The Economic Times

Jio Platforms has appointed 17 global and domestic investment banks, including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, to begin work on its mega IPO. With valuation estimates near $180 billion, even a 2.5% float could become Indias largest-ever public offering.

Goldman Sachs predicts the Indian rupee could weaken to 95 against the dollar within a year due to the Iran conflict's impact. While inflation is currently stable, rising oil prices and a depreciating rupee might force the Reserve Bank of India to tighten monetary policy later.

Australian shares closed higher, marking a weekly peak, as mining stocks rallied. Investor sentiment remained cautious following the Reserve Bank of Australia's recent rate hike and warnings about inflation. Markets are now split on the likelihood of further rate increases, with upcoming employment data eyed closely. Major companies like BHP and Woodside announced new leadership.

Markets show a tentative rebound, but sustainability hinges on external factors like oil prices and news flow. Experts caution against definitive bottom calls, emphasizing structural shifts for a sustained uptrend. Sector-specific insights reveal resilience in pharma, long-term potential in auto, and a shift towards cash flow discipline in real estate.

The US Federal Reserve is expected to hold rates amid rising uncertainty from the Iran conflict and mixed economic signals. Markets will closely track the Feds commentary for cues on rate cuts. Indian equities may react to global liquidity trends, crude oil movement and potential FII flows influenced by US policy signals.

Adani Power shares declined after a recent rally as investors booked profits despite strong momentum in power stocks. The company continues to secure long-term power supply agreements and expand capacity. However, recent quarterly results showed a decline in profit and revenue, even as management remains optimistic about growth and execution.

Shares of Hexaware Technologies rose sharply after the launch of Agentverse, an enterprise AI platform with 600+ agents. The offering aims to help companies move from AI pilots to full-scale deployment, driving productivity gains, faster response times, cost efficiencies, and improved customer experience.

US stocks might be at a turning point. A key indicator from Barclays suggests a good time to buy. This signal has historically led to market rebounds. Investor sentiment has cooled, and positioning is light. Major Wall Street firms are also becoming more positive. This could lead to a potential stock market recovery.

Market expert Sudip Bandyopadhyay sees current market dips as buying chances. He recommends L&T for its future order potential. PSU banks like SBI are strong long-term holds. Chemicals and agrochemicals are poised for growth despite headwinds. EMS sector benefits from policy changes. Metals, especially aluminium producers, are strong. KEI Industries requires patience. Investors can find opportunities in these sectors.

Rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran could reshape global markets, with energy disruption emerging as the biggest risk. Europe, still vulnerable after the RussiaUkraine crisis, faces renewed pressure from potential LNG shortages, higher inflation, and slower growth, while the euro may weaken further amid escalating geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Geopolitical tensions and volatile commodity markets are forcing investors to rethink traditional strategies, shifting focus from returns to resilience. Experts predict prolonged conflicts will drive structural changes in energy markets and favor defence stocks, while central banks remain cautious due to persistent inflation, limiting interest rate cuts.

Poor, fragmented data continues to limit AIs impact on farming in India, say experts

Indian stock markets saw strong gains for a third day. The Sensex climbed over 500 points, and the Nifty 50 surpassed 23,700. Easing oil prices boosted investor confidence. IT stocks led the rally, with Infosys and TCS showing significant increases. This surge added substantial value to the overall market capitalization.

NSE Holidays 2026: Indian stock markets will operate without holidays this week, including during Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid-Ul-Fitr. Further closures are planned for Shri Ram Navami and Shri Mahavir Jayanti in March. April will see market holidays for Good Friday and Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti. Investors should note these trading days. The exchanges may adjust the schedule.

IT stocks rallied up to 4% on Wednesday after CLSA retained its Outperform rating on key names, easing concerns around AI-led disruption that had sparked a sharp selloff last month. Coforge and Persistent led gains, rising over 4% each, while TCS, LTIMindtree, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra and Wipro also posted strong advances.

The Rs 400 crore GSP Crop Science IPO enters its final day with 96% subscription, led by strong NII demand while retail interest remains muted. With GMP at zero, listing expectations remain subdued. The company aims to reduce debt and strengthen operations, backed by steady financial growth and a diversified agrochemical portfolio.

The Rs 400 crore GSP Crop Science IPO enters its final day with 96% subscription, led by strong NII demand while retail interest remains muted. With GMP at zero, listing expectations remain subdued. The company aims to reduce debt and strengthen operations, backed by steady financial growth and a diversified agrochemical portfolio.

