The Economic Times

Jefferies has added Wipro, Hyundai Motor India and Cipla to its latest underperform list, citing weak growth outlook, rising competition and earnings risks. The brokerage flagged slow deal ramp ups at Wipro, market share losses for Hyundai and US revenue pressure at Cipla as key concerns for investors.

The Lok Sabha has approved an additional Rs 2.01 lakh crore in spending for the current fiscal year through supplementary demands for grants. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured the House that this extra expenditure will not impact the fiscal deficit, which remains within the Revised Estimates. The government also reduced its total expenditure projection for the year.

India's economy is poised for robust growth, with Fitch Ratings projecting 7.5% expansion for the fiscal year ending March 2026, exceeding earlier forecasts. Strong domestic demand, fueled by consumer spending and investment, is the primary driver. Despite a recent slowdown, resilience persists, supported by services and infrastructure investment, making India a global economic bright spot.

Metal stocks, including NALCO and Hindustan Copper fell sharply on Friday as a surging US Dollar Index and ongoing IranIsrael/US conflict dented demand. Analysts advise caution, noting that global commodity prices and infrastructure trends will shape near-term metal sector performance.

Indian equities are suffering their worst month since the Covid crash as the Iran war, $100 crude and heavy FII selling hammer sentiment. Despite the slide, fund houses like Bajaj Finserv AMC and Axis Mutual Fund say strong earnings and resilient fundamentals in India may steady markets once geopolitics stabilise.

Adobe's stock dropped significantly following the announcement of CEO Shantanu Narayen's retirement. This leadership change comes as the company navigates the evolving landscape of AI in software. Investors are watching closely to see how Adobe adapts to these technological shifts.

European shares fell on Friday and were headed for a second weekly loss, as escalating conflict in the Middle East and inflation worries dented risk appetite.

A powerful blast shattered the tranquility of Ferdowsi Square in Tehran on Friday, amid the fervor of Quds Day marches. Israel's recent alerts about potential attacks echoed through the region as thousands of demonstrators bravely rallied together, their voices resounding with fervent opposition to U.S. and Israeli policies.

Global crude oil prices could surge to as high as USD 150 per barrel if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for the next four to eight weeks, according to a report by Nuvama.

Despite a Rs 10 lakh crore market wipeout triggered by the Iran conflict, nearly 50 stocks showed resilience. Select gainersincluding ACME Solar Holdings, L&T Technology Services and IFCIoutperformed even as benchmark indices and broader markets sank under geopolitical and crude-driven pressure.

Indian equity markets are experiencing significant volatility due to geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties, with FII selling exacerbating the downturn. Experts advise a 'sell on rise' approach, emphasizing selective investing in resilient sectors like pharma and metals, while cautioning against banks, IT, autos, and real estate.

Crude oil above $100 has wiped out Rs 20 lakh crore in equity wealth, hammering markets in India as the Iran conflict escalates. The rupee hit a record low, and FIIs continue to sell, yet experts and Axis Mutual Fund argue the panic may be creating a rare long-term buying window.

UBS initiated coverage on Eureka Forbes with a 'Buy' call, identifying it as a 'steady earnings compounder' with under-appreciated scale advantages in water purifiers and services. The brokerage set a target price of Rs 640, citing market growth driven by health awareness and expanding consumer base.

China will soon implement anti-dumping duties on halogenated butyl rubber. This action follows an investigation into imports from India, Japan, and Canada. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce found that these products were sold at unfairly low prices. Tariffs of up to 30.1% will affect shipments from Japan and Canada starting March 14.

Indian equity markets are currently under pressure due to rising geopolitical tensions, particularly the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The benchmark Nifty 50 has declined nearly 10% from its 52-week high, while the broader market has been hit even harder, with the Nifty Microcap 250 index falling around 18%. Notably, about 26 microcap stocks have dropped more than 50% from their 52-week highs.

India will delay signing a trade deal with the United States for several months. New investigations by the US administration have created friction. India expects to sign an interim deal later. The US expects India to honor its commitments. India will take a wait and watch approach.

