Stock markets dive as West Asia conflict, crude oil prices continue to dent sentiment

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty dropped sharply in early trade on Monday (March 23, 2026) as West Asia conflict entered its fourth week driving crude oil prices higher. A massive bearish trend in global equity markets and relentless foreign fund outflows also made investors jittery. The 30-share BSE Sensex dived 1,555.62 points, or 2%, to 72,977.34 during initial trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty tanked 479.95 points, or 2%, to 22,634.55. From the 30-Sensex firms, Tata Steel, State Bank of India, Bajaj Finance, Bharat Electronics, Titan, and Adani Ports were among the biggest laggards. HCL Tech emerged as the only winner….