The Economic Times

India's unemployment rate dropped to 3.1% in 2025. This positive trend shows progress in job creation across various sectors and for both men and women. Rural unemployment saw a decrease, as did urban unemployment. Youth unemployment also declined. Labour force participation increased, especially for women. Agriculture remains the largest employer, but manufacturing and trade sectors are growing.

India's petrol excise duty cut brings some relief to consumers. However, Oil Marketing Companies continue to face significant losses. Analysts suggest the cut only partially offsets the price increase. Independent refiners, however, may experience substantial profits due to high product spreads. The market is closely watching for geopolitical resolutions or further price adjustments.

Powericas IPO closed with 1.45x subscription on Day 3, driven mainly by strong QIB demand at 4.5x, while retail interest stayed weak. The grey market showed a marginal Rs 2 premium over the issue price of Rs 395. The company aims to raise 1,100 crore through a mix of fresh issue and OFS.

Market downturns, often feared, present prime opportunities for seasoned investors. Instead of panic, focus on buying quality companies at discounted prices, much like Warren Buffett's philosophy. Strong management and sensible valuations during these volatile times pave the way for significant long-term wealth creation, turning anxiety into a powerful investment phase.

RIL, HDFC Bank, PSU banks, airlines, HEG and ACME Solar were among Fridays biggest market movers as crude spikes and geopolitical tensions fueled a broad sell-off.

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant drop of over USD 11 billion. This decline occurred in the week ending March 20. The main reason for this fall was a sharp decrease in the value of gold holdings. Despite this, foreign currency assets, a major component, saw an increase. Overall reserves now stand at USD 698.34 billion.

Microsoft Corp. is at the intersection of two troubling trends roiling the technology sector, which has the stock on track for its worst quarterly performance since the global financial crisis two decades ago.

Oil prices rose on Friday but were set for their first weekly decline since February 9 as U.S. President Donald Trump extended a pause in attacks on Iran's energy plants, though investors remain cagey about prospects for ceasefire in the month-old war.

India's paint sector faces significant cost shocks from crude-driven inflation, prompting price hikes. Despite a short-term margin hit, structural factors like painting cycles and the low proportion of paint costs in total job expenses suggest a robust recovery. Investors can anticipate a return to double-digit revenue growth as pricing power re-emerges.

On Friday, the benchmark Sensex dropped 1,690 points to close at 73,583. During this steep fall, nine stocks from the BSE 200 index touched their 52-week lows.

India's joblessness eased in 2025, with the unemployment rate dropping to 6.5 percent. Educated individuals and urban women saw improved employment conditions. More people are now in regular wage jobs. Manufacturing and services sectors gained employment. Youth unemployment also saw a reduction. Overall, India's labour market shows gradual strengthening.

Indian stock markets, including NSE and BSE, will observe closures on March 31 for Mahavir Jayanti and April 3 for Good Friday. The year 2026 has 16 scheduled stock market holidays, with MCX and NCDEX also announcing partial or full trading suspensions on select occasions.

Hyundai Motor India shares fell amid weak market sentiment, extending their one-month decline to about 21%. Asit C Mehta initiated coverage with a Hold rating and limited upside, citing concerns over market share erosion, weak domestic performance, and lack of fuel mix diversification.

India's financial sector is changing fast. KV Kamath, a key figure, states disruption is happening now. Old banks and companies are falling behind. New technology allows startups to build services quickly. Areas like asset management and broking face rapid change. Even insurance is becoming more direct. Banks are losing deposits to investment products. Companies must adapt to survive.

The Indian rupee plunged to a record low on Friday, sliding past the 94-per-dollar mark, with mounting worries over the energy crisis sparked by the Middle East war putting the currency on track for its worst fiscal-year drop in more than a decade.

Fuel prices will now be reviewed every two weeks. This move comes as global crude oil prices surge due to the West Asia conflict. The government is closely monitoring the situation. Domestic LPG production has increased significantly. Supply decisions are being calibrated to prioritize Indian consumers. Key industries are receiving essential fuel supplies.

PSU bank stocks slumped sharply, with the index falling 16% over a month and individual stocks plunging up to 20% amid geopolitical tensions and weak macro cues. A broader market selloff wiped Rs 8 lakh crore in investor wealth, while a falling rupee and global uncertainty weighed heavily on sentiment.

Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd (ABREL) will redevelop a housing society in Mumbai and expects a revenue of Rs 1,700 crore from free-saleable area

Japanese government bond yields rose across the curve on Friday, as recent hawkish central bank signals and the Middle East war heightened inflation concerns and prompted investors to reprice the path of rate hikes.

Bitcoin and Ethereum saw a dip of nearly 3% in the last 24 hours. Major altcoins also experienced declines. Geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns are impacting market sentiment. Analysts suggest caution and waiting for a stronger move above $70,000 for Bitcoin. Institutional accumulation is helping absorb selling pressure, but overall sentiment remains fearful.

Indian drug makers are launching affordable generic Semaglutide, the active ingredient in popular weight-loss drugs. Sun Pharma, Lupin, and Torrent Pharma are identified as potential market leaders. Despite initial stockouts online, companies are adjusting supply. The market for these diabetes and obesity drugs is expected to grow significantly in India.

