The Economic Times

Nasdaq on Monday announced it will collaborate with Payward, parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, to develop tokenization infrastructure, aiming to capitalize on the growing interest in blockchain-based equities.

Sensex and Nifty plunged nearly 2% as rising crude oil prices, weak global cues and escalating West Asia tensions triggered heavy selling. Foreign fund outflows and a weaker rupee added pressure. Analysts recommend Apollo Pipes, Aurobindo Pharma and Tata Steel for potential short-term gains.

Indian stocks extended losses as the Middle East conflict pushed crude prices near $120, raising inflation and growth concerns. Analysts say pharma and IT buying offered some support, while markets remain volatile with key Nifty support seen around 23,700.

Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey urged investors not to panic amid global market turbulence caused by the US-Iran conflict. He highlighted Indias strong fundamentals, Niftys long-term resilience and the growing investor base supporting the countrys expanding capital market ecosystem.

Indian markets are set to open lower as weak global cues, falling US stocks and rising crude prices trigger risk aversion. Escalating Middle East tensions and supply concerns push oil higher, increasing inflation fears. Analysts expect volatility with Nifty likely trading within a cautious range.

IPO-bound Flipkart has shifted its domicile to India, having secured government nod for an internal restructuring that now makes Flipkart Internet the holding entity of the Group.

The NSE is set to appoint merchant bankers in March for its long-awaited IPO, reviving plans for a potential $2.5 billion offer for sale after years of regulatory delays and governance concerns.

Aluminium prices hit four-year highs on Monday as fears of prolonged shipping disruptions in the Middle East due to the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran fuelled concerns about supplies of the metal.

India's XED Executive Development, which was slated to be the first company from GIFT City to go public, said on Monday it has rescheduled its new public offering to March 16 due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East region.

Warburg Pincus-backed mortgage lender Truhome Finance has filed for a 30 billion rupees ($325 million) initial public offering, its draft prospectus showed on Monday.

Wall Street's main indexes opened lower on Monday, as soaring oil prices heightened inflation worries, with the Middle East conflict entering its tenth day.

Equity investors became poorer by Rs 22.40 lakh crore since the beginning of the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, which has rattled stock markets, driving the BSE Sensex lower by 4.6 per cent.

BSE Index Services has launched the BSE SmallCap 500 and four factor-based indices: Quality 50, Momentum 50, Low Volatility 50, and Enhanced Value 50. These rules-based indices, reconstituted quarterly, provide benchmarks for small-cap equities, enabling ETFs, index funds, and portfolio benchmarking, helping investors capture differentiated factor exposures in Indias small-cap segment.

Crude oil futures on MCX have jumped 62% in six sessions after the Middle East war triggered supply fears and production cuts. Analysts warn prolonged conflict could push prices higher, raising inflation risks and Indias import bill.

Navi Mumbai's office market commands 21 per cent lower rent than the average rentals of major cities, helping the region to attract foreign companies to set up their base and also establish global capability centres (GCCs), according to CRE Matrix.

Rajputana Stainless IPO saw a slow start to subscription on Day 1. The Rs 255 crore issue, priced Rs 116122 per share, is a mix of fresh issue and an offer for sale (OFS). Founded in 1991, Rajputana Stainless manufactures a range of long and flat stainless steel products, including billets, forging ingots, bright bars, and flat bars.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday injected Rs 50,000 crore into the banking system through Open Market Operation (OMO) purchases of government securities, according to a release.

Solar panel manufacturing company Insolation Energy Limited's equity shares have been listed on the main boards of the BSE and NSE.

U.S. stock index futures tumbled more than 1% on Monday as oil prices soared, exacerbating inflation fears as hostilities in the Middle East entered their tenth day.

The Central Information Commission has urged the National Financial Reporting Authority to publish all orders, directions, and policy decisions impacting audit practices. This move aims to enhance transparency and public trust in financial reporting. The commission emphasized that such information should be readily available on the NFRA's website.

Indias Nifty is hovering near 24,000 after heavy selling triggered by rising Middle East tensions and crude prices. Analysts warn continued geopolitical volatility and weak technical indicators could push the index toward the 23,00022,900 support zone.

