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Gold edges lower as higher energy prices dim ratecut hopes
US Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold interest rates steady for a second straight meeting
Rupee pinned to lifetime low on stubbornly high oil, heavy equity outflows
The oil price surge is expected to keep the rupee under pressure for now
How the West Asia conflict adds to Indian airlines' turbulence
West Asia's conflict intensifies pressure on Indias largely loss-making airlines, as soaring fuel costs and disrupted Gulf routes threaten critical revenue.
Stock Market Live Updates: Stock to buy today: Aurobindo Pharma(1,296.20)
Sensex, Nifty Live Updates on 16 March 2026: A potential rebound from 1,240 will eventually lift the stock above 1,325. Once this occurs, the price can extend the uptrend to 1,600 in the near-term
Nifty may rise 150 points at open, signals Gift market
Volatility persists on crude oil impact from West Asia tensions
Stocks across sectors such as PSUs, metal, realty, IT, new-age, power, energy have key triggers
Global LPs question Indian company valuations, consultants step in
Global investors are increasingly sceptical of Indian startup valuations, citing a disconnect between private-market valuations and public-market performance. This trust gap has fuelled demand for independent consulting firms to provide rigorous, tech-driven valuation audits.
Mint Primer | Will Indians continue to invest in Dubai realty?
Indian investors dominate Dubais property market, accounting for over 20% of foreign purchases. But rising geopolitical tensions may slow investments as buyers adopt a wait-and-watch approach, even as global property destinations like the UK and Canada continue to attract wealthy Indians.
Mint Explainer | Why India plans to end double testing for plasma-derived medicines
Draft amendments to the Drugs Rules would remove duplicate viral tests on finished plasma-derived medicines once source plasma is verified as safe, aimed at accelerating production of critical therapies and aligning Indias standards with global pharmacopoeias.
India relaxes sourcing rules to speed up electric bus, truck production
This comes at a time when demand for electric trucks and buses has risen in 2025. In 2025, sales of electric buses rose 22% from a year earlier to 4,408 units. So far this year, more than 1,100 units have been sold. Sales of electric trucks grew 152% to 566 units in 2025.
Can I use MF sales proceeds to pay home loan and get Section 54F benefit?
Section 54F exemption is unavailable because the residential property was acquired more than one year before the sale of the MF units. While the exemption fails the timing criteria, taxpayers can still use Section 80C and Section 24 deductions for principal, interest repayments under old tax regime.
West Asia war may claim an unlikely casualty Indian films' run overseas
Rising US-Israel-Iran tensions could disrupt Indian films box-office in West Asia, a region that makes for about 25% of overseas earnings. Producers are in a wait-and-watch mode, as uncertainty threatens releases of upcoming Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam titles.
Mint Explainer | What Trais new spam regulations mean for telecos, apps and businesses
India's telecom regulator proposes changes to strengthen anti-spam measures, requiring telecom operators, apps like Truecaller, and phone manufacturers to share spam reports. What does it mean for companies and consumers
Basmati rice exporter Amir Chand 440-cr IPO opens on March 24
The public issue will close on March 27.
Advance tax deadline today: Can you pay the final instalment on 15 March via credit card?
The final advance tax payment deadline for FY 2025-26 is 15 March 2026. Payments can be made via the e-filing portal, including credit cards, which may incur fees. Details here.
Indias art market deepens as wealthy collectors look beyond modernist masters
Sothebys sales of South Asian art have topped $135 million in five years as rising wealth, diaspora buyers and younger collectors broaden demand beyond traditional modernist names.
Export shipment delays cloud payment flows for Indias cross-border fintechs
While the immediate impact of the West Asia conflict is being felt largely by goods exporters, with shipments of electronics, food products and other items getting delayed, the disruption is also creating a backlog of payments that is likely to clear only after consignments reach buyers in the GCC.
How global reporting may pull crypto bets out of the grey zone
Through a series of legislative changes in 2025 and 2026, India has operationalized a reporting framework aligned with the OECDs Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework, aiming to move crypto from an opaque asset class into a transparent financial instrument.
NSE to launch 10-gram gold futures contracts under commodity derivatives segment from March 16
Exchange had earlier informed its members that it had requisite approval from SEBI.
Gold investment taxation explained: Jewellery, gold ETF vs sovereign gold bonds
The investments in gold products of this category are treated as capital asset under the income tax laws so any gains realised over its acquisition cost is taxed under the head capital gains.
Gold and Silver in India: Beyond Tradition, A Strategic Allocation
In a world where policy outcomes are less predictable and correlations rise during stress, gold and silver may be seen less as vehicles for gains
Bank holidays next week, March 16-22: Banks across India will be closed for five days in the upcoming week, as per RBI's holiday list. Full list here.
