
Indian equity markets have remained under pressure as escalating tensions between the US, Israel and Iran triggered volatility in global energy markets, raising concerns over inflation and economic growth.
Since the beginning of the conflict, the Nifty 50 index has fallen 1,539 points or 6.11% between February 28 and March 12. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex declined 5,253 points or 6.4% during the same period, reflecting risk-off sentiment among investors.
A key factor behind the selloff has been the sharp spike in crude oil prices. Brent crude surged close to $120 per barrel, touching a four-year high after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route that carries roughly 20%–25% of global crude supply.
While markets attempted intermittent recoveries, overall sentiment remained fragile as investors closely tracked developments in the Middle East and the potential disruption to global energy supplies.
Despite the broader weakness, several Nifty 500 stocks delivered strong gains, outperforming the market during the same period.
A handful of companies across energy, commodities and financial services sectors managed to rally despite the market correction.
| Stock | Return Since Feb 27 | Market Cap | 1-Year Return |
| Adani Total Gas | 19.1% | ₹67,033 crore | +1.50% |
| Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore | 15.2% | ₹55,421 crore | +39.61% |
| Happiest Minds Technologies | 15.6% | ₹6,333 crore | -39.32% |
| NALCO | 15.2% | ₹75,026 crore | +113.2% |
| Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC | 12.1% | ₹28,907 crore | +64.95% |
| Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders | 10.1% | ₹98,787 crore | +8.56% |
| Coal India | 10.1% | ₹2.89 lakh crore | +23.46% |
The rally has largely been driven by sectors linked to energy, commodities and defence, which tend to benefit from geopolitical uncertainty and supply disruptions.
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Although the Nifty 50 and Sensex have declined more than 6% amid geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices, select Nifty 500 stocks have managed to outperform, led by companies linked to energy, commodities, and improving sectoral fundamentals.
For investors, the divergence highlights how global events can reshape sector performance, with commodity and energy stocks often emerging as relative winners during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Mar 13, 2026, 11:30 AM IST

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