19 C 
Retirement planning can benefit from PPF, EPF, and VPF, which offer high interest rates and tax exemptions. PPF provides guaranteed returns at 7.1%, while EPF and VPF have 8.25%. Contributions to these schemes are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80C.
India reduces minimum public share float, paving way for NSE, Jio listings
The regulator last year proposed to halve the minimum amount of shares large companies had to offer in their IPOs, allowing those valued at above Rs 5 lakh crore ($57 billion) after listing to sell just 2.5% of their paid-up capital. This has now been formally notified by the government
Trai plans extra fee, penalty on operators allowing robocalls, spam messages
Trais move is aimed at tightening accountability and discouraging the misuse of regular voice lines for mass spam calling
Will the new Income Tax Act be better for salaried taxpayers? Experts weigh in
The new Income Tax Act will come into force from 1 April 2026. Experts suggest that the new rules will be beneficial to salaried employees who opt for the old tax regime, as they will be able to claim higher exemptions and deductions.
US stocks today: S&P 500, Nasdaq slip as investors assess data, Iran war fallout
US stocks experienced a downturn on Friday, with major indices set to end the week lower amid mixed economic data and escalating Middle East conflict. Investors are now anticipating fewer Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, as rising energy costs and slowing economic growth fuel stagflation fears.
The government on Friday assured that petrol and diesel remain adequately available across India despite global supply concerns triggered by tensions in West Asia. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said all refineries are operating at full capacity and the country has sufficient crude inventories to maintain stable fuel supplies. However, LPG availability continues to be a concern due to supply disruptions, though no distributor has reported a dry-out so far.
Rupee closes at new low at 92.46 against the US dollar, down 0.7% this week
The rupee hit a fresh closing low of 92.46 against the dollar on Friday, driven by concerns over rising crude oil prices and geopolitical worries in the Middle East. Sustained foreign fund outflows and importer demand further pressured the currency, with the Reserve Bank of India intervening to slow its fall.
India to scrap bids for majority stake in IDBI Bank: Report
India is set to shelve the bids it received for a majority stake in its state-owned IDBI Bank , as the amounts were below the minimum price sought, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people with knowledge of the matter.
RBI injects Rs 50,000 crore via OMO; liquidity move comes ahead of advance tax, GST outflows
The Reserve Bank of India injected Rs 50,000 crore into the banking system via an open market operation to manage liquidity ahead of tax payments. This move supported India's benchmark 10-year bond yield, which remained flat. The RBI has infused a total of Rs 3.50 lakh crore through OMOs this calendar year.
US Stocks: US consumer staple stocks lose sheen as lofty valuations meet gloomy earnings outlook
After a strong rally this year, U.S. consumer staples stocks are falling out of favor, with investors starting to question the high valuation as earnings prospects dim, analysts said.
Coal Indias subsidiary CMPDIL to launch IPO on March 20
The public issue, entirely an offer-for-sale (OFS) of 10.71 crore shares by Coal India with no fresh issue component, is set to close on March 24
Sigma Advanced Systems divests stake in Extrovis for $15 million
This deal gives the company additional financial resources for the expansion of its aerospace and defence business, a company executive said
Why is the dollar profiting from Middle East war?
The surge in energy prices triggered by the conflict in the Middle East has significantly strengthened the dollar, paradoxically undermining US President Donald Trump's economic objectives.
Radhakishan Damani sells 16 lakh shares in Tata Motors PV via block deal
Radhakishan Damani sold 16 lakh shares worth 52 crore in Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles through a block deal with Derive Trading and Resorts Private Limited. The sale comes as the stock has plunged over 50% in a year amid weak earnings and a cyber incident impact.
US Stocks: US Fed's preferred inflation gauge edges down
The US Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge came in slightly lower than expected in January, registering 2.8 percent growth over a year ago, according to data released Friday ahead of a key central bank rate-setting meeting next week.
Global Stocks: Echoes of 2022? Markets look back to Russia play book for Middle East conflict
World markets, rocked by a Middle East war that could trigger another inflationary shock, are looking back at the play book from Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 for clues on what's next.