The Netherlands new tax experimentand why investors should worry
The Netherlands plans to tax unrealized investment gains from 2028. Indias experience with punitive wealth and income taxes in the 1970s shows why taxing paper wealth can distort markets and behaviour.
Advance tax deadline today news LIVE: Final instalment to be paid on 15 March check details
Advance Tax Deadline News Today LIVE: The due date for paying the fourth and final instalment for the financial year 202526 is on Sunday, 15 March 2026. Check who needs to pay, how to pay online, among other details.
CA Nithin Kaushik warns that the obsession with looking rich and faking wealth is the fastest way to stay broke. Feels real financial independence and power allows you freedom to say no. He explains
PSU mutual funds defy market slump in 2026 with strong three- and five-year returns
Mutual Funds, which deploy money exclusively in shares of PSUs, are among the only three equity fund categories that have given positive returns so far in 2026.
The Public Provident Fund is a low-risk savings scheme with a fixed interest rate of 7.1%, suitable for retirement planning and tax benefits. Here's how you can withdraw your funds before the lock-in period ends
Markets must function smoothly despite global volatility: SEBI chief
Pandey says the best strategy for retail investors during such a period of uncertainty is to remain patient
FPIs offload 39,451 crore in five sessions
Over the five trading sessions from March 9 to March 13, FPIs recorded a cumulative net outflow of 39,450.60 crore from Indian markets
War fears spark market panic, but correction may be opening buying opportunities: Sunny Agrawal
Sharp market selloff amid geopolitical tensions may offer selective long-term buying opportunities, says Sunny Agrawal. He highlights robust order books, corrected valuations, and attractive prospects in private banks, consumer internet, and select large-cap stocks, while noting crude oil and inflation remain key macro variables for investors.
Roll out of Haryana model fertiliser sales in other States to take time, says government
Sale of subsidised fertilisers is presently carried out on a no-denial basis across the country, except Haryana, where it is linked to beneficiaries registered on the state governments Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal
Housing sales in 50 cities dip 3% to 6.14 lakh units, up 16% in value to Rs 8.4 lakh crore: CREDAI
Indian housing sales saw a slight dip in units last year but a significant rise in value. Demand for homes above Rs 1 crore drove this growth. Tier-2 cities are becoming key growth areas. Improved connectivity and job opportunities are boosting housing markets. Metro cities continue to lead, but smaller cities are gaining importance.
Stay patient, volatility temporary, says Sebi Chairman as Iran-Israel war ruffles global markets
Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey reassured investors that market volatility, fueled by geopolitical tensions like the Iran-Israel/US conflict, is temporary. He emphasized that the true test of financial markets lies in their ability to function smoothly, fairly, and efficiently despite uncertainty, drawing parallels to past disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Volatility likely to persist in Indian equities, large caps preferred over mid, small caps: SBI
The report noted that the recent geopolitical developments have added an additional layer of risk to the overall macro environment, particularly if crude oil prices remain elevated for a prolonged period
2 LPG ships sail through Hormuz on the way to India
The tankers Shivalik and Nanda Devi were chartered by state-run Indian Oil Corp. and should arrive in India next week; the vessels are owned by state-run Shipping Corp of India Ltd
Smallcaps cheaper but not cheap yet: Sonam Srivastava urges selective investing
Smallcap stocks have corrected sharply but are still not cheap, says Sonam Srivastava of Wright Research, urging investors to stay selective. She highlights opportunities in private banks, pharma, and capital goods while recommending staggered deployment of cash and balanced allocation across equities, gold, silver, and debt amid volatile markets.
Maithan Alloys acquires 12.98 lakh equity shares in Bank of India
This acquisition is as part of the companys investment in the public sector bank is with view to reap the long-term/short-term investment benefits, Maithan Alloys said in a regulatory filing
Sadanand Date takes charge as Sebi executive director
Sadanand Date, a 2007-batch IPS officer, has taken charge as Executive Director at Sebi, heading the investigations department. Previously, Date served in key roles at the CBI, including Superintendent of Police in various branches. He also held significant positions within the Uttarakhand Police before his appointment at the market regulator.
Rising concerns over Indias LPG supply: Causes, constraints & market implications
Rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz are raising concerns over Indias LPG supply. With tanker movement slowing and imports falling, the government has prioritised household distribution and boosted domestic production while exploring alternative sources to cushion the impact of supply constraints.
Rupee likely to remain volatile through March amid geopolitical tensions: Union Bank report
The report noted that the Indian Rupee (INR) recently touched a historic low of 92.48 per dollar on March 13, reflecting the impact of both global and domestic developments on the currency market
India has clarified key aspects of the Press Note 3 framework governing investments from land-bordering countries, introducing a 10% beneficial ownership threshold and time-bound approvals for select sectors. The changes aim to reduce regulatory uncertainty while balancing national security concerns with the need to facilitate foreign investment.
