The Economic Times

Bitcoin dipped to around $71,000 on Friday. Geopolitical tensions, ETF flows, and rate cut uncertainty influenced the market. Ethereum and major altcoins like BNB, XRP, and Solana also saw declines. Analysts suggest the market remains cautious, shaped by liquidity and institutional flows. Bitcoin's recent rise reflects improving short-term sentiment.

Bank of Baroda has successfully raised Rs 10,000 crore via green infrastructure bonds, marking a first for Indian banks domestically. The issuance saw significant investor interest, exceeding expectations. These funds will support crucial green projects, including renewable energy, underscoring the bank's commitment to sustainable finance and its strong ESG strategy.

Global market volatility, fueled by Middle East tensions, has driven investors to reassess traditional safe havens. The U.S. dollar has shown strength, while government bonds and gold have experienced unpredictable movements. Defensive equities have also underperformed, highlighting the complex interplay of economic and policy factors influencing asset behavior during geopolitical stress.

Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee stressed that central bank independence is vital for controlling inflation and maintaining economic stability. Speaking in New York, he said monetary policy free from political pressure helps preserve confidence in economic institutions, even as global debates intensify over the role, credibility and accountability of central banks.

Amidst global market volatility driven by geopolitical tensions and rising commodity prices, veteran analyst Ambareesh Baliga is actively advising investors to buy, believing the Indian economy is well-positioned. He highlights opportunities in sectors like auto, metals, pharma, and IT, with specific stock recommendations, while cautioning against defence stocks for now.

Global markets saw a sharp pullback in emerging assets due to Middle East conflict. Currencies, equities, and bonds faced steep losses. However, some investors believe the rally could resume. Strong economic fundamentals and stable geopolitical tensions are key. South Korea's KOSPI index saw a dramatic fall but rebounded. Emerging economies show structural strength, offering resilience.

Shares of Angel One rose after the brokerage reported strong growth in key metrics. Its client base increased 20.8% YoY to 36.93 million, while gross client additions rose 17.8%. The average client funding book jumped 46.4% and total orders surged 45.1% YoY, indicating stronger trading activity.

China has set its lowest economic growth target in more than three decades, signalling rising economic pressures as the country grapples with a property slowdown, weak consumption and demographic decline. Beijing is focusing on technological self-reliance, higher research spending and housing stabilisation while maintaining defence expansion and long-term climate commitments.

Investors are increasingly allocating money to multi asset funds, but most commodity exposure remains concentrated in gold and silver. Experts argue that true diversification requires exposure to a broader commodity basket including energy and industrial metals, which respond to different economic cycles and macro conditions.

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty opened lower on Friday, after a positive trade in the previous session. Escalating war between Iran and the Israel-US was among the key factors behind the market decline.

Gold and silver prices surged on MCX Friday. Investors sought safe havens due to Middle East conflict. The dollar weakened, making bullion cheaper. MCX Gold futures rose over Rs 1,577. Silver futures soared by Rs 6,800. International spot gold and silver also edged higher. Experts advise caution ahead of US job data.

Indian defence stocks are seeing renewed investor interest amid escalating global geopolitical tensions, particularly the Iran-Israel conflict. Following a significant rally in 2025 and a subsequent correction, these companies are now benefiting from hopes of increased export orders and strong domestic policy support. Analysts advise a selective approach, focusing on companies with robust order books and execution capabilities.

TCS share price: TCS CEO K Krithivasan said the company is in advanced discussions with multiple hyperscalers to build more AI data centres in India, citing strong demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. The IT major expects India to require up to 10 gigawatts of AI data centre capacity by 2030, highlighting significant investment opportunities.

SBI Cards and Payment Services announced an interim dividend of Rs 2.5 per equity share for FY26, with a record date of March 11. The company also extended the term of Executive Vice President Ved Prakash. Despite recent stock declines, the company reported a 45% YoY rise in net profit for Q3 FY26.

West Asia conflict-driven market selloffs are historically short and reversible, according to Valentis Advisors' Jyotivardhan Jaipuria. He advises investors to view the current downturn as a buying opportunity, anticipating an earnings recovery cycle. Jaipuria's highest conviction lies in the banking sector, citing resilient credit growth and expanding net interest margins.

Nifty Midcap 100 outperformed the Nifty-50 in February, with select midcap stocks like Hitachi Energy and Bharat Forge delivering significant gains. These top performers are extending their positive momentum into the year, showcasing renewed strength in the broader market.

