Stock Market Crash Wipes Out ₹12.87 Lakh Crore in a Day as Sensex Plunges Over 3%
Investor Wealth Erosion Deepens Amid West Asia Tensions
New Delhi, March 19: Equity investors saw their wealth shrink by ₹12.87 lakh crore on Thursday as Indian stock markets witnessed a sharp sell-off, triggered by a surge in crude oil prices following escalating attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia.The ongoing geopolitical crisis has significantly impacted market sentiment, with total investor losses exceeding ₹37 lakh crore since tensions intensified on February 28.
Sensex Records Sharpest Fall Since June 2024
The benchmark 30-share BSE Sensex plunged 2,496.89 points or 3.26% to close at 74,207.24, marking its steepest single-day decline since June 2024. The index also hit an intraday low of 73,950.95, down 2,753.18 points or 3.58%, its lowest level since April 7, 2025.This sharp reversal comes after a brief three-day recovery rally, which was halted by renewed geopolitical concerns and rising global uncertainties.
Market Capitalisation Sees Massive Drop
The overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies declined by ₹12,87,273.89 crore in a single session, bringing the total valuation down to ₹4,26,13,557.95 crore, equivalent to USD 4.61 trillion.Crude Oil Surge and Global Cues Weigh on Markets
The sell-off was largely attributed to renewed tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran, raising concerns over disruptions in global oil and LNG supplies.Brent crude prices surged 6.21% to USD 114 per barrel, intensifying inflationary fears and putting pressure on equity markets.
In addition to geopolitical risks, a hawkish stance from the US Federal Reserve and continued foreign institutional investor outflows further dampened investor sentiment.
Heavy Selling Across Sectors and Stocks
Among Sensex constituents, major losers included Eternal, Bajaj Finance, Mahindra & Mahindra, HDFC Bank, Larsen & Toubro, and InterGlobe Aviation.HDFC Bank shares declined 5.13% after Chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned, citing ethical concerns.
Broader Markets and Sectoral Indices Under Pressure
The broader market indices also mirrored the weakness. The BSE MidCap Select index fell 3.34%, while the SmallCap Select index dropped 2.77%.All sectoral indices ended in the red, indicating widespread selling pressure. The auto sector led the decline with a 4.07% drop, followed by realty at 3.79%, financial services at 3.66%, consumer discretionary at 3.62%, and banking indices also witnessing significant losses.
Other sectors such as industrials, services, IT, and consumer durables also recorded notable declines.
Market Breadth Remains Weak
Market breadth remained heavily negative, with 3,192 stocks declining, 1,051 advancing, and 161 remaining unchanged on the BSE, highlighting the extent of the broad-based sell-off across equities.Disclaimer: Due care and diligence have been taken in compiling and presenting news and market-related content. However, errors or omissions may arise despite such efforts.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any securities. Readers are advised to rely on their own assessment and judgment and consult appropriate financial advisers, if required, before taking any investment-related decisions.