Investors' wealth eroded by Rs 23.44 lakh crore since the beginning of conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, which has sent shockwaves across equity markets, dragging the BSE Sensex lower by over 6 per cent. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, jumped 6.66 per cent to USD 98.11 per barrel. The market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies eroded by Rs 23,44,237.26 crore to Rs 4,40,06,434.01 crore (USD 4.77 trillion) during this time. The lack of de-escalation signs in Middle East geopolitical tensions continued to unsettle global markets and push crude oil prices higher. On the other hand, utilities jumped 3.31 per cent, power (2.51 per cent), energy (1.06 per cent), capital goods (0.55 per cent), oil & gas (0.52 per cent) and metal (0.45 per cent).

Source: The Telegraph March 12, 2026 15:03 UTC