Bitcoin hovers near $71,000 as crypto investors track macro and liquidity signals
Bitcoin hovered near $71,000 on Saturday as investors tracked macroeconomic cues and liquidity signals ahead of the upcoming US Federal Reserve policy decision. While Bitcoin and Ethereum saw minor declines in the past 24 hours, major altcoins were mostly lower, with Tron standing out as the only notable gainer.
As crude oil surges past $100 amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, brokerage Systematix Institutional Equities recommends buying stocks like Reliance Industries, Deep Industries and others, citing strong upside potential driven by tightening global supply dynamics.
Systematic investing merges human judgment with machine intelligence for a disciplined, scalable approach. India's evolving capital markets, marked by retail growth and digitization, make it ideal for Systematic Active Equity (SAE) strategies. SAE combines alpha-seeking with data-driven execution, offering dynamic portfolios, integrated risk management, and reduced behavioral biases.
BSE, NSE organise mock trading session today: Check timing, purpose, other details
BSE and National Stock Exchange of India are conducting a mock trading session on Saturday across equity, commodity and currency derivatives segments. The exercise will test system readiness, disaster recovery infrastructure and trading applications, while helping brokers and market participants familiarise themselves with exchange processes under simulated market conditions.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold Indian equities worth Rs 52,704 crore in the first half of March, with the biggest single-day outflow of 2026 recorded on Friday. The continued selling comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran-Israel-US conflict and rising global uncertainty affecting investor sentiment.
How to merge multiple PF accounts after switching jobs: Step-by-step guide
Switching jobs often results in multiple EPF accounts under the same UAN. Employees must request EPFO to merge these accounts to ensure all retirement savings are consolidated. Here's how to do it online.
Concurrent Losers: 12 smallcap stocks decline for 5 consecutive sessions
Twelve small-cap stocks, including Aqylon Nexus, Silver Touch, and Sapphire Foods India, fell 1023% over five consecutive sessions amid a 5.5% Sensex decline.
IPO Calendar: Coal India subsidiary among 3 IPOs scheduled for next week
Indias primary market will see three IPOs, including two mainboard issues and one SME offering in the upcoming week. GSP Crop Science and CMPDI, a Coal India subsidiary, are the highlights of the lineup, while Novus Loyalty launches on the SME platform. Additionally, three companies Rajputana Stainless, Apsis Aerocom, and Raajmarg Infra are slated to list, keeping market activity strong.
Jefferies picks 7 stocks with up to 117% upside potential. How many do you have?
Jefferies seven top picks, including Eternal, JSW Steel, Bharat Forge, SBI, and Max Healthcare, offer 20117% upside across banking, auto, steel, insurance, and internet sectors.
Global markets face uncertainty. Canadian investor Franois Rochon suggests treating investing as an art, not a science. He emphasizes rational, disciplined company selection for long-term gains. Investors should focus on business fundamentals and avoid short-term market noise. Patience, humility, and rationality are key. Thinking in years, not quarters, helps identify enduring businesses and avoid value traps.
Crude futures turn positive on continued Hormuz closure
Oil prices are rising as the Strait of Hormuz remains shut. Analysts are watching for weekend developments in the ongoing war. The US has issued a license for countries to buy Russian oil, aiming to stabilize markets. The US and International Energy Agency plan to release oil from reserves. Concerns grow about potential damage to oil infrastructure.
Global Markets | European shares log second week of losses as Mideast war fuels inflation fears
European markets tumbled for a second week as Middle East tensions and inflation fears rattled investors. Industrial and mining stocks led the decline, with energy prices climbing amid concerns over the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest the conflict's impact on inflation and interest rates might be less severe than feared, but market sentiment remains cautious.
Crude oil prices may surge to USD 120 per barrel soon. Extended conflict in West Asia could push prices to USD 150. Supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are causing significant losses. Emergency reserves offer limited relief. A de-escalation could lead to sharp price drops. Indian crude prices on MCX might climb 20-30 percent.
D-St in Bear Trap: Sensex, Nifty log steepes drop of wartime, down 2% on oil woes
On Friday, Indian stock markets took a dramatic plunge, marking the worst single-day drop since the onset of the Gulf war. In the last fortnight, the markets shed a staggering 33.8 lakh crore in value.
SEBI introduces Life Cycle Funds: How will they help in building your retirement portfolio
An individual can choose a life cycle fund that aligns with their financial goal date. The fund has a diversified portfolio, starts with a higher equity allocation, and follows a glide path towards maturity.
