Stock markets recover on buying in IT, PSU bank stocks; Sensex climbs 325 points
The Hindu
Stock markets rebound with Sensex rising 325 points, driven by IT and PSU bank stocks amid fuel price concerns.
Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty gave up most of their intra-day gains to end nearly 0.5% higher on Friday (March 20, 2026), following intense buying in PSU bank, IT and metal stocks amid concerns over a further spike in fuel-driven inflation.
In another volatile session, the 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 325.72 points or 0.44% to settle at 74,532.96. During the day, it jumped 1,079.15 points, or 1.45%, to 75,286.39.
The 50-share NSE Nifty edged higher by 112.35 points, or 0.49%, to end at 23,114.50. Intra-day, it jumped 343 points, or 1.49%, to 23,345.15.
From the 30-Sensex firms, Tata Steel, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Trent, Reliance Industries, Titan, NTPC and Sun Pharma were among the major gainers.
HDFC Bank, Bharat Electronics, Kotak Mahindra Bank and ICICI Bank were among the laggards.
Meanwhile, the price of premium or higher-grade petrol on Friday (March 20, 2026) was increased by ₹2 per litre, and the rate of bulk diesel sold to industrial users was hiked by about ₹22 a litre, reflecting the spike in global oil prices amid conflict in West Asia.
Government launches ₹497 crore RELIEF scheme providing credit insurance to exporters affected by the West Asia crisis, focusing on MSMEs.
Crude oil futures rise amid Middle East attacks, pushing Brent above $116 on fears of tightening global supply.
West Asia conflict delays India’s FTA talks with GCC and Israel, while UK and EU agreements proceed as planned in 2024.
Russian Urals oil vessels will reach India on March 21 amid stable fuel prices and diversified LPG imports.
Warner Bros. dominated the Academy Awards, but Paramount’s looming acquisition of the studio signals the biggest restructuring of the industry in decades and a battle over the future of Hollywood itself
HDFC Bank board calls Atanu Chakraborty’s resignation baffling, affirms robust corporate governance and strong market confidence.
RNFI and Jio Payments Bank launch cardless UPI QR cash withdrawals for instant access across urban, semi-urban, and rural India.
RBI approves HDFC Bank's chairman transition plan, affirming the bank's strong financials and competent management.
Markets fall 2% as Israel attacks Iran’s South Pars gas field, pushing Brent crude above $112 and rupee below ₹93.
HDFC Bank shares drop over 4% following chairman’s ethical resignation, raising insider trading and management concerns.
Erran Berger, the Vice President of Product Engineering at LinkedIn, thinks the former type of division of labour is rapidly disappearing
India mandates oil and gas firms to share import and export data to mitigate consumer shortages amid rising global prices.
HDFC Bank's chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigns over ethical concerns; Keki Mistry appointed interim chairman for three months.