Indian equity benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty, tanked on Tuesday, March 4, 2026, amid weak global cues on escalating US-Iran tensions and a surge in oil prices. While the 30-share BSE Sensex fell 1,710.03 points to start the session at 78,528.82, the Nifty shed 476.9 points to open at 24,388.80. In the last trading session, the Sensex closed at 80,238.85 and the Nifty 50 at 24,865.70. Similarly, the broader indices traded in the red in the opening session. While the BSE Midcap Select Index dropped 283.39 points, or 1.72 per cent, in the early trading session, the BSE Smallcap Select Index was down by 127.53 points or 1.68 per cent, to trade at 7,458.12.
From the Sensex pack, only BEL, Infosys and TCS were among the gainers, with BEL gaining 1.07 per cent in the early trade. On the other hand, Larsen & Toubro, Indigo, HDFC Bank, Tata Steel, and Adani Ports were among the losers, with L&T shedding 5.84 per cent in the opening trade.
In early trade, market breadth was negative, with 2,211 stocks declining against 261 stocks advancing on the NSE. 77 stocks remained unchanged.
What did Gift Nifty indicate?
Gift Nifty, an early indicator for the Nifty 50, indicated a negative start as it opened with a fall of 403 points at 24,589.50, compared to the previous close of 24,992.50. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold equities worth Rs 3,295.64 crore on March 3, 2026, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) provided strong support by purchasing equities exceeding Rs 8,593.87 crore.
Asian Markets Today
ALSO READ | Reserve Bank of India shares update on Rs 2,000 banknotes, check full details
(This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, or other advice.)
