Stock Markets End Sharply Lower at Closing Bell Amid Global Selloff

Mumbai, March 19 (TNA) Indian equity benchmarks closed over 2.5% down at the closing bell on Thursday, March 19, 2026, with BSE Sensex shedding around 1,900 points to settle near 74,200 and NSE Nifty plunging below 22,500, extending losses from an intraday drop past 23,000 amid Gudi Padwa trading.

The sharp correction came after a positive opening, driven by profit-booking in IT, banking, and metals, compounded by rising US inflation data dimming rate cut hopes and spiking oil prices from West Asia tensions.

Nifty Bank index fell over 2%, with heavyweights like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank dragging indices, while broader midcap and smallcap indices dropped 3-4%; India VIX surged above 20, signalling heightened volatility.

Analysts note support at 22,300 for Nifty with resistance near 23,000, as foreign institutional investors pulled back after recent gains. Markets traded normally despite regional holidays, settling funds delayed to March 20.