Wall Street s main stock indexes opened lower on Monday as investors assessed the latest batch of economic data to gauge the impact of President Donald Trump s tariffs on the economy.

Jyotivardhan Jaipuria, Founder & MD, Valentis Advisors, is more optimistic about the market after the correction. He believes valuations are now reasonable. He sees potential in sectors like banks, pharma, white goods, travel, and auto ancillaries. Jaipuria anticipates an 8% earnings growth in the March quarter and 11-12% next year.

Gold and silver prices hit fresh record levels on Monday, rallying Rs 1,300 each, tracking strong trends in the global markets amid uncertainty over US tariffs, trade tensions and growing expectations of monetary policy easing by the Federal Reserve.

Sensex surged 341 points to close at 74,170, with six BSE smallcap stocks hitting their 52-week highs. These stocks, including NACL Industries and Avanti Feeds, saw significant gains, indicating strong investor confidence and growth potential in select sectors.

Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) hold over 40% in key Nifty200 stocks, indicating strong confidence. Top holdings include Federal Bank, Coforge, IRB Infrastructure, ICICI Bank, and ITC.

Indian benchmark indices gained momentum, driven by banking and auto stocks. ICICI Bank and Axis Bank led the rally, supported by positive global cues. KEC International, Muthoot Finance, Varun Beverages, and Voltas surged, while Ola Electric Mobility declined 7.2%.

Paradeep Parivahan IPO saw a subdued start, with an overall subscription of 9% on day one. The retail segment was subscribed 17%, while NIIs stood at 5%. The Rs 45 crore issue comprises 45.78 lakh fresh equity shares and closes on March 19. The allocation includes 50% for QIBs, 35% for retail, and 15% for NIIs.

​The Indian rupee strengthened for the third consecutive session on Monday, helped by dollar sales by exporters and foreign banks, coupled with a broadly softer greenback that hovered near a five-month low against its major peers.

Indian benchmark indices ended in the green today (Monday, March 17) led by gains in bank and auto stocks while individually ICICI Bank and Axis Bank called the shots. Favaourable global cues also helped bulls consolidate their position.

The Bombay High Court on Monday discharged Adani Enterprises Ltd, group Chairman Gautam Adani and MD Rajesh Adani from a case of alleged violations of market regulations involving Rs 388 crore, saying no case of cheating or criminal conspiracy was made out.