The Indian stock markets are expected to open on a cautious note on Monday, March 16 2026, with early cues indicating a slightly positive start. GIFT Nifty also signals a positive open, trading at 23,253.5 with a premium of 50.5 points from its previous Nifty futures close.
On Friday, 13 March 2026, the Indian stock market closed lower amid concerns regarding the US-Iran conflict in the Middle East. The Sensex declined 1,470.50 points or 1.93% to settle at 74,563.92, while Nifty 50 finished 488.05 points or 2.06% down to close at 23,151.10.
The weakness was also reflected in broader markets, with the Nifty midcap and smallcap indices falling 2.5% each on Friday.
All other sectoral indices ended in the red, with auto, PSU Bank, Metal, Media, PSU Banks down 3-4%.
Technically, Sensex has formed a long-bodied red candle with small wicks on the upper and lower sides, indicating ongoing bearish trend continuation. The index declined around 5.5% last week.
Analysts indicate that 75,000 now acts as a key resistance level; if the index stays below this level, the market structure will continue to remain weak.
On the downside, the index could continue its correction until 73,600, and if the downward momentum accelerates, it could drag the index to 73,000.
If the index could reclaim the 75,000 level, a short rally toward 76,000- 76,100 can be seen.
The Nifty 50 also formed a bearish candle on the daily chart on Friday, indicating its weak outlook. The index backed 5.31% last week, forming a lower high and a lower low on the weekly chart.
The index is now trading between 23,300 and 22,900, a key support zone that corresponds to the upside gap formed in April 2025.
Immediate support is at 23,000-22,950; a close below this zone may drag the index toward 22,750, followed by 22,500.
On the upside, resistance can be seen at 24,500; selling pressure could emerge at this level during a short-term rally attempt.
Also Read: US Stock Market Today: Wall Street Reacts to Escalating Middle East Crisis as Oil Prices Top $100
The Bank Nifty declined 1,343.10 or 2.44% to close at 53,757.85 on Friday, forming a strong bearish candle on the daily chart.
The index is now trading below 54,000 support and also the 100-day EMA, shifting long-term momentum.
The 53,000 level is acting as a key support; a break below this could extend the decline toward 52,500 in the short term. On the upside, 55,000 is a major resistance level.
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