Foreign investors are pulling out of Indian bonds and equities at a record pace, as the Iran war-driven surge in oil prices fanned worries over a pick-up in inflation and clouded India's growth outlook, sending the rupee reeling.

European shares fell on Friday as investors remained wary about the outlook of the Middle East war that has stoked inflation risks and clouded global economic growth prospects.

Russia has sold physical gold from its central bank reserves for the first time in 25 years to address a widening budget deficit fueled by sustained military spending. This move marks a significant shift in reserve management, with gold holdings declining to their lowest level in four years as fiscal pressures intensify.

Indian stocks are presenting new opportunities as valuations have corrected significantly. Sahil Kapoor of DSP Mutual Fund highlights that while earnings growth is moderate, lower stock prices offer a chance for long-term investors. Financials, especially private banks, and select IT companies are seen as attractive. The market is becoming more constructive for global investors.

Reliance Industries shares fell, wiping out more than 82,000 crore in market value after the government reinstated windfall taxes on diesel and ATF exports. The move, aimed at boosting domestic supply amid volatile global oil markets, was confirmed by Nirmala Sitharaman, who said higher duties would ensure adequate availability of fuel within the country.

China's commerce ministry has launched two counter-investigations into US trade practices. These probes aim to address US actions that impede Chinese product exports. The investigations are expected to conclude within six months. China will implement measures based on the findings to protect its interests. This move suggests a reciprocal response to recent US probes.

Despite recent market volatility, 12 midcap stocks within the Nifty Midcap 150 index delivered impressive returns in FY26, ranging from 50% to 140%. Three of these stocks achieved multibagger status, showcasing significant growth amidst broader market fluctuations.

National Stock Exchange of India is implementing its semi-annual index rejig from March 27, with changes effective March 30.

Indian equity markets are in a cautious holding pattern due to geopolitical uncertainty, but market expert Neeraj Dewan suggests the worst volatility may be over. He highlights the government's move to cushion Oil Marketing Companies as a smart buffer against inflation, and identifies selective opportunities in sectors like IT, pharma, and defence for patient investors.

The Indian rupee is experiencing a significant decline. Global economic shifts and domestic challenges are driving this depreciation. Analysts point to a stronger US dollar and rising US bond yields. Elevated crude oil prices also pose a risk. This situation complicates the Reserve Bank of India's policy outlook. The rupee may remain under pressure in the coming period.

Middle East tensions are creating global market uncertainty. BlackRock's Ben Powell notes significant drone and missile strikes in the UAE. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint. Investors are reducing risk exposure. US bond yields are rising, impacting global capital. Inflation remains a concern, with the Fed likely to maintain a hawkish stance.

Shares of IndiGo parent InterGlobe Aviation fell nearly 5% on Friday as elevated oil prices and Middle East tensions pressured aviation stocks. Brokerages cut target prices citing higher fuel costs, rupee weakness and disrupted international routes. IndiGo also received a 42.92-crore GST demand notice, which the airline plans to contest.

Indias wheat harvest in 2026 is projected to increase from the previous year. However, unseasonal rains and hailstorms have impacted the maturing crop. This has led to a downward revision of initial production estimates. Despite these challenges, the harvest is still expected to surpass last year's output. Quality concerns may arise in some northern regions.

Indian shares saw little movement on Friday. Financial sector losses countered gains in mining stocks. Investors remained cautious. This followed Iran's rejection of a US proposal. Global markets have been unsettled by ongoing conflict. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index experienced a slight dip. However, it managed to end a three-week losing streak.

Robert Kiyosaki believes he can profit from a predicted 2026 global economic crisis, citing Nostradamus and Edgar Cayce. He avoids traditional investments, focusing on assets like real estate, gold, silver, Bitcoin, and oil production. Kiyosaki advises proactive investing in tangible assets, contrasting with passive 'buy, hold, and pray' strategies.

Iran War: Elevated global energy prices due to West Asian geopolitical developments may pressure India's fiscal position in FY27. While higher crude and gas prices could increase subsidy requirements and impact revenue, available fiscal buffers like the Economic Stabilisation Fund and expenditure savings are expected to help manage the impact and limit deviations from the fiscal deficit target.

This global recognition highlights the institute's excellence in research, education, and animal health services.

Bank of Japan updated its estimate of Japans natural interest rate to a range of -0.9% to +0.5%, signaling a slight upward revision.

Gurmeet Chadha recommends SIPs in defence funds, citing strong 510 year growth prospects driven by rising global tensions, increased defence spending and stronger India-US ties. Brokerages see up to 52% upside in select stocks, supported by a robust order pipeline and higher government capex allocation.

HEG and Graphite India shares saw significant gains on Friday. This rally followed a substantial price hike announcement by American company GrafTech International for graphite electrodes. The US firm cited rising input costs and the need for sustainable pricing. This development is seen as positive for Indian players facing similar market pressures.

Gold demand in India saw a slight increase this week as prices softened. However, many buyers are waiting for further price drops. In China, physical demand cooled, leading to narrower premiums. Central bank buying and restrictions continue to support the market. Gold prices in India traded around 141,000 rupees per 10 grams on Friday.