Oil and gas stocks such as ONGC, Oil India, IOC, BPCL and HPCL may remain in focus after the US granted a temporary waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian crude. Refiners could benefit from cheaper imports, while upstream producers may face pressure if crude prices soften amid easing global supply concerns.

Jio IPO, India's largest at $4-4.5 billion, is slated for the first half of 2026. Despite concerns of a holding company discount for Reliance shareholders, brokerages suggest Jio's limited free float could drive its stock to a premium, potentially offsetting any valuation hit. The listing is expected to proceed once government norms are finalized.

The Rs 1,087 crore Sedemac Mechatronics IPO has entered its final day of bidding with muted grey market sentiment and moderate subscription levels so far. While institutional demand has been relatively strong, retail participation remains weak. Brokerages are divided, citing strong technology positioning but expensive valuations and customer concentration risks.

GRSE share price: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers signed an MoU with Kalyani Strategic Systems, a Bharat Forge subsidiary, to jointly develop indigenous naval and maritime defence technologies. The collaboration will focus on ship propulsion systems, unmanned platforms and advanced maritime solutions for domestic and global markets, supporting Indias defence indigenisation efforts.

Morgan Stanley is adopting a cautious approach to Asian equities, reducing its India holdings due to concerns over potential supply chain disruptions from the Iran conflict. The firm highlights Asia's heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy supplies and warns of market complacency. India, particularly exposed to LNG disruptions, faces potential investor hesitation until tech cycles in other Asian nations stabilize.

Four Nifty500 stocks, including Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, LT Foods, Navin Fluorine International and JSW Infrastructure, have appeared in the RSI Trending Up scan after gaining over 6%. The signal indicates strengthening momentum, with the Relative Strength Index crossing above the 50 mark, often seen by traders as a potential bullish indicator.

Fractal Analytics share price: Fractal Analytics reported a consolidated profit after tax of Rs 100.1 crore for the December quarter, while revenue rose 21% year-on-year to Rs 854.4 crore. Growth was driven by strong demand from healthcare and banking clients, alongside improved margins and higher spending from existing enterprise customers during the quarter.

Four Nifty500 stocks including SJVN and Natco Pharma generated bullish signals after forming the White Marubozu candlestick pattern on March 5. The pattern indicates strong buying interest throughout the trading session and is often interpreted by traders as a sign of sustained momentum and a potential short-term uptrend in prices.

Berkshire Hathaway has restarted buying back its own shares after a long break. This move comes as Greg Abel takes over as CEO from Warren Buffett. Abel himself has bought more Berkshire shares, showing his commitment. The company is also addressing wildfire claims and its stake in Kraft Heinz. These actions signal a new phase for the conglomerate.

Crypto legislation faces an impasse as banks reject a White House compromise, casting doubt on its passage this year. President Trump criticized lenders for attempting to undermine the bill, which aims to clarify crypto regulations but is stalled by disagreements over stablecoin rewards and deposit flight concerns.

As long as the stock is priced above the 200-day SMA on the daily timeframe, it is generally considered to be in an overall uptrend.

Srinibas Pradhan Constructions' Rs 20 crore IPO opens for subscription on Friday. Grey market signals suggest a flat listing outlook. The company operates in infrastructure and utilities, focusing on roads, bridges, and electricity projects. The IPO aims to raise funds for working capital and debt repayment. Investors will monitor subscription demand closely.

Striders Impex is preparing for its stock market debut on the NSE SME platform. Grey market indicators suggest a flat listing for the Rs 36.29 crore IPO. The company, involved in toy and children's merchandise, aims to use proceeds for working capital, subsidiary investment, and loan repayment. Institutional investors showed interest, but retail participation was low.

Escalating Middle East conflict fuels demand for safe-haven U.S. dollar, poised for steepest weekly gain in over a year. Rising oil prices and inflation risks are impacting the euro and yen. Uncertainty over Iran's future and potential U.S. involvement is a key concern for global markets.

Middle East conflict escalation pushed oil prices up, fueling inflation worries and reducing expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Major U.S. stock indexes closed down, with industrials, materials, and healthcare sectors seeing significant declines. Energy and technology stocks provided some support, with Broadcom projecting strong AI chip revenue.

Gold prices held steady on Friday. Investors are watching the escalating Middle East conflict. This situation impacts the global economy. Spot gold remained firm. US gold futures saw a slight increase. The dollar weakened, making gold cheaper for some buyers. Geopolitical uncertainty has driven gold up significantly this year. Investors await key US employment data later today.

