Post Market, 18 March 2026: Benchmarks Close Higher For Third Straight Day

Benchmark indices stayed positive through Wednesday’s trade, helped by buying in several sectors and steady global cues.

The day remained largely firm, even as investors tracked overseas developments ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy announcement. By the close, both Sensex and Nifty had extended their recent gains.

Closing Bell

• Sensex climbed more than 600 points to close near 76,700

• Nifty 50 jumped 196 points and settled above the 23,700 level

The rally added roughly ₹5 lakh crore to investor wealth during the session, reflecting a broad improvement in market sentiment after recent volatility.

Broader Markets

Buying was visible across the broader market as well.

• The Nifty Midcap 100 index gained 2%

• The Nifty Smallcap 100 index also advanced by 1.6%

The move in midcap and smallcap stocks suggests that investors are gradually returning to broader segments of the market after a period of caution earlier in the month.

What Moved The Markets Today?

Global market sentiment provided a supportive backdrop for Indian equities during Wednesday’s session.

Asian markets were mostly higher after overnight gains in the US, where major indices closed with mild advances. Attention remained on the Federal Reserve meeting, with investors waiting for signals on rates and liquidity.

Oil prices also stayed firmly in the spotlight. Crude eased during the session after Iraq resumed crude exports through the pipeline connecting to Turkey, raising hopes of some supply relief. However, Brent crude has continued to hold above the $100 per barrel level for a fourth straight session, reflecting ongoing concerns linked to the Iran conflict and possible disruptions in global supply.

Foreign investor flows also remained an important theme for the market. Overseas investors have continued to trim exposure to Indian equities this month, with persistent outflows linked to geopolitical tensions, rising crude prices and global risk aversion.

Despite these disruptions, strength across sectors and improved global risk sentiment helped domestic benchmarks extend their recovery for the third straight session.

Most sectoral indices ended higher on the day, with FMCG and metal being the main laggards. Realty, IT, auto, media, capital goods, consumer durables, telecom and infrastructure counters rose between 1% and 3%.

Commodities Watch: Gold And Silver

Gold and silver futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) moved through a mixed session on Wednesday as traders remained cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision.

In early trade (09:06 IST), gold futures for April delivery were down 0.21% at ₹1,55,659 per 10 grams, while silver futures for May delivery slipped 0.69% to ₹2,57,277 per kg, as a firmer US dollar kept bullion under pressure.

By midday (12:26 IST), the trend turned more balanced. Gold futures were trading at ₹1,55,936 per 10 grams, down 0.03%, while silver futures moved into positive territory and rose 0.23% to ₹2,53,694 per kg, reflecting a temporary recovery in intraday trade.

In the latter half of the session (15:10 IST), gold futures fell ₹256, to ₹1,55,729 per 10 grams, while silver futures were lower by ₹213, to ₹2,52,900 per kg. Trading stayed measured through the second half of the day, with participants waiting for clarity from the US Federal Reserve before building fresh positions.

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What Should Investors Watch Next?

Markets have recovered over the last three sessions, but near-term direction may still depend on how global developments unfold. Oil prices, foreign fund activity and the Fed outcome will remain closely watched in the sessions ahead.

The next few trading sessions will also show whether buying continues across sectors or stays concentrated in select pockets of the market.

Sources:

Economic Times

MoneyControl

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