4.39%.

Key Takeaways

  • Benchmark indices closed lower amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

  • The rupee weakened to a record low against the U.S. dollar.

  • Auto, FMCG, and Realty sectors led the losses.

  • Energy and Metals were the only sectors to close with gains.

  • Broader markets, including midcap and small-cap indices, also ended in negative territory.

Stay tuned to Markets Daily by Bajaj Broking for timely insights and regular updates on the markets.

Indian Benchmark indices closed lower today, as rising tensions in the Middle East dampened investor sentiment.

Published Date : 12 Mar 2026

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Content Partner - Dalal Street Investment Journal Wealth Advisory Private Limited



This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market investments are subject to risks. DSIJ Wealth Advisory Private Limited is a SEBI-registered Research Analyst (Reg. No: INH000006396) and Investment Adviser (Reg. No: INA000001142). Please consult your financial adviser before investing. 

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