The House narrowly rejected a war powers resolution to halt President Trump's attacks on Iran, marking a significant congressional debate on presidential authority in wartime. This vote, following a similar Senate defeat, highlights divisions over the conflict's rationale and its potential to reorder US priorities and test constitutional checks and balances.

Indian stock markets recovered, ending a three-day losing streak. Positive geopolitical developments provided support. Investors are now watching West Asia and global energy prices for future direction. The India VIX, a fear gauge, saw a significant drop. Foreign portfolio investors were net sellers, while domestic institutional investors bought shares.

Indian markets saw a strong rebound on Thursday, closing with gains over one percent. Improved global sentiment and buying in major stocks fueled the rise. Several companies like Indian Oil, GAIL, and Mazagon Dock are in focus due to significant news. Petronet LNG issued a force majeure notice. Hindustan Zinc is collaborating on research.

Oil prices fell more than two percent in early Asian trade after strong gains in recent days on the back of the conflict in the Middle East. Further action to reduce pressure on oil is imminent and the oil (price) seems to have pretty much stabilised, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday.

Asian equities experienced their steepest weekly loss in six years as renewed Iranian strikes and the ongoing Middle East conflict drove a broad retreat in risk assets. Oil prices edged lower, though they remain on track for their biggest weekly surge since 2022 amid supply disruption concerns. Markets remain tense as Iran shows no intention of backing down.

Rising crude oil prices are expected to significantly impact the March-quarter profits of oil marketing companies, compressing refining margins and widening LPG under-recoveries. While upstream companies like ONGC and Oil India stand to benefit from higher crude prices, gas utilities face pressure from surging LNG costs.

The Reserve Bank of India has increased its intervention in the government securities market, purchasing bonds to counteract liquidity drained by foreign exchange market actions. This move aims to maintain transmission momentum and stabilize yields amidst geopolitical concerns. Bond buying, particularly in the 10-year benchmark, suggests the central bank may be capping upward yield movements.

Bank loans below 9% interest surged to 62.4% in December 2025, a significant rise from 42.4% a year prior, indicating easing lending rates. Despite this, the number of bank borrowers dropped by nearly 13 million, suggesting a shift towards non-bank lenders and fintech firms.

Bitcoin faces challenges in sustaining its upward trend. Global markets are recovering, but Bitcoin experienced a dip. Traders showed positivity compared to other assets. Recent news about Iran potentially relinquishing uranium stockpiles is influencing market sentiment. This development is driving a significant reversal across various financial markets.

India Inc's overseas fundraising plans are stalled due to the West Asian conflict, causing global yields to rise. Lenders and companies are awaiting geopolitical clarity, as bond and loan rates have increased. This situation makes companies with significant Middle East revenue exposure less appealing to financiers, prompting increased caution.

Analysts have initiated coverage on Jain Resource Recycling, Granules India, and Shadowfax Technologies with buy ratings, anticipating returns of 25% to 41%. These companies are poised for growth due to favorable market conditions and strategic positioning within their respective sectors.

The Indian rupee strengthened significantly, closing at 91.60/$1, up from 92.15/$1, due to substantial interventions by the Reserve Bank of India. Despite higher oil prices and a risk-off sentiment, the RBI's actions prevented the rupee from weakening further, though concerns remain about the impact on domestic liquidity.

Indian metal stocks saw a significant rise today. Aluminium manufacturers led the gains. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the West Asia conflict is impacting supply chains. This is expected to push up metal prices. National Aluminium Co, Hindalco, and other metal companies registered strong gains. The Nifty Metal Index outperformed the broader market.

Indian stocks experienced a significant rebound on Thursday, mirroring gains across Asian markets. This relief rally, driven by hopes of de-escalating geopolitical tensions and oversold technical conditions, saw the Nifty and Sensex close higher. While the market showed strength, analysts caution that this recovery might be temporary until clearer signals emerge.

Several government schemes might continue in their present form beyond April 1. Ministries are still reviewing and rationalising these programs. The government is considering giving them more time to finalize redesigns. This delay is due to ongoing evaluation of third-party reports. Existing schemes could continue temporarily until the first quarter of the next financial year.

Indian exporters are bringing back nearly half of their stranded containers from ports. This move aims to avoid hefty demurrage and detention charges caused by the West Asia conflict. Perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals are prioritized for domestic disposal.

India's vital gems and jewellery trade faces significant disruption. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has halted exports and imports of rough diamonds. Dubai, a key trading hub, has suspended numerous flights. This has severely impacted the movement of goods and essential raw materials. Industry officials report a complete standstill in trade with the region.