US Stocks: Adobe shares drop further as CEO exit casts doubts over AI strategy
Adobe's battered shares fell another 6% on Friday as news that the Photoshop maker's long-time CEO will step down cast fresh doubts over its strategy to battle mounting AI competition.
D-Street investors become poorer by Rs 33.68 lakh cr since beginning of West Asia conflict
Investors' wealth eroded by Rs 33.68 lakh crore since the beginning of the West Asia conflict, which has now entered its 14th day.
A rivals listing, a possible advantage for BSE
If the current bear phase prolongs, NSE may wait for right time rather than hushing it through
US stocks today: US stocks mixed as investors weigh data, Middle East war
Wall Street's main stock indexes opened mixed on Friday, after sharp losses in the previous session, while investors assessed a set of economic data releases to gauge the interest rate outlook as the Middle East conflict widens.
Sebi imposes Rs 10 lakh fine on Anand Rathi for violation of stock brokers' norms
Indias market regulator Sebi fined Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers 10 lakh after inspections found multiple regulatory violations, including delayed glitch reporting, excessive capacity utilisation, weak password policies, patch management failures and inadequate data leakage prevention systems during 20232024.
Markets log worst weekly rout in 15 months as war clouds darken
Sensex, Nifty down 2% each; Nifty Auto index plunges 10.5%
RBI net buys record $6.2 billion debt to shield bonds from war shockwaves
The Reserve Bank of India stepped up its government bond purchases from the secondary market to a record level in the week ended March 6, data showed on Friday, as the central bank tried to stabilize the market roiled by the Middle East war.
NABARD to issue over 3-year bonds: Bankers
India's National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) plans to raise 80 billion rupees ($866.12 million) through the sale of bonds maturing in three years and four months, three bankers said on Friday.
Indian government bonds came under heavy selling pressure this week as oil prices soared, though the benchmark 10-year bond showed resilience, supported by likely robust purchases by the central bank.
Godrej Properties' promoters hike stake by 5% in FY26, buy public shares for Rs 2,674 cr
Godrej Properties Ltd's promoters have increased their stake in the company by 5 per cent this fiscal through purchases of public shares worth Rs 2,674 crore in the open market, as they are bullish on the growth prospects amid robust demand for residential properties and a strong launch pipeline.
Gainers & Losers: NALCO, IFCI among 7 big movers on Friday
Indian benchmark indices fell sharply for a third straight session as escalating Iran-Israel/US tensions hurt sentiment. Nifty dropped over 2% and Sensex nearly 1,500 points, with metals, auto and oil stocks leading losses, while select stocks like LTTS and IFCI gained.
Innovisions IPO saw weak investor response, with overall subscription around 30% even after extending the bidding period and lowering the price band. Retail and NII participation stayed muted, while institutional demand remained stronger. The company aims to raise Rs 323 crore through the issue.
Partial flight resumptions restore some gold flows from key hub Dubai
Gold is transported by plane for security and insurance reasons related to its high value-to-weight ratio; FlightRadar24 indicated that Dubai flights were at 37% of typical traffic as of Thursday
Coal India's arm CMPDIL to float IPO on March 20
The issue will be entirely an offer-for-sale of 10.71 crore shares by Coal India
Cut in gas supply puts many steel companies in the dock
Besides shortage of gas, the sharp rupee depreciation against dollar has also pushed up the cost of coking coal imports amid rising shipping and insurance expenses
Trump crypto venture offers guaranteed direct access for $5 million
Investors in World Liberty Financial, the crypto venture co-founded by President Trump and his sons, have secured what the company described on its website as guaranteed direct access to certain members of its team for those who lock up $5 million worth of their tokens for a six-month period in exchange for voting rights.
