Nifty, Sensex Fight Back, Small Caps Remain Under Pressure – Monday Market Report
Moneylife Digital Team 16 March 2026
On Monday, 1509 stocks advanced, 2860 declined and 180 remained unchanged on Bombay Stock Exchange with advance decline ratio of 0.53 indicating a negative closing. The trend of the major indices on Monday’s trading is given in the table below.  
 
 
On NSE, 18 securities advanced and closed at a new 52-week high whereas 782 securities sank to close at their new 52-week lows. In sectoral indices, Nifty Auto, Nifty FMCG and Nifty PSU bank were among the biggest gainers. Nifty Pharma, Nifty Energy and Nifty India Defence were among the biggest losers. 
 
Hindustan Unilever (+0.73%) approved the grant of 2,69,514 stock options under its HUL Performance Share Plan Scheme 2024. The decision was taken by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee via a circular resolution on 15 March 2026. The company clarified that the grant is not a material event under SEBI Regulation 30, and the disclosure is made purely for shareholder information and transparency.
 
Fino Payments Bank (-16.77%) clarified that it is not under investigation by any authority other than the DGGI, Hyderabad. The ongoing probe relates to programme managers and merchants across multiple banks, and is not connected to Fino’s GST compliance. The bank also addressed inaccuracies in media reports, rejecting references to court proceedings such as bail rejections. It reiterated that it does not engage in gaming or betting activities and remains committed to governance, compliance, and transparency, while continuing to cooperate with authorities.
 
Izmo Microsystems partnered with CCRAFT SA and Alcyon Photonics to build a full silicon photonics value chain. The collaboration spans design, packaging, and production for datacom, telecom, aerospace, and sensor markets.
 
Suprajit Engineering’s (+1.15%) promoter K. Ajith Kumar Rai acquired 10,000 shares on 13 March 2026 via the open market. His holding rose to 38,25,380 shares (2.79% of voting capital), up from 2.78%. The transaction, valued at ₹4,049,600, reflects the promoter group’s ongoing investment in the company, listed on BSE and NSE.
 
Danish Power (-0.53%) secured a ₹48.77 crore domestic order from leading EPC and IPP companies for inverter duty transformers and accessories. The scope covers design, manufacture, testing, and supply, with execution expected in six to eight months. It confirmed no promoter group interest in awarding entities, underscoring its specialised capability in transformer supply for the power sector. 
 
MTNL (-1.99%) defaulted on ₹9,188 crore in principal and interest payments to multiple banks as of 28 February 2026. The overdue includes ₹7,794.34 crore principal and ₹1,393.39 crore interest, with ₹2,095.72 crore principal overdue. Its largest exposure is to Union Bank of India (₹4,007.88 crore), while overall financial indebtedness stands at ₹36,216 crore, comprising bank loans, SG bonds, and a DoT loan for SG bond interest.
 
Vedanta(-0.57%)approved the allotment of ₹2,575 crore non convertible debentures on a private placement basis. The issue comprises 2,57,500 unsecured, redeemable, rated, and listed debentures, each with a face value of ₹1,00,000. This move, cleared by the Committee of Directors, supports the company’s strategic financial management and liquidity plans. 
 
Union Bank of India (+0.99%) approved plans to raise up to ₹25,000 crore through long term and green bonds. The bank will target ₹20,000 crore via long term bonds for infrastructure and affordable housing, with a possible ₹7,500 crore tranche (₹3,000 crore base issue plus ₹4,500 crore green shoe option) of 10 year tenor before 31 March 2026. Additionally, it will issue ₹5,000 crore in green or sustainable bonds in one or more tranches, reflecting its focus on diversified funding and ESG aligned financing.
 
Ramco Systems (-2.30%) signed an MOU with Anna University, Chennai to set up an ERP Lab for Industrial Engineering students. The lab will integrate into UG and PG coursework, offering hands on exposure to AI powered ERP platforms in manufacturing, supply chain, and finance. Ramco will provide cloud ERP access, faculty training, industry sessions, internships, and recruitment opportunities, bridging classroom learning with real world enterprise technologies.
 
Tejas Networks (+5.28%) won a South Asia contract to supply 4G RAN solutions for a mobile operator’s network expansion. Its multiband radio products will be deployed across multiple sites, marking a step in broadening its international wireless customer base.
 
Lloyds Metals & Energy (+0.56%) commenced commercial production of copper cathodes from its 12,000 TPA plant in the Katanga Copper Belt, DRC. The facility, with 50% interest held by Lloyds, covers 16 mining licences and high grade oxide deposits, confirming operational readiness with its first output. Production is expected to ramp to 10,000–12,000 tonnes in 2026, ~15,000 tonnes in 2027, with a pathway to 30,000 TPA capacity over the medium term, marking its entry into the global copper value chain.
 
L&T Technology Services (-3.07%) clarified that its share price movements are market driven, with no undisclosed material events. In response to a BSE query on 16 March 2026, it confirmed compliance with SEBI Regulation 30, noting no current developments requiring disclosure. The company reiterated its commitment to timely disclosures, governance, and transparency, assuring shareholders of adherence to the highest standards.
 
Intellect Design Arena (-2.35%) approved a 50:50 joint venture with UK‑based Fintel PLC to build an AI‑led financial advisory platform for the UK market. The entity will be incorporated in the UK, with a five‑member board (two nominees each from Intellect and Fintel, plus one independent director). Initial capital and share issuance details will be finalised at incorporation, with further appointments determined by the JV’s board.
 
Tatva Chintan Pharma (+0.04%) will face a 20% cut in natural gas supply under the new Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has mandated allocation based on a Pooled Price mechanism, overriding existing Gas Sales Agreements. Driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions, the order is classified as a Force Majeure mitigation measure, impacting industrial consumers including Tatva Chintan’s manufacturing units.
 
 
The top gainers and top losers of the major indices are given in the table below:
 
 
The closing values of the major Asian indices are given in the table below:
 
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