The Economic Times

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.

Nifty fell over 5% weekly amid Iran-Israel/US tensions, with Bank Nifty and Auto leading declines. Sudeep Shah highlights key support-resistance levels, sector rotation strategies, and defensive plays in FMCG, Pharma, and CPSEs to navigate high volatility. Investors are advised to avoid bottom-fishing and wait for stabilisation signals.

India's economy shows strong resilience against global headwinds. Favorable interest rates and liquidity conditions are set to boost growth. The investment cycle is on an upward path, driven by government infrastructure spending and manufacturing support. Private investments are expected to rise, particularly in renewable energy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bitcoins steep decline since October may be nearing its final phase, according to Blockforce Capitals Brett Munster, who tracks key on-chain indicators. Metrics such as the MVRV Z-Score and realized price suggest the cryptocurrency could be entering a potential accumulation zone, with renewed ETF inflows signalling improving investor demand.

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.

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 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 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.

Ace investor Ashish Kacholias portfolio saw mixed performance in FY26, with six stocks rallying up to 119% while several others declined as much as 56%, even as he added two new bets in the December 2025 quarter.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Gold prices are heading for a second weekly dip, influenced by a robust dollar and inflation concerns stemming from the Iran conflict. These factors are dampening hopes for imminent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Despite gold's traditional role as an inflation hedge, higher rates make holding it less attractive.

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.

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.

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.

Crude oil prices in the international market have surged by more than 40 per cent in just 15 days amid the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has disrupted the energy supply route through the Strait of Hormuz and affected global energy markets, particularly in Asia.

Vedanta Limited has made headlines by securing 2,575 crore via a three-year bond sale, locking in a coupon of roughly 8.95%. This funding initiative is primarily aimed at restructuring their existing liabilities and addressing imminent debt maturities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

India offers relief to foreigners affected by the West Asia conflict. Visas and e-Visas expiring soon will be extended for one month free of charge. Overstay penalties incurred after February 28 are waived. Exit permits will also be issued without cost. Temporary Landing Permits are available for arriving passengers due to flight diversions.

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.

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.

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.

The United States has initiated a trade probe into sixty nations, including India, China, the EU, UK, and Japan. This investigation scrutinizes policies regarding goods made with forced labor. The US Trade Representative's office is seeking consultations and will hold public hearings. This move follows a separate probe into excess industrial capacity.

India's trade pact with the U.S. stands firm, safeguarding critical areas such as agriculture and dairy. This collaboration promises mutual advantages, enhancing technology access while propelling India towards its goal of becoming a global data hub. Additionally, the India-UK free trade agreement is anticipated to launch within a month, following a quick ratification by the UK Parliament.

Banks are in the process of signing final documents in the KEPL case, while in the case of BLA, too, there was no one who turned up in the Swiss auction. But Friday is the last day for declaration of the successful applicant, which will be announced by the end of business hours, said a person familiar with the details.

Fitch Ratings has recently upgraded its economic outlook for India, now projecting a vigorous growth rate of 7.5 percent for FY26, driven by a surge in domestic demand. They've also adjusted their FY27 estimates upwards. While there are hints of a slowdown, the overarching economic resilience remains intact, with credit growth consistently in double digits.

The movement in reserves comes at a time when the Indian rupee has been experiencing heightened volatility, with the currency recently touching record lows against the US dollar. The pressure on the rupee has been partly linked to the ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from the US-Israel-Iran war, which have contributed to instability in global energy markets.

In a significant move for exporters, India's government has rolled out more than Rs 15,700 crore through the RoDTEP initiative this year, benefitting over 1.11 lakh businesses.

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

India and the UK, on July 24 last year, signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) under which 99 per cent of Indian exports will enter the British market at zero duty, while tariffs on British products, such as cars and whisky, will be reduced in India.

India's imports from China are slowing, with exports growing faster this fiscal year. The government highlighted reduced dependency on Chinese imports in sectors like mobile phones, while also detailing non-tariff barriers faced by Indian exporters to the EU and the benefits of the RoDTEP scheme.

According to the data tabled in the House, Uttar Pradesh had the highest pending liabilities at Rs 1,158.71 crore, followed by Andhra Pradesh at Rs 1,014.60 crore, Karnataka Rs 746.65 crore, Tamil Nadu Rs 729.88 crore, Madhya Pradesh Rs 704.64 crore, Bihar Rs 664.72, Maharashtra Rs 528.28 crore and Assam at Rs 482.51 crore.

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 United States and India are close to finalizing a critical minerals agreement. A significant announcement is anticipated in the coming months. This pact aims to secure supply chains for advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. The US envoy highlighted recent breakthroughs in trade, technology, and strategic coordination, underscoring a growing partnership.

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.