Weekly market update, Mar 20, 2026

The Indian equity markets closed the week largely flat with a slight negative bias, indicating cautious sentiment among participants. For the week, the BSE benchmark Sensex dipped 0.04%, and the NSE Nifty slipped 0.16%. The broader market indices, BSE 100 Midcap ended flat, and BSE 250 Smallcap lost 0.19%. On the BSE sectoral front, it was mixed. FMCG was the major loser, down 1.44%, followed by Healthcare and Bankex, down 1.12% and 0.48%, respectively. BSE Auto was the major gainer, up 1.56%.

Looking ahead, markets are likely to remain volatile, and developments related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on crude oil prices will continue to rule investors’ sentiment in a holiday-shortened week ahead, analysts said. Besides, trends in global markets, trading activity of foreign investors and rupee-dollar movement would also drive momentum in equities. Stock markets would remain closed on Thursday for Shri Ram Navami. On the domestic front, investors will closely monitor HSBC Flash PMI data for manufacturing, services, and composite segments, which will provide an early indication of business activity trends.

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