Indian IT stocks are experiencing a significant correction, driven by fears of AI automation impacting outsourcing demand, amplified by Nvidia's AI chip announcements. Analysts, however, see current valuations as reflecting pessimism, creating selective buying opportunities amidst evolving AI adoption and potential US economic headwinds.

Chinese companies are increasingly using foreign-exchange derivatives to hedge against a strengthening yuan, which threatens export earnings. Net outstanding forward settlement contracts reached a record $107 billion as the yuan appreciated significantly. This surge in hedging reflects a shift in currency dynamics, but increased dollar settlement positions expose companies to potential losses amid global uncertainty.

India's equity markets face a critical juncture as crude oil prices approach $100 per barrel. Axis Securities advises investors to hold positions and selectively add quality stocks, warning that sustained high crude could lead to earnings cuts from Q1 FY27. The firm highlights the economy's strong fundamentals but identifies crude oil as the primary near-term risk.

Gold and silver prices edged lower on March 18, 2026 as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the US Federal Reserve policy decision. While gold remained largely steady, silver declined nearly Rs 2,000. Analysts expect continued volatility, with key support and resistance levels guiding near-term trading strategies for both metals.

Japan's exports saw a robust 4.2% year-on-year rise in February, defying expectations and signaling continued global demand. Despite a dip in shipments to the US and China, regional Asian markets showed resilience. However, surging energy costs due to Middle East tensions pose a significant risk, potentially impacting inflation and the nation's trade balance.

Global oil prices are soaring, threatening India's import-reliant economy. A potential $200 per barrel scenario looms, impacting refiners and oil marketing companies severely. While Reliance Industries shows resilience, upstream players like ONGC face price caps. Gas companies grapple with supply route disruptions, potentially affecting industrial users and CNG availability.

Indian stock markets extended gains for a third consecutive session, with the Sensex and Nifty 50 opening higher. Easing oil prices, following an agreement to resume exports from Turkey's Ceyhan port, and a decline in US bond yields boosted investor sentiment. Global markets also showed positive movement, though geopolitical tensions in the Middle East persist.

The US Federal Reserve is poised to hold interest rates steady amid escalating Middle East tensions, which are disrupting oil markets and supply chains. This geopolitical uncertainty complicates the Fed's balancing act between controlling persistent inflation and supporting a weakening economy. Investors will closely watch updated economic projections for signs of further deterioration.

Amidst geopolitical tensions and market corrections, select Indian stocks have surged significantly. Defence, jewellery, digital infrastructure, and energy sectors have shown robust performance, with companies like Swan Defence, Bluestone Jewellery, Sterlite Technologies, and Adani Power leading the gains. Resilience in banking and consumption stocks also highlights selective investor interest in stable businesses.

Indian equities face sharp corrections due to geopolitical tensions. Investors should avoid panic and adopt disciplined strategies. Adjust sector exposure to global risks. Invest gradually in tranches. Rebalance portfolios toward defensives and diversify. Focus on large caps and fundamentally strong companies. Manage risk for future returns.

Seasoned investors are finding attractive opportunities in overlooked sectors like pharma, auto ancillaries, and select IT, where temporary headwinds have created valuation gaps. TrustLine Holdings' Founder & CEO, N. ArunaGiri, emphasizes a disciplined, bottom-up value investing approach, highlighting the importance of margin of safety and identifying high-quality small-cap businesses at a discount for long-term wealth creation.

Amid global uncertainty, investors are advised to rethink portfolios with a focus on risk management. While Indian equities show a neutral outlook with earnings nearing a trough, macro risks like rising crude prices and geopolitical tensions persist. Experts suggest staying underweight on midcaps, long-duration bonds, and US tech giants.

Tata Steel shares will be in focus after the company approved the merger of Neelachal Ispat Nigam and a $2 billion investment in its Singapore arm. It also plans to acquire full control of Medica TS Hospital. The moves aim to streamline operations, support global subsidiaries and enhance long-term growth.

Maruti Suzuki shares will be in focus after the company received a Rs 5,786 crore income tax notice, though it plans to challenge the order. The stock has declined sharply in recent months despite steady sales growth and strong revenue performance, with mixed trends across segments and modest profit expansion in Q3.

