The advance-decline ratio — a widely watched indicator of the overall market health — on Wednesday hit its lowest in two years, and the fourth lowest since 2010, pointing to panic in the broader market.
Out of the 3,976 shares traded on the BSE, 3,569 fell, while 350 rose. The carnage in these segments has resulted in 50 stocks with market capitalisation exceeding Rs 500 crore tumbling between 25% and 65% in March so far.
Around 130 stocks are down 20% to 25% during this period. The worst-hit sectors on Wednesday were realty, energy, commodities, utilities, and power. Some of these sectors or themes have been the top performers on Dalal Street in the past six months.