Equity markets tumble; Sensex dives 1,837 pts, Nifty below 22,550

Indian share market indices traded on weak note on Monday amid selling across the sectors.At close, the Sensex was down 1,836.57 points or 2.46 percent at 72,696.39, and the Nifty was down 601.85 points or 2.60 percent at 22,512.65. 
HCL Technologies, ONGC, Power Grid Corp, Infosys were the top gainers on the Nifty, while losers included Shriram Finance, Trent, UltraTech Cement, Titan Company, Jio Financial.On the sectoral front,all the sectoral indices ended in the red with realty, capital goods, consumer durables, metal, telecom, PSU Bank shed 4-5%, while auto, energy, media, private bank, oil & gas down 3% each.Nifty Midcap and smallcap indices slipped nearly 4% each.
Rupee Close:
On 23 Mar'26, the Indian rupee fell to a record low at 93.98 against the U.S. dollar on Monday ​as Indian assets dropped on ​worries that the Middle East conflict could keep energy supplies disrupted ​for longer, raising risks for Asia's third-largest economy.
Trading Guide:
Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments stated domestic markets witnessed a sharp decline, mirroring weakness across Asian markets amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies. Investor sentiment turned cautious following Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum to Iran on the Strait of Hormuz.Rising global bond yields signalled heightened inflation and fiscal concerns, while the rupee falling to a record low further pressured markets and triggered FII outflows. Broad-based selling was observed across sectors, with metals, realty, and consumer durables leading the losses, and mid- and small-cap stocks underperforming.
In the near term, markets are likely to remain risk-averse until there is greater clarity on de-escalation, though the correction is offering selective long-term opportunities for investors.
Market experts recommended three stocks to buy on Monday- BHEL, Northern ARC Capital, and Avalon Technologies shares.

(Business Correspondent)