Sensex settles at 74,563.92, down 1,470.50 points, or 1.93% lower; Nifty slides 488.05 points, or 2.06%, to end at 23,151.10
Rupee hits all-time low of 92.45 as oil surge, offshore dollar bids mount
The rupee weakened to 92.4750 per dollar, eclipsing its previous all-time low of 92.3575 hit on Thursday. It closed at 92.4550, down 0.7% on the week
Premium personal care push begins paying off for FMCG firms
Specialized treatments, targeted skincare and haircare formulations, and natural products are emerging as key growth drivers as consumers increasingly pay for tailored solutions.
TCS, Infosys among 6 Sensex stocks that hit 52-week lows; slip up to 18% in a month
On Friday, the benchmark Sensex dropped 1,471 points, closing at 74,563. During the broader market sell-off, six stocks from the BSE Sensex index hit their 52-week lows.
Global investors unwilling to let go of Adani bonds despite global uncertainty
Over 60% of bondholders decline APSEZs tender offer amid steady appetite for the groups debt
Rupee hits record low as oil risks, offshore dollar bids mount
The Indian rupee fell to a record low on Friday on concerns that the Iran war-induced surge in oil prices could disrupt the South Asian nation's growth-inflation dynamics and dent capital flows, with traders also pointing to elevated offshore dollar bids.
Coal India arm CMPDI to launch IPO on March 20. All you need to know
The consultancy arm of Coal India, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), will open its IPO on March 20. The offer for sale of 10.71 crore shares will list on BSE and NSE, with 50% reserved for QIBs and 35% for retail investors. As the issue is entirely an OFS, CMPDI will not receive any proceeds from the offer, and the funds raised will go to the selling shareholders.
Jefferies adds Wipro, Hyundai Motor India, Cipla to latest underperform list. Heres why
Jefferies has added Wipro, Hyundai Motor India and Cipla to its latest underperform list, citing weak growth outlook, rising competition and earnings risks. The brokerage flagged slow deal ramp ups at Wipro, market share losses for Hyundai and US revenue pressure at Cipla as key concerns for investors.
Metal stocks slide up to 7% as dollar hits 4-month high; NALCO, Hindustan Copper lead fall
Metal stocks, including NALCO and Hindustan Copper fell sharply on Friday as a surging US Dollar Index and ongoing IranIsrael/US conflict dented demand. Analysts advise caution, noting that global commodity prices and infrastructure trends will shape near-term metal sector performance.
Fear levels of March 2020? Iran war gives Nifty its worst month since the dreaded Covid crash
Indian equities are suffering their worst month since the Covid crash as the Iran war, $100 crude and heavy FII selling hammer sentiment. Despite the slide, fund houses like Bajaj Finserv AMC and Axis Mutual Fund say strong earnings and resilient fundamentals in India may steady markets once geopolitics stabilise.
NSE IPO opens door for thousands of shareholders to sell stock
The bourse will contact investors who have held NSE shares in the unlisted market for at least a year, allowing them to tender stock in the offer-for-sale component, sources said
Adobe shares plunge 9% in pre-market as CEO Shantanu Narayen's exit adds to AI-disruption concerns
Adobe's stock dropped significantly following the announcement of CEO Shantanu Narayen's retirement. This leadership change comes as the company navigates the evolving landscape of AI in software. Investors are watching closely to see how Adobe adapts to these technological shifts.
Global Markets | European shares set for weekly loss as Mideast war fuels inflation fears
European shares fell on Friday and were headed for a second weekly loss, as escalating conflict in the Middle East and inflation worries dented risk appetite.
Crude may touch $150/barrel if Strait of Hormuz remains closed for 4-8 weeks: Nuvama
Global crude oil prices could surge to as high as USD 150 per barrel if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for the next four to eight weeks, according to a report by Nuvama.
Despite a Rs 10 lakh crore market wipeout triggered by the Iran conflict, nearly 50 stocks showed resilience. Select gainersincluding ACME Solar Holdings, L&T Technology Services and IFCIoutperformed even as benchmark indices and broader markets sank under geopolitical and crude-driven pressure.
2 top stock picks from CA Rudramurthy BV for near term
Indian equity markets are experiencing significant volatility due to geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties, with FII selling exacerbating the downturn. Experts advise a 'sell on rise' approach, emphasizing selective investing in resilient sectors like pharma and metals, while cautioning against banks, IT, autos, and real estate.