On March 17, three Nifty200 stocks appeared in the White Marubozu bullish scan. This candlestick pattern reflects strong buying interest throughout the session, signalling improving momentum and potential near-term upside. Traders often monitor such formations to confirm strength in price trends and identify possible continuation of bullish momentum.

Urban Company shares will be in focus after early investors offloaded a 4.6% stake worth Rs 734 crore following the expiry of the lock-in period. While institutional buying provided some support, the stock remains under pressure amid recent declines and continued investments impacting profitability despite steady revenue growth.

Japan's Nikkei index surged on Wednesday, driven by technology stocks. Investors eased worries about rising oil prices, boosting market sentiment. Advantest and SoftBank Group saw significant gains. Shipping firm Mitsui OSK Lines and Mitsubishi Materials also experienced strong upward movement. Tokyo Electric Power also jumped on investment interest. Chugai Pharm was the sole decliner.

On March 17, six Nifty200 stocks appeared in the RSI Trending Up scan. Their RSI readings crossed above the 50 mark from lower levels, indicating strengthening price momentum. Traders often monitor this indicator to identify improving sentiment and potential bullish continuation opportunities in these counters within the broader market.

Oil prices dipped Wednesday following a rise in US crude inventories. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, suggest prices may climb. Experts predict Brent crude could reach $120 or even $150 per barrel if the conflict persists. This could impact global economies and prompt policy intervention.

We have collated a list of recommendations from top brokerage firms from ETNow and other sources.

Apsis Aerocom is set for a strong market debut. The IPO saw robust investor demand, with a significant subscription rate. Grey market trends indicate a premium of around 24% ahead of its listing on the NSE SME platform. This suggests healthy listing gains for investors. The company operates in precision engineering for aerospace, defence, and healthcare sectors.

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.

Gold prices remained stable as global markets assessed the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict. Renewed Iranian attacks and the killing of a senior Iranian official heightened tensions, impacting oil supplies and pushing prices above $100 a barrel. Investors await the U.S.

Global markets saw a return of risk appetite on Wednesday. The dollar eased as investors looked towards key central bank announcements. The Japanese yen strengthened significantly. The euro remained steady ahead of the European Central Bank's meeting. Investors are closely watching for commentary on inflation and economic outlook amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Oil prices saw a slight dip on Wednesday morning. This followed reports of a rise in U.S. crude inventories. Meanwhile, Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government agreed to resume oil exports. Libya's National Oil Corporation confirmed production continues despite a fire. Developments involving Iran and U.S. military actions near the Strait of Hormuz are also noted.

Wall Street closed higher as travel stocks rebounded, with Delta Air Lines raising revenue guidance. Investors watched the Federal Reserve's policy meeting amid concerns over high oil prices and the Middle East conflict. Policymakers are weighing inflation against a weakening jobs market, with expectations of unchanged interest rates.

Reliance Industries is preparing for a massive IPO of its telecom arm, Jio Platforms. The company plans to file initial documents by the end of this month. This could be India's largest ever IPO. Seventeen bankers have been appointed to manage the issue. The offering is expected to be a secondary share sale by existing investors.

Asian equities opened higher, mirroring gains in US stocks and Treasuries as investors look past geopolitical tensions. Despite concerns over oil prices and inflation, markets show cautious optimism, with the Federal Reserve's interest-rate decision awaited. Continued volatility is expected until the energy situation stabilizes.

The Trump administration has defended the Pentagon's decision to blacklist AI company Anthropic. This move followed Anthropic's refusal to remove safety guardrails. The administration argues the action is lawful and related to contract negotiations and national security. Anthropic is challenging the decision in court, claiming it violates free speech rights. The Pentagon's designation could significantly impact the company's business.

India's IPO boom is increasingly funding debt repayment over growth initiatives. Data reveals that nearly a quarter of funds raised in recent share sales are allocated to paying off borrowings, surpassing capital expenditure. This shift suggests companies are prioritizing balance sheet repair and liquidity for insiders rather than investing in new projects.

Standard Chartered Bank has settled a case with market regulator Sebi. The bank agreed to pay Rs 57 lakh for alleged lapses as a designated depository participant for foreign portfolio investors. Sebi found failures in monitoring FPI disclosures and reporting changes in beneficial ownership. Delays in processing investor grouping updates were also noted. The settlement resolves multiple compliance issues.