Axis Bank's Chief Economist Neelkanth Mishra warns that sustained global energy price spikes could severely disrupt India's growth and balance of payments due to its heavy reliance on imports. While immediate consumer impact on fuel may be buffered, non-fuel energy imports could raise CPI. Mishra advises patience on interest rate hikes, expecting a short-lived conflict.

Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust, an InvIT sponsored by NHAI, will come up with Rs 6000 crore initial public offering with per unit price band fixed at Rs 99-Rs 100. A total of 260 km of five national highways on the golden quadrilateral in fours states of Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will be will be operated by the trust set up for the purpose

The Indian rupee fell to a record low on Monday, as fears of a prolonged war in the Middle East rattled regional currencies, and surging oil prices heightened concerns over global growth and inflation.

Markets are volatile due to West Asia tensions and rising oil prices. Hiren Ved of Alchemy Capital suggests a contrarian approach. Instead of seeking safety, he recommends buying fundamentally strong stocks that have been heavily impacted by the current selloff. He believes this is the opportune moment for investors to deploy capital, anticipating a recovery once geopolitical risks subside.

Asia may face inflation pressure as the Middle East conflict pushes oil prices above $100 per barrel. Fitch Ratings warned higher fuel costs could strain government budgets and raise credit risks in emerging markets, including India and the Philippines. Rising import bills, subsidies and weaker currencies may force policy shifts and delay monetary easing.

European shares slumped to their lowest in over two months on Monday, as surging oil prices exacerbated inflation worries with the U.S.- Israeli war on Iran showing no signs of slowing down.

India's shrimp exports are projected to surpass Rs 50,000 crore this fiscal, marking a 13-15% increase after three years of stagnation. This growth is driven by diversification into new markets, offsetting steep US tariffs. Operating margins are expected to remain stable, with credit profiles staying strong due to low debt.

Greenko Energies Pvt. is exploring a potential initial public offering in Mumbai. The company aims to raise up to $1 billion. This move could test investor interest in renewable energy shares. The company is backed by GIC Pte. and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Discussions with bankers are underway for a possible share sale this year. Details are still being finalized.

Despite selling Rs 74,700 crore in FY26, FIIs steadily increased stakes in 58 Indian stocks above Rs 3,000 crore market cap. Fourteen delivered 501,650% returns, with five becoming multibaggers, highlighting selective institutional confidence and strong stock-specific performance across sectors.

Shares of Meesho fell 10% to hit the lower circuit after the company revealed a Rs 1,500-crore tax demand from the Income Tax Department, nearly half of its Q3 operating revenue. The demand relates to the 2023-24 assessment year. Meesho said it disagrees with the order and is evaluating legal and factual grounds to contest it.

March has been brutal for Indian markets, with the Nifty plunging 5.3% in just six trading sessions amid escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions. Crude oil surged nearly 29% in a single day, fueling volatility. Technical analysts say the Nifty has broken key support at 24,050, signaling strong downside momentum, while a meaningful reversal remains unlikely in the near term.

India is set to improve how it measures economic output at the district level. New methods will use more detailed data to better understand regional differences. This shift aims to help policymakers identify areas needing support more accurately. The government will work with states to implement these changes.

Indian equity markets saw a minor recovery on Monday, but experts warn the rally might be short-lived due to persistent volatility. Analysts suggest avoiding aggressive long positions as the market trend remains negative, with key support levels identified at 23,500. While auto stocks like TVS Motor face pressure, the IT sector shows relative strength, with LTIMindtree being a favored pick.

The India VIX nearly doubled in a month, reflecting rising fear among investors amid geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty. Surging crude prices and persistent foreign selling have triggered sharp equity declines, with the Nifty 50 down 8%, keeping markets volatile and investors cautious.

Market turbulence offers chances to buy. Vikas Khemani of Carnelian Asset Management sees opportunity in corrections. He highlights banks, consumer sectors, and pharmaceuticals as attractive. PSU banks also present value. Khemani advises a long-term view, noting Indian economic fundamentals are strong. Short-term price drops in good companies are chances to invest.

