SGX Nifty March 2026 futures declined by 174.00 points, indicating a potential gap down opening for the Nifty 50 today.
Institutional Flows:
On 11 March 2026, provisional data indicated that foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) divested shares amounting to Rs 6,267.31 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DIIs) recorded net purchases totaling Rs 4,965.53 crore in the Indian equity market. Foreign Institutional Investors have divested shares amounting to Rs 39,116.71 crore in March (up to 11 March 2026). This follows their cash sales of Rs 6,640.78 crore in February and Rs 41,435.22 crore in January.
Global Markets:
On Thursday, Asian markets experienced a decline as investors navigated the fluctuations in oil prices and rising tensions in the Middle East. This occurred despite the U.S. and its allies’ announcement of an extraordinary emergency release of crude reserves aimed at stabilizing energy markets. The International Energy Agency plans to release 400 million barrels of oil in response to the supply disruption caused by the Iran war, marking the largest action of its kind in the organization’s history. The IEA has not provided a specific timeline for the market entry of the stocks. According to reports, Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated Wednesday evening that the U.S. plans to release 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to assist in reducing energy costs.
The statement from the Energy Secretary followed President Donald Trump’s earlier declaration regarding the utilization of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to stabilize energy prices. In the latest trading session, the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a decline as market participants remained focused on the unfolding situation regarding the U.S.-Iran conflict and fluctuations in oil prices. The 30-stock index declined by 289.24 points, representing a decrease of 0.61%, finishing at 47,417.27. The S&P 500 decreased by 0.08%, closing at 6,775.80, whereas the Nasdaq Composite increased by 0.08%, finishing the session at 22,716.13.
Domestic Market:
The primary equity indices concluded the day with significant declines on Wednesday, influenced by selling pressure in certain major stocks. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, especially the persistent US-Iran conflict, have been a significant factor affecting market sentiment. Despite previous forecasts suggesting a swift resolution, the circumstances in the region continue to be fraught with tension. Continued selling activity from foreign investors in recent sessions has exerted additional pressure on the market, coinciding with a further depreciation of the rupee against the dollar.
The Nifty closed beneath the 23,900 mark, driven by downturns in the auto, private banking, and financial sectors. Nonetheless, pharmaceutical and healthcare equities defied the overall downward market movement. The S&P BSE Sensex experienced a decline of 1,342.27 points, reflecting a decrease of 1.72%, closing at 76,863.71. The Nifty 50 index experienced a decline of 394.75 points, representing a decrease of 1.63%, closing at 23,866.85.