Markets have got a breather today after a triggered by rising tensions linked to the Iran conflict. With trading shut for Holi, investors have a pause after Monday’s weak close, when global worries and higher crude oil prices pulled indices lower.
The stock market is closed today, Tuesday, March 3, on account of Holi 2026. While the exchanges have declared the holiday for Tuesday, the festival of colours will be observed across many parts of the country on Wednesday, March 4.
Both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India will remain closed for trading today. There will be no activity in the equity, equity derivatives or other segments on these exchanges.
Commodity markets will see a partial holiday. The Multi Commodity Exchange of India is shut for trading in the first session between 9 am and 5 pm. However, trading will resume in the evening session from 5 pm to 11 pm today.
The National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange will remain closed for both trading sessions.
As per the holiday calendar issued last year, the exchanges have scheduled 15 trading holidays in 2026. So far this year, the market has observed two trading holidays. January 15 was declared an additional holiday due to the Mumbai BMC elections. January 26 was a holiday for Republic Day.
March is one of the months with multiple holidays. Apart from the Holi break today, both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India will remain closed later in the month for other festivals.
The market will be closed for Shri Ram Navami on Thursday, March 26. It will also remain shut for Shri Mahavir Jayanti on Tuesday, March 31.
Looking ahead, April and May will each have two trading holidays. June will have one holiday. There will be no market closures in July and August. September and December will have one holiday each. October and November will see two trading holidays each.
On Monday, March 2, both benchmark indices ended the day with losses of over 1% amid weak global cues and rising geopolitical tensions.
The Nifty 50 fell 1.24% to close at 24,865.70. The BSE Sensex dropped 1.29% to settle at 80,238.
Ajit Mishra – SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said that markets witnessed sharp selling pressure on Monday, losing over a percent amid weak global cues and rising geopolitical tensions.
“Investor sentiment deteriorated sharply after escalating tensions in the Middle East triggered a surge in crude oil prices and heightened global uncertainty. The spike in oil raised concerns about inflation, currency pressure and India’s import bill, which weighed on equities. Volatility also increased as participants reduced exposure amid fears of further geopolitical escalation,” he added.
“Given the heightened volatility and global uncertainty, we reiterate our advice to maintain a cautious stance, keep position sizes light and focus on disciplined risk management,” said Mishra.
Broader markets also saw losses on Monday. The Nifty Midcap 100 and the Nifty Smallcap 100 declined more than 1.5% each.
Trading will resume as per the normal schedule after the holiday. Investors are advised to track global cues and the official exchange calendar for further updates.
(Disclaimer: The views, opinions, recommendations, and suggestions expressed by experts/brokerages in this article are their own and do not reflect the views of the India Today Group. It is advisable to consult a qualified broker or financial advisor before making any actual investment or trading choices.)