The final advance tax payment for FY 202526 is due on 15 March. Taxpayers must estimate their income and pay in four instalments to avoid interest charges. Heres your complete guide to clearing dues online.
$100 crude gives Rs 20 lakh crore shock to Nifty bulls this week. Best time to buy the fear?
Crude oil above $100 has wiped out Rs 20 lakh crore in equity wealth, hammering markets in India as the Iran conflict escalates. The rupee hit a record low, and FIIs continue to sell, yet experts and Axis Mutual Fund argue the panic may be creating a rare long-term buying window.
Normal day, normal supply: IndianOil reassures amid global energy crisis
In a social media post, the state-run oil major shared visuals from its COCO outlet in Mumbais BKC area during peak morning hours, showing normal operations and steady vehicle flow without panic buying or disruptions
Stock to buy: UBS sees strong upside in Aquaguard-maker Eureka Forbes
UBS initiated coverage on Eureka Forbes with a 'Buy' call, identifying it as a 'steady earnings compounder' with under-appreciated scale advantages in water purifiers and services. The brokerage set a target price of Rs 640, citing market growth driven by health awareness and expanding consumer base.
Bonus issue alert: Why you should ignore the 50% plunge in eClerx Services shares
Shares of eClerx Services appeared to plunge 50% after turning ex-date for its 1:1 bonus issue, but the decline was only about 6% as the price adjusted for the corporate action. The stock opened sharply lower on the NSE before extending losses amid broader market weakness.
Muthoot Fincorp unveils Rs 600 crore retail bond issue
Muthoot FinCorp is raising up to Rs 600 crore by selling bonds to retail investors. The bonds offer yields between 8.70% and 9.10%. This fundraising will support business growth, lending activities, and debt repayment. The issue is open until March 23. The bonds carry high safety ratings from Crisil and Brickwork Ratings.
Japanese shares end lower as Middle East conflict spurs risk aversion
Japan's Nikkei closed lower on Friday and posted a second consecutive weekly decline of 3.2%, as escalating tensions in the Middle East fuelled inflation concerns and prompted investors to dump riskier assets.
Auto, metal, banking and PSU bank stocks reel under heavy selling pressure amid broad market decline
Global Markets | Australian shares edge lower as miners fall, RBA hike looms
Australian shares ended slightly lower on Friday as losses in miners outweighed gains in financials, while the Middle East conflict stoked inflation concerns and lifted expectations of a central bank rate hike next week.
Nifty slides past 23,300 as metals bleed, options data signals caution
Nifty Metal sheds 3.56%
While seasonal demand remains critical, long summers and early rains push food and consumer goods makers to predict demand and schedule production better. Here's how how beverage, ice cream, and consumer goods companies in India are walking the tightrope balancing demand and costsand climate.
Global Stock Market | Honda shares slide nearly 6% as automaker faces first annual loss
Honda Motor's stock plummeted nearly 6% in Tokyo after the automaker announced its first annual loss in nearly 70 years. The company is facing up to $15.7 billion in restructuring costs, primarily due to cancelling three planned electric vehicle models in the US and writing down its China business.
Jefferies adds Groww, State Bank of India, 5 others to 23 buy ideas. Heres the full list
Jefferies has updated its analyst top ideas, adding seven new stock recommendations across various sectors. These picks include State Bank of India, Groww, Star Health & Allied Insurance, Bharat Forge, JSW Steel, Eternal, and Max Healthcare, with significant upside potential highlighted for each.
Nifty Bank falls 11% since start of Iran-Israel war: What lies ahead?
Escalating Middle East tensions and soaring crude oil prices are significantly impacting India's banking sector, pushing the Nifty Bank index down nearly 11% in March. Concerns over rupee depreciation, rising inflation, and potential disruptions to trade routes are fueling investor worries and leading to substantial FII selloffs, creating a bearish outlook for bank stocks.
