US Federal Reserve Meeting and Crude Oil Price Volatility: Key Factors Influencing Indian Stock Market Trends This Week

Indian Stock Market Report

March 13, 2026

The Indian stock market experienced a third consecutive day of heavy selling pressure, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 declining by approximately 2% each. Sensex fell 1,471.00 points, or 1.93%, to close at 74,563.92, while Nifty 50 dropped 488.00 points, or 2.06%, to settle at 23,151.10.

Broader markets also witnessed sharp losses, with the BSE 150 Midcap Index plunging 2.61% and the BSE 250 Smallcap Index sliding 2.67%. Both Sensex and Nifty 50 extended their decline for the third consecutive week, with Sensex losing 4,355 points, or 5.5%, and Nifty 50 dropping 1,300 points, or 5.3%.

Read also: Treasury Yields Experience Largest Increase in Two Weeks Following Release of Labor Market Data

Market Outlook The week ahead is expected to remain highly volatile, with market direction largely influenced by developments surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Investors will closely track statements from key government officials and global stakeholders involved in the situation for any signals of escalation or potential diplomatic de-escalation.

Top 5 Triggers for the Indian Stock Market

1. US Federal Meeting: The US Federal Reserve is set to begin its two-day meeting on March 17 and will announce the outcome on March 18. The Federal Reserve's key policy rate currently stands in the range of 3.5% to 3.75%.
2. US-Israel-Iran War: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to concerns over global supply and inflationary pressures.
3. Crude Oil Prices: Global crude oil prices were trading slightly lower after the US Department of the Treasury announced a 30-day waiver permitting all countries to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea. Brent crude was trading at $99.99 per barrel, down 0.47%, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined 0.67% to $95.09 per barrel.
4. Gold and Silver Prices: Gold declined on Friday and headed for its second consecutive weekly loss as the conflict in the Middle East kept crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, sustaining global inflationary pressures. Gold fell as much as 1.4%, pulling back to around $5,000 per ounce amid a strengthening US dollar.
5. FII Flows and Indian Rupee: FII flows and movements in the Indian rupee will remain key indicators, as global capital allocation toward emerging markets such as India continues to be influenced by geopolitical developments and commodity price volatility.