FIIs net sell Indian equities worth Rs 5518 crore, while DIIs net buy Rs 5703 crore on March 20

SEBI Mandates Draft Abridged Prospectus, Introduces QR-Based IPO Disclosures in ICDR Overhaul

• FIIs sold Rs 5518 cr, DIIs bought Rs 5703 cr on Mar 20
• Autos, metals, PSU banks outperformed amid bargain hunting
• Markets react to crude prices and geopolitical tensions.

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Foreign investors (FIIs/FPIs) net sold Rs 5518 crore worth of Indian equities on March 20, 2026, according to provisional exchange data. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) net bought shares worth Rs 5703 crore.

During the session, DIIs purchased shares worth Rs 22,938 crore and sold Rs 17,232 crore. Meanwhile, FIIs bought shares worth Rs 28,496 crore but sold Rs 34,015 crore.

For the year so far, FII/FPIs have net sold worth Rs 1.37 lakh crore of Indian equities while DIIs have net bought Rs 1.99 lakh crore.

Market Performance

Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments, reflected on today's market performance saying, "Market sentiment remained cautious amid persistent Middle East tensions during the week, with elevated crude oil prices, and continued FII selling. Although the domestic equities saw a brief relief-led recovery on valuation comfort and short covering early in the week, the rally quickly reversed as renewed Middle East attacks pushed crude prices higher, reviving inflationary and macroeconomic concerns. Brent crude rose over the course of the week, while the rupee depreciated to fresh lows, further pressuring risk assets. However, the latter part of the week witnessed modest stabilization following indications of potential de-escalation and restraint around attacks on oil and gas infrastructure. Nevertheless, investors remained cautious and reluctant to carry risk positions into the weekend."

Sectorally, autos, metals, and PSU banks outperformed, supported by bargain hunting following recent corrections. In contrast, oil & gas, FMCG, real estate, financial services underperformed due to input cost pressures, rupee weakness, and stock-specific pressures.

Looking ahead, markets are likely to remain highly sensitive to geopolitical developments, movements in crude oil prices, and currency fluctuations. Key near-term catalysts include inflation data from Japan and the UK, commentary from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and PMI releases across the US and India, which will be closely watched for insights into growth resilience and policy flexibility. While near-term volatility driven by geopolitical risks and macroeconomic headwinds may persist, the ongoing correction and valuation reset are progressively creating selective long-term opportunities for disciplined investors adopting a balanced and patient approach."