Prime End of the Day Summary: View on Market Performance 12 March 2026

Nifty Extends Decline for Second Straight Day

Equity markets extended their losing streak for a second consecutive session, with the Nifty 50 falling 227 points or 0.95% to settle at 23,639, its lowest closing level since April 16, 2025.

Tracking weak global cues, the index gapped down by 192 points at the open. While a mid afternoon recovery saw the Nifty reclaim over 250 points to hit an intraday high of 23,833, the gains proved fleeting. Profit booking at higher levels triggered selling post 13:30, forcing the index to surrender over 200 points and finish near its daily lows. NSE cash market volumes rose 12% comparedto previous session.

Coal India, NTPC and Powergrid emerged as top Nifty gainers. On the other hand, Auto Heavyweights M&M, Eicher Motors and Marutiaced heavy selling as top laggards.

It was a sea of red across the board, barring marginal resilience in Oil & Gas, Metals, and Media. Auto, FMCG, and Realty witnessed the steepest cuts.

Broader markets showed resilience for the second day, as Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 fell 0.37% and 0.67%, respectively. However, the overall sentiment remained skewed toward the bears, reflected in a weak advance-decline ratio of 0.68.

After hitting a record low of 92.36, Rupee clawed back to end 15 paise weaker at 92.19, buoyed by RBI intervention and softer oil prices.

Nifty’s close at the lowest level in the in the recent downturn, underscores the prevailing bearish momentum. Trend of the Nifty continues to remain weak, with immediate support placed at 23,500 and 23210. On the upside, 24,000– 24,100 zone remains a formidable ceiling for any recovery attempts