Consumer inflation for Q4 FY26 is projected at 3 percent, below RBI's estimate. This forecast follows a shift in the CPI base year. February inflation rose to 3.21 percent, with food inflation at 3.35 percent. Food inflation is expected to remain muted in FY26 due to a high base effect. March inflation may see upward pressure.

Shares of eClerx Services appeared to plunge 50% after turning ex-date for its 1:1 bonus issue, but the decline was only about 6% as the price adjusted for the corporate action. The stock opened sharply lower on the NSE before extending losses amid broader market weakness.

Muthoot FinCorp is raising up to Rs 600 crore by selling bonds to retail investors. The bonds offer yields between 8.70% and 9.10%. This fundraising will support business growth, lending activities, and debt repayment. The issue is open until March 23. The bonds carry high safety ratings from Crisil and Brickwork Ratings.

Japan's Nikkei closed lower on Friday and posted a second consecutive weekly decline of 3.2%, as escalating tensions in the Middle East fuelled inflation concerns and prompted investors to dump riskier assets.

Australian shares ended slightly lower on Friday as losses in miners outweighed gains in financials, while the Middle East conflict stoked inflation concerns and lifted expectations of a central bank rate hike next week.

Honda Motor's stock plummeted nearly 6% in Tokyo after the automaker announced its first annual loss in nearly 70 years. The company is facing up to $15.7 billion in restructuring costs, primarily due to cancelling three planned electric vehicle models in the US and writing down its China business.

Japanese government bond yields are rising across the board. Higher crude oil prices and a weaker yen are fueling inflation worries. The benchmark 10-year JGB yield has increased. The Bank of Japan is expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its upcoming meeting. Market participants are watching the BOJ's stance on inflation pressures.

Jefferies has updated its analyst top ideas, adding seven new stock recommendations across various sectors. These picks include State Bank of India, Groww, Star Health & Allied Insurance, Bharat Forge, JSW Steel, Eternal, and Max Healthcare, with significant upside potential highlighted for each.

Escalating Middle East tensions and soaring crude oil prices are significantly impacting India's banking sector, pushing the Nifty Bank index down nearly 11% in March. Concerns over rupee depreciation, rising inflation, and potential disruptions to trade routes are fueling investor worries and leading to substantial FII selloffs, creating a bearish outlook for bank stocks.

Indian equity markets are experiencing significant volatility due to global uncertainties, rising crude oil prices, and consistent FII selling. Market expert Amnish Aggarwal advises caution, noting that supply chain disruptions and potential impacts on corporate earnings will take time to normalize. He suggests investors remain on the sidelines until the situation stabilizes.

The Hormuz Strait crisis poses a significant risk to India's energy and fertilizer supplies. DAM Capital's Nandan Chakraborty advises investors to focus on the duration of the disruption, not just oil prices. His strategy involves maintaining liquidity, identifying undervalued growth stocks, and avoiding value traps. Sectors like NBFCs, consumer discretionary, defense, and renewables are highlighted as potential investment areas.

Indian government bonds are falling. Oil prices remain high, fueling inflation worries. This impacts India's economic growth and interest rate expectations. The rupee has hit a new low against the dollar. The Reserve Bank of India is intervening to support bond yields. Traders are cautious due to ongoing Middle East conflict. Analysts predict higher inflation if oil prices stay elevated.

The Supreme Court has declined a request to take action against those spreading misinformation about the Tirumala laddu controversy. A criminal case is already registered and an investigation is underway. The court suggested submitting any evidence to the probe agency.

The Indian rupee has reached a historic low. Worries about rising oil prices due to the Iran conflict are impacting the economy. Analysts predict further weakening if oil prices remain high. Foreign investors are selling Indian stocks. The central bank is intervening to support the currency. The situation is expected to continue under pressure.

IFCI shares surged over 11% after the National Stock Exchange (NSE) appointed 20 merchant bankers and eight law firms for its upcoming IPO. IFCI holds an indirect stake in NSE through its subsidiary, Stock Holding Corporation of India, which could be a selling shareholder in the offer-for-sale.

Bitcoin surged towards $72,000 after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed market concerns. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum saw significant gains. Major altcoins also experienced strong upward movement. This rally added billions to the crypto market cap. Investors are watching upcoming Federal Reserve meetings and economic data for further direction. The market sentiment is improving despite some caution.

