Stock exchanges to remain open as Mumbai stares at shutdown

MUMBAI: Domestic stock exchanges will remain open even as Mumbai braces for a shut down in light of rising cases of coronavirus pandemic in the state.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray announced that all workplaces in major cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai and Pune, will remain closed till March 31.

The state government has ordered a complete shutdown in Mumbai Metropolitan Region, except essential services and public transport. However, banks will remain open in the state, the CM said.


In a tweet later, the CM clarified that stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories ,stock brokers and Sebi registered participants operating through these institutions will be exempted from this planned shut down.


Mumbai, the financial capital of the country, is home to the key exchanges NSE and BSE, and houses the headquarters of the Securities and Exchange Board of India. Several broking houses have their headquarters and key offices in the city.

The western state of Maharashtra, which has so far reported 52 cases, has excluded shops that are selling essential commodities from the restriction.

Coronavirus has infected more than 2,45,000 people and killed more than 10,000 across the world. Meanwhile, India has reported 5 deaths and 195 cases at the time of writing this copy.