The surge in crude oil prices triggered a sharp selloff in Indian equities on Monday. The benchmark BSE Sensex fell nearly 2,400 points shortly after opening, while the Nifty 50 dropped more than 700 points, before recovering some of the losses. All sectoral indices were trading in the red.

Global markets are grappling with a surge in crude oil prices, with Brent crude exceeding $100. Strategists note that markets are already digesting this shock, impacting Asian markets significantly. India, however, may face less downside due to its recent economic efficiency and ability to purchase Russian oil, though the duration of the conflict remains a key factor.

Fitch Ratings warns the Iran conflict poses new credit risks for emerging markets, particularly concerning energy imports, remittances, and exchange rates. Higher oil prices could fuel inflation and weaken investor sentiment, impacting debt issuance. Countries like India, with significant fossil fuel imports, and those with strained finances like Pakistan, face heightened vulnerabilities.

Shares of IT companies outperformed the broader market on Monday, with Wipro, LTIMindtree, and Persistent Systems rising up to 1% despite a sharp selloff that wiped out over Rs 12.39 lakh crore from BSE-listed companies market capitalisation. Wipro led gains, while Infosys and TCS saw modest declines, less severe than the broader market drop.

Shares of PG Electroplast fell sharply after the company flagged a gas shortage under its supply agreement due to maritime restrictions linked to the Middle East conflict. The disruption has led to curbs on LPG allocations, prompting the firm to explore alternative supplies while assessing the potential impact on production and customers.

Cupid Limited shares appeared to crash nearly 80% after adjusting for a 4:1 bonus issue, but actually rose over 15%. The stock opened at Rs 82 and rallied to Rs 92.90, despite the broader market decline. This corporate action, while adjusting the per-share price, does not alter the total value of shareholders' holdings.

The Indian rupee is under pressure due to global geopolitical tensions and soaring crude oil prices. Currency markets are watching the Reserve Bank of India's next move. Traders expect continued volatility as the dollar strengthens and oil import demand rises. The rupee could weaken further if tensions persist and oil prices remain high. The RBI's focus is on managing volatility.

Japan's stock market experienced a sharp decline. The Nikkei index fell over 5% to a one-month low. This selloff was driven by a surge in oil prices, sparking fears of inflation and economic slowdown. Investors are now questioning the market's upside potential. Chip and bank shares tumbled, with all industry sub-indices on the Tokyo Stock Exchange falling.

Australian shares experienced a sharp 3% decline, losing over $138 billion as surging oil prices fueled inflation fears. The S&P/ASX 200 index hit its lowest point since December. Miners and financials bore the brunt, while energy stocks saw gains. Investors are bracing for prolonged high energy costs amid Middle East tensions.

Indian markets opened lower today. Global uncertainties and rising crude oil prices are impacting investor sentiment. A market strategist advises against panic. He suggests a good range for potential market bottoms. Investors should focus on domestic-facing sectors. Upstream oil companies are recommended over downstream ones. Gold and silver have seen profit-taking. The CDMO space in pharmaceuticals shows promise.

Billionaire Leo KoGuan has doubled his investment in chipmaker Nvidia. He purchased an additional one million shares. This move comes as global markets face a selloff due to the Middle East conflict. KoGuan hopes his purchase will help calm nervous markets. Nvidia shares have seen a slight dip this year. Tesla shares are also down.

Indian stock markets are facing pressure, with banking shares seeing significant declines. However, experts suggest this presents a buying opportunity for long-term investors. Escalating Middle East tensions are driving the selloff, impacting global supply chains. Despite this, India's economic growth story remains strong. Sectors like Power Transmission, Consumer Durables, and Pharma are recommended for investment.

HDFC Bank shares fell over 4% on Monday as geopolitical tensions in West Asia triggered broad selling in banking stocks. The Nifty Bank index also dropped sharply with all banking stocks trading in the red. Despite the decline, analysts remain optimistic about the lenders long-term outlook and earnings growth.