RIL, ONGC, M&M, Airtel, PB Fintech: 69 BSE500 Stocks at 52-Week Lows

Market Turmoil: 69 BSE500 Stocks Hit 52-Week Lows Amid Ongoing Oil Supply Concerns

The recent downturn in the Indian stock market has seen a significant number of companies, including major players like Reliance Industries and Bharti Airtel, reach their 52-week lows, raising concerns among investors.

Market Overview: A Steep Decline

The BSE Sensex has dropped for four consecutive trading days, losing 2.5% in this period, and has fallen 8.4% over the last two months. This decline has been exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted oil supplies and raised concerns about inflation and economic stability. A total of 69 stocks from the BSE500 index, including prominent names like Hindustan Unilever, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Maruti Suzuki, have hit their respective 52-week lows, reflecting a broader market malaise.

Foreign Institutional Investors’ Selling Pressure

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have been net sellers for five consecutive sessions, offloading equities worth over ₹10,148 crore on September 30, 2026. This trend of selling has intensified, with a total of ₹20,128 crore sold in just the last two trading days. The rising yield on the US 10-year bond, now at 5.3%, is likely influencing this behavior, as investors seek safer returns in the US market. Despite this, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) have stepped in to provide support, purchasing equities worth ₹11,271 crore during the same period.

Sector-Specific Impacts and Notable Stocks

The ongoing market turmoil has affected various sectors. For instance, the oil and gas sector has seen ONGC hit a 52-week low, while the financial sector has been impacted with stocks like Can Fin Homes and Muthoot Finance also reaching their lows. Notably, PB Fintech, the parent company of PolicyBazaar, has seen its shares plummet to ₹988.30, a decline of 48% in just six trading days, following regulatory changes proposed by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) that could significantly impact its earnings.

Maruti Suzuki’s shares also fell 5% to ₹11,366, marking its lowest level since January 2024. The company reported total sales of 236,013 units in September 2026, but this has not been enough to stave off the stock’s decline, which has seen a 32% drop this calendar year. UPL, another significant player, reached a 52-week low of ₹515.55, reflecting a broader trend of declining profitability in the agrochemical sector.

Investor Sentiment and Future Outlook

Market analysts suggest that the current phase may be temporary, with hopes pinned on a potential decline in crude oil prices, which could stabilize the market. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments, believes that this period of weakness could present a buying opportunity for investors looking to accumulate high-quality stocks, particularly in growth segments. However, the volatility in the market and the uncertain geopolitical landscape necessitate a cautious approach.

Key Highlights

• 69 stocks from the BSE500 have hit 52-week lows amid market decline.
• FIIs have sold equities worth over ₹45,536 crore in September 2026.
• PB Fintech’s shares fell 48% following regulatory changes affecting its business model.
• Maruti Suzuki’s stock price has dropped 32% this year, hitting a low of ₹11,366.
• UPL’s stock has declined 37% from its 52-week high due to profitability concerns.

Investor Note: The current market conditions present both challenges and opportunities for investors. While the volatility may be unsettling, strategic accumulation of quality stocks could yield favorable returns as the market stabilizes.