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Full issue · 2026-03-18

Market Pulse: 18 March 2026 - Pre-Market Update

Market Pulse - Wednesday, 18 March, 2026
Nifty 23,581.15 (+0.74%) • FII Bought ₹606 Cr
Market Pulse Wednesday, 18 March, 2026
Market Snapshot
📊
Nifty 50
23,581.15
+0.74%
📈
Sensex
76,070.84
+0.75%
🏦
Bank Nifty
54,876
+0.85%

Indian markets ended higher as positive global cues from rising Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures buoyed investor sentiment ahead of the Federal Reserve's decision. The anticipation of steady rates and a positive outlook from the Fed provided a boost to Banking and IT sectors. However, geopolitical tensions from the conflict in Iran, notably the attack on the Bushehr nuclear plant, introduced potential volatility, particularly affecting the Energy and Metals sectors due to possible disruptions in oil supply. The market also reacted to the government's decision to halt the IDBI Bank stake sale, which may lead to increased volatility in the banking sector.

The Big Story
📰 FEATURED

Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures rise with Fed decision on deck

BankingIT

Positive sentiment may lead to short-term gains in Indian equities; watch Fed decision closely.

WHY IT MATTERS
Positive US market sentiment ahead of Fed decision could boost Indian market optimism.
Quick Takes
global macro • negative
Iran War News Live: Bushehr nuclear plant struck in Iran; Indian tanker Jag Ladki docks at Mundra
Prepare for increased volatility in energy and metal sectors.
Read full report →
india macro • negative
India halts IDBI Bank stake sale as bids miss target – report
Expect increased volatility in banking stocks due to divestment delays.
Read full report →
global macro • negative
Investors pile into cash at fastest pace since pandemic on Iran fears
Prepare for potential volatility in Indian equities due to global risk-off sentiment.
Read full report →
global macro
Fed meeting live updates: Federal Reserve expected to hold rates steady, offer updated outlook amid Iran war
Monitor Fed's stance for clues on future FII behavior.
Read full report →
global macro • negative
Central banks face policy trap as Iran war drives inflation shock just as growth momentum fades
Expect potential monetary policy adjustments in response to inflationary pressures.
Read full report →
global macro • negative
How the Fed's rate decision affects your bank accounts, loans, credit cards, and investments
Investors should brace for potential volatility in banking and IT sectors.
Read full report →
FII / DII Activity
FII/FPI
Bought
₹606 Cr
DII
Bought
₹943 Cr

FIIs bought ₹606 Cr, DIIs bought ₹943 Cr today.

Market Breadth

Advances: 1095 · Declines: 635 · A/D Ratio: 1.72

Broad-based rally with strong market participation

Sector Performance
Metal
+2.8%
Auto
+2.1%
Realty
+1.8%
Media
+1.1%
Infra
+1.0%
Bank
+0.9%
Energy
+0.8%
Fin Services
+0.8%
PSU Bank
+0.3%
Pharma
+0.2%
FMCG
-0.8%
IT
-1.0%

Metal, Auto led gains while FMCG, IT underperformed. Cyclicals leading indicates risk-on appetite.

Technical Levels
Nifty 50
Support 23,400 / 23,218
Resistance 23,710 / 23,838
Bank Nifty
Support 54,327
Resistance 55,210

Nifty is in bearish trend. Trading below 200 DMA suggests caution. Short-term momentum is weak.

Global Cues

 |  S&P Futures: +1.32%

US futures positive (S&P +1.32%).

Commodities & Forex
Gold
₹1,56,100
+0.07%
Silver
₹2,53,470
+0.14%
USD/INR
Rs 92.31/USD
-0.05%
Macro / Economic Events
📌 2 earnings results expected
📌 US Fed Interest Rate Decision
📌 Innovision IPO subscribed 3.32 times on final day
Looking Ahead
👀 US Fed Interest Rate Decision
Corporate Actions
Wipro
Market Today LIVE: Gift Nifty signals steady start for Nifty 50, Sensex; Shree Cement, Wipro, Tata Steel in focus
SBI
MF buys additional 4% stake in Urban Company; Wellington Management, DF International exit
Earnings Calendar
Gaudium IVF And Women Health
18 Mar
Milestone Furniture
18 Mar

DISCLAIMER

This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not investment advice. Markets are subject to risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Consult a registered financial advisor before making investment decisions. We are not registered investment advisors with SEBI or any other regulatory body.

AI DISCLOSURE: Some analysis is generated using AI technology and curated by our editorial team.

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