Dollar rises broadly as investors weigh Middle East risks
The US dollar strengthened globally on Friday, driven by Middle East conflict and investor flight to safety. Rising oil prices, fueled by geopolitical tensions, are impacting energy-importing economies like the Eurozone and Japan, while the US remains relatively insulated. Inflation concerns are also prompting expectations that the Federal Reserve will delay interest rate cuts.
Barclays raises 2026 Brent forecast to $85 a barrel on Strait of Hormuz disruption
The bank said oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz route have fallen to a trickle and production shut-ins in Gulf countries have climbed to more than 10 million barrels per day
Stock impact: 13 biggest losers in energy crisis amid raging Iran-Israel war
Rising oil prices and gas supply disruptions amid the IranIsrael war have hammered OMCs, RAC makers, fertiliser producers, and airlines, while food delivery and QSR chains show relative resilience, highlighting sector-specific vulnerabilities on Dalal Street.
Govt tweaks IPO rule, paving way for Ambanis Jio listing
Government allows companies with a post-issue market value exceeding 5 lakh crore to dilute as little as 2.5% in an IPO, down from the current minimum of 5%
US begins emergency oil reserve release of 86 million barrels
The war has brought shipping traffic to a virtual standstill in the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the worlds oil flows
Global crude oil prices may hit $120/barrel in short term: Kotak's Chainwala
She explained that the ongoing turbulence in the Strait of Hormuz and the state of Hormuz situation has already caused losses of approximately 10-12 million barrels per day
Rupee touches a record low as West Asia crisis raises oil risk
In a troubling development, the Indian Rupee has plummeted to a record low against the US Dollar. The spike in crude oil prices, coupled with rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia, is severely affecting the currency's strength. With foreign capital fleeing the market, the Reserve Bank of India is taking measures to curb the Rupee's descent.
Stock markets and geopolitical tensions: A 3-stage analysis of last 7 crashes
WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund highlights that geopolitical crises, including the IranIsrael war, mainly trigger short-term panic. Historical data shows markets recover quickly, with fundamentals like corporate earnings and valuations driving long-term returns. Investors are advised to stay disciplined, rebalance systematically, and treat crises as opportunities rather than reasons to sell.
Muthoot FinCorp eyes Rs 600 crore via issuance of retail bonds
Get ready for an exciting investment opportunity! Muthoot FinCorp is rolling out a bond issue, aiming to gather as much as 600 crore to bolster business expansion and fulfill corporate goals. With appealing yields and flexible tenure options, these bonds are perfect for retail investors looking to dive in before March 23.
RBI Injects 50,000 cr Liquidity Through OMOs to Meet Tax Demand
In a strategic maneuver to bolster market liquidity, the Reserve Bank of India has infused a significant fifty thousand crore rupees into the banking sector. As businesses prepare for advance tax and GST payments later this month, this liquidity boost comes at a crucial time.
US strikes on Iran oil hub raises risk of further disruptions to supply
An escalation that could impact those flows would further rattle oil markets, after the effective shut-in of Persian Gulf supplies through the Strait of Hormuz
Wall Street Week Ahead: Investors await Fed rate outlook as Iran war keeps markets on edge
Global markets are keenly watching the US Federal Reserve this week for insights into interest rate cut timelines, as the Middle East conflict fuels oil price surges and economic uncertainty. Policymakers will assess the impact of the energy shock on inflation and growth, potentially delaying anticipated rate reductions.
US Stocks | US stocks end lower, post weekly loss as war on Iran fuels inflation worries
Indian markets mirrored global trends as US stocks closed lower. Volatile crude oil prices, influenced by the Iran conflict, impacted equities. Investors are closely watching global oil supply dynamics. Economic indicators showed mixed signals, with inflation remaining a concern. The US Federal Reserve is expected to maintain interest rates. This situation creates uncertainty for market participants.
Nifty down 2%: Deepak Gupta's sector-by-sector playbook for what to buy, hold, and trim
Market expert Deepak Gupta urges investors to stay invested during the current market downturn. He advises continuing Systematic Investment Plans and averaging costs. Investors should consider rotating within equities from high-beta to low-beta stocks. This strategy aims to position investors strongly for future market recoveries. The current correction is viewed as a potential opportunity for patient buyers.
Centres MSME greening scheme sees just 3.7% disbursal
The scheme's target was to provide interest subvention worth 350 crore on loans worth 5,800 crore to 5,800 businesses
Bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed on Saturday, March 14? Check RBI calendar here
On 14 March, banks across India will be closed for the second Saturday of the month. Customers can still access online banking services for transactions.
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.
India's forex reserves fall most in over a year on central bank's rupee defence
The $11.68 billion decline in reserves last week came amid heavy dollar sales by the central bank to support the rupee against pressure stemming from the Iran war and the surge in oil prices
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.
