Indian stock markets are closed today, March 31, in observance of Shri Mahavir Jayanti, marking an official stock market holiday today. Both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain shut for the entire day. This is the first of two market holidays this week, with the next closure scheduled on April 3 for Good Friday.
Stock Market Holiday Today: Commodity Trading Continues in Evening Session Despite Equity Market Closure
While equity markets are fully closed, the commodity segment observes a partial shutdown. At the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX), the morning session remains suspended, but trading will resume in the evening from 5 pm to 11:30/11:55 pm. This split session allows bullion, crude, and metal traders to respond to global market cues even during the stock market holiday today, unlike equity investors.
Why Traders Should Be Cautious
Two market holidays in the same week increase timing risks for investors, especially short-term traders and derivatives participants. Any sharp movement in global markets will not immediately impact Indian equities. Instead, it will be reflected only when the markets reopen, often causing significant gap-up or gap-down openings. This week, with ongoing tensions in the Middle East, crude oil volatility, and a busy US economic calendar, the effects of the stock market holiday today could amplify market unpredictability.
Also read: Bank Holidays 2026: Banks to Remain Closed for Multiple Days from March 30 to April 5
Bullion Market Trends
In domestic commodities, gold futures ended marginally lower at Rs 1.44 lakh per 10 grams last week, while silver gained Rs 1,182, or 0.52%, to close at Rs 2.27 lakh per kilogram on MCX. Analysts point to the rupee’s weakness against the dollar, which declined over 1% last week to 94.80, as a key factor supporting domestic bullion prices. Globally, gold slipped nearly 2%, while silver recovered due to strong Chinese demand and safe-haven buying amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Market Performance on March 30
Ahead of the stock market holiday today, equity indices witnessed a sharp sell-off on Monday, March 30. The BSE Sensex fell 1,635.67 points, or 2.22%, to 71,947.55, while the Nifty 50 declined 488.20 points, or 2.14%, to 22,331.40. Midcap and smallcap indices dropped around 2.6% each.
All sectoral indices ended in the red, with auto, FMCG, consumer durables, capital goods, telecom, realty, and banking stocks falling between 2–4%. Key losers included Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finserv, State Bank of India, and InterGlobe Aviation. Hindalco Industries, Coal India, ONGC, and Power Grid Corporation of India were among the few gainers.
Investors are advised to carefully monitor global cues and manage their positions, as this stock market holiday today creates a temporary disconnect between global developments and domestic market reactions.