Markets at close: Indian equity markets came off intra-day highs at the close, but still closed significantly higher. The Nifty 50 topped 394 points or 1.72% to settle at 23,306.45, while the BSE Sensex jumped 1,205 points or 1.63% to end the day at 75,273.45.
During the trade, the Nifty 50 climbed 2.2% to a high of 23,465, while the 30-stock basket surged 2.4% to the highest level of 75,849.50.
Markets at 3:00 pm: The markets have come off the day’s high point. The Nifty is trading around 23,300 now in afternoon trade. The Sensex too is now down nearly 300 points from the day’s high point. Weakness across power and tech, and keeping the indices under pressure.
Markets at 12:15 pm: It’s a smart rally across the Indian markets ahead of the mid-week break. The Sensex is up over 1,600 points, and the Nifty has climbed almost 1,000 points from the lows seen earlier this week.
Market veteran Deepak Jasani pointed out that a “relief rally” is underway. We need to see if this buying spree converts to a value buy or a bottom-fishing opportunity. If the upward movement ensures that Nifty sustains above 23,800-23,900, we can be convinced about a definitive floor being in place. The current uptrend is primarily on the back of panic buying and short covering.”
3 reasons why the markets are rallying today
A quick look at the key factors impacting sentiment now –
#1 Signal of a pause in Middle East
One key factor that helped improve sentiment across equity markets is the signal of a ceasefire between Iran and the US. Reports that the US is seeking a month-long ceasefire in its war on Iran and had sent a 15-point plan to Iran for discussion raised hopes for a breakthrough. Investors are betting on reports and expect that this could help restore oil exports from the Gulf region.
#2 Crude prices stabilising
The other big impact is the current crude rate. US President Donald Trump signalled plans for talks with Iran. Tehran however denied it. The news surely impacted oil rates. Investors heaved a sigh of relief as oil prices fell significantly from their earlier highs. Brent crude futures slid 5% to $99 a barrel.
#3 Panic buying seen
Given the sharp correction seen in the Indian markets in the past few days and the long-term optimism around earnings, many market participants and investors are looking at current levels as a value buying opportunity. There is significant short covering also seen in today’s trade.
Markets at 11:20 am: In intraday trading, the Sensex surged 1600 points, or 2.14%, to 75,651, while the Nifty gained 500 points, or 2.18%, to 23,411.
In the sectoral indices, Nifty Auto, financials, media, metals, pharma, and health are trading between 2-3%.
Markets at 10:30 am: In early morning trade, the Sensex rallied sharply, gaining 1,229.99 points or 1.66% to trade at 75,298.44, while the Nifty 50 advanced 393.40 points or 1.72% to 23,305.80.
The gainers at this hour include – Trent up 4%, Bajaj Finance, UltraTech Cement, M&M, and Titan up 3% each.
Markets at 9:45 am: In early trading, the Sensex surged over 1,000 points or 1.4% to 75,150, while the Nifty jumped 350 points or 1.56% to 23,270.
Markets at open: The Indian stock markets opened on a strong note on Wednesday, with the Sensex rising 661 points or 1% to 74,729.73 and the Nifty gaining 214 points or 1% to 23,127.35. The big gainers in trade include Eternal, Shriram Finance and the entire auto pack.
Indications of de-escalation in the conflict have added to the positive sentiment in the market. US President Donald Trump’s comments and indications from the Iranian regime signal that the conflict could potentially be nearing an end soon.
“Particularly the reiteration from Iran that non-hostile ships can transit the Strait of Hormuz is good news that will mitigate India’s energy concerns. These positive geopolitical developments have reflected in a sharp decline in Brent crude to around $98,” said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments.
However, he was quick to add that “if the recovery is to be sustained, FIIs should stop their big, sustained selling, which, in turn, will require stability in the rupee. In the near-term, mid- and small-caps can rebound more than large caps since there is no worry of significant FII selling in this segment,” he added.
The rupee has opened the Wednesday trade on a weaker note. It fell by 20 paise to 93.96 against the US dollar in early trade.
Markets at pre-open: Markets are likely to take cues from global developments today, with investors keeping an eye on West Asia and trends across equities, currencies, and commodities.
Early signals suggest a positive start, with GIFT Nifty up 230 points, indicating an opening around the 23,100–23,200 range.
Previous session: Markets end higher
The Nifty and Sensex closed higher in the latest session. The Nifty rose 399.75 points, or 1.78%, to end at 22,912.40, while the Sensex gained 1,372.06 points, or 1.89%, to close at 74,068.45.
Key global and domestic cues to watch on March 25, 2026
Asian markets
Markets across the Asia-Pacific region started on Wednesday on a positive note. Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Topix both moved higher by over 2%, while South Korea’s Kospi saw a similar rise, up 2.5%, and the Kosdaq also edged up 1.5%. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was trading more than 1% higher in early deals.
Talks speculation – Hopes of US-Iran talks
Comments from US President Donald Trump raised hopes of possible talks between the United States and Iran, which helped improve market mood.
Trump said both countries are in discussions and that Iran may be open to an agreement. He also said he paused earlier plans to act against Iran’s energy sector because of these talks, said the US president while speaking at the Oval Office
However, Iran has denied that any direct talks are taking place.
Crude oil
Crude oil prices declined sharply in early trading on Wednesday, as traders reacted to signs that tension in the Middle East could ease. A rise in US crude inventories also added pressure on prices.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell over 5% to around $87.50 per barrel, while Brent crude dropped about 6%, trading near $98.21 per barrel.
US market
US markets ended lower on March 24. The broad market index slipped 0.37% to close at 6,556.37. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 84.41 points, or 0.18%, to 46,124.06, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.84% to finish at 21,761.89.
US dollar
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the dollar’s value against a basket of six foreign currencies, was trading 0.16% down at 99.10 on Wednesday morning. The index evaluates the strength or weakness of the US dollar in comparison to major currencies. The basket contains currencies such as the British Pound, Euro, Swedish Krona, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, etc. The rupee depreciated 0.12% to close at 93.87 to the dollar on March 24.
FII, DII data
Foreign investors remained sellers in the Indian market on March 24, offloading equities worth Rs 8,010 crore, as per provisional data.
On the other hand, domestic institutional investors provided some support, buying shares worth Rs 5,867 crore during the session.
Gold rate today
In the international market, gold was trading at $4,564 per ounce.
Gold prices in India remain in sharp focus. On the MCX, April 2, 2026, gold futures were trading at Rs 1,38,743 per 10 grams in the latest update.
Key sectoral gainers in last trading session
Several sectors saw gains in the last trading session, with transport stocks leading the rise with an increase of 5.06%. Water management and fertiliser stocks also moved higher, gaining 4.9% and 4.1%, respectively, while tourism stocks were up 4.04%.
Best and worst performing business group in last trading session
Among group stocks, Pennar Group and Manipal Group led the gains, rising 6.37% and 5.46%, respectively. GMR Group also moved higher with a gain of 4.59%.
On the downside, Oswal Group declined 1.41%, while Anil Ambani Group fell 1.64% and Future Group slipped 2%.