New Delhi, March 23 -- Metal stocks came under severe selling pressure on Monday, March 23, declining up to 6% and emerging as the worst sectoral performer today as the Indian stock market crashed following the prolonged US-Iran war and disruptions to oil and energy supply.

All index constituents traded in the red, dragging the Nifty Metal index 4.25% lower to 10,927 today. Hindustan Copper shares, down 6.4%, emerged as the worst losers. They were followed by Hindustan Zinc, its parent Vedanta, SAIL and NMDC, each losing over 5%. Vedanta shares also remain in focus ahead of the board meeting later today to consider dividend payout.

Steel companies like Tata Steel, JSW Steel and Jindal Steel also declined significantly between 4.3-4.9%....