Stock market today, March 24 -- Following weak global markets, the Indian stock market received a heavy beating on Monday. Amid a bloodbath on Dalal Street, the Nifty 50 and the BSE Sensex crashed around 2.50%. The Bank Nifty index tanked 1,989 points or 3.72% and closed at 51,437.

Sectoral participation was broadly negative, reflecting widespread weakness across the market. All major sectors ended in the red, with realty, metals and banking among the key laggards. The selling pressure was more intense in the broader markets, where both midcap and smallcap indices declined sharply by nearly 4%, indicating strong risk aversion among participants.

The Gift Nifty has opened nearly 500 points higher than its Monday close. Experts believe th...