March 16, 2026 – Indian benchmarks remained under pressure for the third straight session, with the Nifty 50 slipping 0.7% below 24,100 and the Sensex down 500 points near 78,600, as selling intensified in defence, IT and pharma amid sustained FII outflows of over ₹2,200 crore. Auto and metals weakness from earlier in the week spilled over, triggering broad risk aversion despite selective small-cap resilience.
In the most widespread weakness seen in recent months, over 300 stocks across segments hit fresh 52-week lows, reflecting deepening concerns over Q4 earnings, rural demand slowdown and elevated valuations.
| Symbol | LTP | New 52W Low |
|---|---|---|
| BAJAJHLDNG | 9417.05 | 9350.00 |
| PAGEIND | 29915.90 | 29800.00 |
| HONAUT | 29185.00 | 29151.00 |
| JSWHL | 15651.60 | 15284.00 |
| ACC | 1370.95 | 1361.00 |
| HCLTECH | 1309.00 | 1275.70 |
| INFY | 1231.55 | 1225.00 |
| AAVAS | 1126.60 | 1123.70 |
| JBCHEPHARM | 2095.8 | 2177 |
| TCS | 2377.15 | 2366.40 |
| BAJAJHFL | 80.27 | 79.81 |
| HINDZINC | 573.8 | 568.85 |
- Bajaj Holdings touched a new 52-week low of ₹9,350, closing at ₹9,417.05, as holding-company discount widened amid muted outlook for Bajaj Auto’s EV transition.
- ACC breached ₹1,361, settling at ₹1,370.95, reflecting cement sector pressures from subdued infrastructure spending and regional price wars.
- HCL Technologies slid to ₹1,275.70 (new low), down 0.94% equivalent at ₹1,309, on delayed US client spending and margin concerns in the IT pack.
- Page Industries hit ₹29,800, closing at ₹29,915.90, as innerwear demand softened on rural slowdown and competitive pricing.
Broader market participation in the lows signals heightened caution; Nifty support at 24,000 remains pivotal ahead of budget cues and earnings season.
