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By Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ)
On March 2, India’s benchmarks fell over 1% as fresh Middle East tensions lifted crude, denting sentiment. Nifty 50 slipped below 25,000 and the Sensex lost 1.29%. Elevated oil, a weaker rupee and rising bond yields weighed; market breadth was sharply negative, with 635 stocks at new 52-week lows.
Source: Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ)
On Monday, March 2, India’s key equity benchmarks, the Nifty 50 and the Sensex, closed in red, falling over 1% as the Middle East conflict pushed crude prices higher and triggered a flight to safe havens, weighing on investor sentiment.
The benchmark Nifty 50 opened deep in the red, slipping towards 24,600, but it recovered over 250 points during the day. Despite bouncing over 250 points off the day’s low, the index extended its fall for a second straight session on Monday.
At the close, the Nifty 50 fell by 312.95 points, or 1.24%, ending at 24,865.70, below the 25,000 mark. The Sensex dropped by 1,048.34 points, or 1.29%, to 80,238.85. Bharat Electronics (BEL) and Hindalco Industries were the help index to recover from the day’s low. The Bank Nifty finished 1.14% lower at 59,839.65. The Indian fear gauge, India VIX, surged over 25%, surpassing the level of 17 to a 9-month high.
The sell-off erased over ₹6 lakh crore from the combined market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies, pulling the total below ₹457 lakh crore.
The Indian rupee depreciated against the dollar and government bond yields rose after US and Israel strikes on Iran heightened fears of a protracted Middle East conflict and dampened risk appetite in financial markets.
The Indian economy has seen strong growth and low inflation for the past year but a jump in oil prices and disruption in shipping routes could risk tipping the balance.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint between Oman and Iran linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, saw Tehran close navigation, likely disrupting nearly 20% of global oil flows and more than 40% of India's crude imports.
Following U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Brent crude prices hit $82.40 a barrel, their highest in 14 months, before paring gains to trade 6% higher at $77.20 per barrel in the morning trade.
Shares of oil marketing companies, paint and tyre makers, aviation companies and chemical manufacturers slipped as crude oil prices rose.
On the sectoral front, 2 out of 11 key sectoral indices ended in positive territory. Meanwhile, broader indices such as the Nifty Midcap index and Nifty Smallcap 100 index ended down 1.58% and 1.75%, respectively.
On Monday, the Nifty Metal index emerged as the top gainer among the sectoral indices, ending 0.24% higher.
On the other hand, the Nifty Auto index plunged by 2.2%, recording the biggest loss since January 20. The index extended Friday’s loss to a total 4.02% decline.
Stock-Specific Highlights: Larsen and Toubro, ONGC and Oil India
Among individual stocks,
Larsen and Toubro fell 4.95%. The company said that the Middle East is a strategically significant market, citing its long-standing presence across energy, infrastructure, renewables, and technology sectors.
Contrary to the broader market, oil explorers such as ONGC rose about 0.9% each, benefiting from higher crude prices that boost revenue and profitability.
The key drivers of the index gains were:
Bharat Electronics: +7.25 points
Hindalco Industries: +4.86 points
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries: +3.67 points
On the other hand, these stocks weighed on the index:
Larsen & Toubro: -54.47 points
Reliance Industries: -53.18 points
HDFC Bank: -28 points
As of February 27, 2026, the market breadth was in favour of declining stocks. Out of 3,297 stocks traded on the NSE, 651 advanced, 2,579 declined, and 67 remained unchanged.
A total of 37 stocks touched their 52-week highs, while 635 hit their 52-week lows. Additionally, 41 stocks were locked in their upper circuits, whereas 204 stocks were locked in lower circuits.
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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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