Stay patient in this market; earnings may face near-term pressure: Amnish Aggarwal
Indian equity markets are experiencing significant volatility due to global uncertainties, rising crude oil prices, and consistent FII selling. Market expert Amnish Aggarwal advises caution, noting that supply chain disruptions and potential impacts on corporate earnings will take time to normalize. He suggests investors remain on the sidelines until the situation stabilizes.
India gold discounts hit near-decade high; Mideast tensions lift China demand
Gold imports attract a 6% import duty, while platinum-studded jewellery can be imported duty-free
Nifty Auto index depreciated 10% so far this week
Don't predict the oil price; predict how long the pain lasts and hold cash: Nandan Chakraborty
The Hormuz Strait crisis poses a significant risk to India's energy and fertilizer supplies. DAM Capital's Nandan Chakraborty advises investors to focus on the duration of the disruption, not just oil prices. His strategy involves maintaining liquidity, identifying undervalued growth stocks, and avoiding value traps. Sectors like NBFCs, consumer discretionary, defense, and renewables are highlighted as potential investment areas.
India bonds dip, facing sustained oil rise, macro risks
Indian government bonds are falling. Oil prices remain high, fueling inflation worries. This impacts India's economic growth and interest rate expectations. The rupee has hit a new low against the dollar. The Reserve Bank of India is intervening to support bond yields. Traders are cautious due to ongoing Middle East conflict. Analysts predict higher inflation if oil prices stay elevated.
Rupee hits all-time low; analysts expect fall to 95 if Iran war drags on
The Indian rupee has reached a historic low. Worries about rising oil prices due to the Iran conflict are impacting the economy. Analysts predict further weakening if oil prices remain high. Foreign investors are selling Indian stocks. The central bank is intervening to support the currency. The situation is expected to continue under pressure.
NSE IPO optimism lifts IFCI shares by 11%. What's the connection?
IFCI shares surged over 11% after the National Stock Exchange (NSE) appointed 20 merchant bankers and eight law firms for its upcoming IPO. IFCI holds an indirect stake in NSE through its subsidiary, Stock Holding Corporation of India, which could be a selling shareholder in the offer-for-sale.
Rupee hits fresh intra-day low of 92.44 against US dollar
A stronger greenback, heavy FII outflows and sustained selling in the domestic equity markets further weighed on the rupee, according to forex traders
Bitcoin rebounds toward $72K as US Treasury comments ease oil inflation concerns
Bitcoin surged towards $72,000 after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed market concerns. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum saw significant gains. Major altcoins also experienced strong upward movement. This rally added billions to the crypto market cap. Investors are watching upcoming Federal Reserve meetings and economic data for further direction. The market sentiment is improving despite some caution.
Temperatures rise! NTPC Green, Adani Power shares jump up to 7%; what lies ahead?
Soaring temperatures across India are fueling a surge in power demand, boosting shares of NTPC Green and Adani Power. Heatwave warnings are in effect for Mumbai and Delhi, with Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh also experiencing intense heat. Experts anticipate a record summer, benefiting power companies as they prepare for heightened electricity needs.
Coal India shares turn volatile after hitting 52-week high, HSBC lifts target price
HSBC maintained a hold rating on the stock but raised its target price to 420, citing improved realisations in the near term
Coal India shares hit fresh record high, rise 19% in 2026 so far: What lies ahead?
Coal India shares hit a fresh 52-week high as rising temperatures and heatwave warnings raised expectations of strong summer power demand. Analysts remain positive on the companys outlook, citing stable coal prices, rising domestic supply and strong demand from power and industrial sectors. Brokerages see further upside supported by steady earnings and dividends.
Why the governments latest Press Note 3 changes matter for FDI flows
Indias updated Press Note 3 framework aims to ease foreign investment restrictions from land-border countries by clarifying beneficial ownership rules and introducing faster approvals for strategic sectors. The changes seek to balance national security with investment growth, potentially reviving FDI flows through global funds while supporting startups, manufacturing expansion and technology transfer.
