March 16, 2026 – Indian benchmarks extended early-week weakness, with the Nifty 50 down 0.6% below 24,150 and the Sensex shedding 450 points near 78,700, as heavy selling in defence, IT and pharma intensified amid FII outflows crossing ₹1,800 crore and global yield pressures. While Nifty heavyweights dragged the index lower, over 90 stocks triggered lower circuits in small- and mid-caps, reflecting broad exits in manufacturing and infra plays. Countering the gloom, 16 names scaled fresh 52-week highs on bargain hunting in niche sectors.
| Category | Top Symbols (by Impact) | LTP | %Chng | Volume (Lakhs) / New High | Value (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nifty Losers | BEL | 426.25 | -2.99 | 835.25 | 3589.42 |
| WIPRO | 194.11 | -1.76 | 536.60 | 1050.18 | |
| DRREDDY | 1270.1 | -1.72 | 43.97 | 562.86 | |
| Lower Circuits | ELLEN | 180.02 | -7.85 | 13.46 | 24.62 |
| REGAAL | 81.72 | -10.00 | 24.13 | 20.03 | |
| EBGNG | 367.45 | -4.97 | 3.51 | 12.97 | |
| 52-Week Highs | AEROFLEX | 243.62 | 4.03 | 248.2 | – |
| GJL | 238.9 | 4.99 | 238.9 | – | |
| GAYAPROJ | 13.33 | 4.96 | 13.33 | – |
- BEL led Nifty declines with a 2.99% plunge to ₹426.25 on ₹3,589.42 crore turnover, as defence order delays resurfaced; Wipro and Dr Reddy’s followed with 1.76% and 1.72% drops on high volumes.
- ELLEN and REGAAL locked sharp 7.85% and 10% lower circuits at ₹180.02 and ₹81.72 respectively, with combined turnover of ₹44.65 crore, underscoring textiles and apparel distress from rising input costs and weak demand.
- EBGNG hit its 5% floor at ₹367.45 amid ₹12.97 crore trade, extending engineering sector weakness tied to capex deferrals.
- AEROFLEX scaled a new 52-week high of ₹248.20 (up 4.03% at ₹243.62), driven by aerospace export orders, while GJL and GAYAPROJ touched lifetime peaks at ₹238.90 and ₹13.33 on renewed infra and project momentum.