Friday the 13th, a date often associated with superstition, saw Indian markets open sharply lower, with the Sensex and Nifty experiencing significant drops. This decline is attributed to geopolitical tensions between Iran and the US-Israel and rising crude oil prices, rattling investor sentiment and pushing the market towards its biggest weekly drop in over a year.
Balaji Amines stock falls over 4% as West Asia conflict disrupts ammonia supply
The stock opened lower at 999 compared with the previous close of 1,035 and extended losses to touch an intraday low of 989, marking a decline of 4.4% from the last closing level
Brent crude gains despite US issuing a 30-day licence for Russian oil purchases
At 9.58 am on Friday, March crude oil futures were trading at 8,862 on MCX during the initial hour of trading on Friday against the previous close of 8,804, up 0.66%
Reliance Industries trades flat, brokerages see upside from refining and petrochemical strength
The stock traded at 1,396.10 on the NSE at 10.18 am, near its days high of 1,399.50. It opened at 1,385.20 from the previous close of 1,392.20
US Stock Market: Oil rally and Hormuz threats stir inflation fears, complicating Fed policy path
Surging oil prices driven by escalating tensions involving Iran are complicating the U.S. monetary policy outlook. Rising energy costs could keep inflation elevated, prompting investors to scale back expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts this year. Economists warn that persistent crude price gains may delay policy easing and pressure global food and consumer prices.
Adani Total Gas shares extend rally, jumps 40% from 52-week low
Stock surges on government order prioritising domestic natural gas for CNG and PNG amid West Asia tensions
Jio IPO delay makes Jefferies cut RIL target price but says O2C benefiting amid disruption
Jefferies has cut Reliance Industries (RIL) target price to Rs 1,750, citing a delayed Jio tariff hike and likely Jio IPO postponement. However, the brokerage highlights gains for the oil-to-chemicals (O2C) business amid Middle East supply disruptions, which boost refining and petrochemical margins, offsetting near-term digital segment drag.
Middle East conflict may accelerate BOJs rate-hike timeline as inflation risks rise
The escalating Middle East conflict is heightening Japans inflation risks, potentially accelerating the Bank of Japans rate-hike timeline. Rising fuel prices, supply disruptions, and a tightening labor market are pushing inflation above the BOJs 2% target, prompting cautious policymaking while balancing economic growth and geopolitical uncertainties.
Rupee hits record intra-day low in early trade, falls 12 paise to 92.37 against US dollar
At the interbank foreign exchange, the local unit opened at 92.33 and slipped further to hit its record intra-day low of 92.37 against the US dollar, down 12 paise from its previous close
Rupee sinks to record low of 92.39 vs USD on energy supply worries
The Indian rupee hit a new all-time low against the dollar on Friday, driven by concerns over sustained high oil prices and the ongoing Middle East conflict. Despite a significant decline since the Iran war began, the rupee has shown resilience compared to other emerging markets due to interventions by the Reserve Bank of India.
Gas crisis, bank rally & summer power surge? Aditya Shah on where smart money is headed
India's manufacturing sector faces temporary gas supply issues. Investor Aditya Shah sees this as an opportunity. He highlights a banking upgrade cycle and high summer power demand. Shah favors companies supporting increased power consumption. He also sees potential in banking stocks and microfinance. Shah's insights offer a roadmap for navigating these market dynamics.
Explained: Why traders arent holding onto gold since Middle East war despite safe haven appeal
Despite the Middle East war and rising geopolitical tensions, gold prices have fallen, defying their safe-haven appeal. This counterintuitive trend is attributed to a broad risk-off sentiment, a strong US dollar, and profit-booking after earlier rallies. Experts suggest this is a short-term adjustment, with long-term fundamentals still supporting precious metals.
Global Market | S&P warns oil spike from Middle East war could test global credit stability
S&P Global Ratings said it will avoid immediate sovereign downgrades despite the escalating Middle East conflict, but warned that higher oil and gas prices could strain vulnerable economies. Energy-import-dependent Asian countries and debt-laden South Asian nations may face added fiscal pressure if the geopolitical tensions and elevated energy prices persist.