India is a tough negotiator in trade talks, according to US Ambassador Sergio Gor. He stated that the US expects countries to honor agreements. A trade deal between India and the US was finalized in one year, much faster than other negotiations. The US also appreciates India's role in stabilizing global oil prices.

Soaring temperatures across India are fueling a surge in power demand, boosting shares of NTPC Green and Adani Power. Heatwave warnings are in effect for Mumbai and Delhi, with Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh also experiencing intense heat. Experts anticipate a record summer, benefiting power companies as they prepare for heightened electricity needs.

India and the US are set to deepen defence ties, exploring advanced engines, unmanned systems, and expanded MRO operations. A critical minerals agreement is nearing finalization, while American firms are ready to boost India's nuclear power capacity. Strengthening the Quad remains a key objective for Washington, highlighting robust bilateral cooperation.

The Gulf war is beginning to disrupt key maritime routes used for Indias exports, putting up to $4 billion of monthly shipments at risk if the situation continues for a month, according to the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). Exporters are trying to reroute cargo and explore alternative markets as shipping and air logistics face delays and rising costs.

Coal India shares hit a fresh 52-week high as rising temperatures and heatwave warnings raised expectations of strong summer power demand. Analysts remain positive on the companys outlook, citing stable coal prices, rising domestic supply and strong demand from power and industrial sectors. Brokerages see further upside supported by steady earnings and dividends.

In the heart of the White House, tensions are flaring as a pivotal discussion on the Iran conflict unfolds. President Trump's rhetoric is evolving amidst heated discussions among his aides about how to frame a potential victory. Concerns grow over rising fuel prices that could alienate voters. Meanwhile, hardliners are pushing for an escalation of military efforts.

Indias updated Press Note 3 framework aims to ease foreign investment restrictions from land-border countries by clarifying beneficial ownership rules and introducing faster approvals for strategic sectors. The changes seek to balance national security with investment growth, potentially reviving FDI flows through global funds while supporting startups, manufacturing expansion and technology transfer.

Friday the 13th, a date often associated with superstition, saw Indian markets open sharply lower, with the Sensex and Nifty experiencing significant drops. This decline is attributed to geopolitical tensions between Iran and the US-Israel and rising crude oil prices, rattling investor sentiment and pushing the market towards its biggest weekly drop in over a year.

Tensions escalate as US President Donald Trump issues new threats to Iran. Iran's new leader vows to continue fighting, promising more pain for Gulf Arab states and threatening new fronts. Oil prices surge again, and global stocks sink. Israeli attacks target Iran's nuclear program and leaders. French and US soldiers are casualties in Iraq.

Global energy markets face fresh uncertainty as Iran signals potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This critical chokepoint, through which a fifth of global oil flows, is raising fears of supply disruptions. Experts highlight Iran's strategic leverage and the worldwide impact of high oil prices. The situation's complexity and logistical challenges suggest a prolonged period of volatility.

Surging oil prices driven by escalating tensions involving Iran are complicating the U.S. monetary policy outlook. Rising energy costs could keep inflation elevated, prompting investors to scale back expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts this year. Economists warn that persistent crude price gains may delay policy easing and pressure global food and consumer prices.

Jefferies has cut Reliance Industries (RIL) target price to Rs 1,750, citing a delayed Jio tariff hike and likely Jio IPO postponement. However, the brokerage highlights gains for the oil-to-chemicals (O2C) business amid Middle East supply disruptions, which boost refining and petrochemical margins, offsetting near-term digital segment drag.

The escalating Middle East conflict is heightening Japans inflation risks, potentially accelerating the Bank of Japans rate-hike timeline. Rising fuel prices, supply disruptions, and a tightening labor market are pushing inflation above the BOJs 2% target, prompting cautious policymaking while balancing economic growth and geopolitical uncertainties.

The Indian rupee hit a new all-time low against the dollar on Friday, driven by concerns over sustained high oil prices and the ongoing Middle East conflict. Despite a significant decline since the Iran war began, the rupee has shown resilience compared to other emerging markets due to interventions by the Reserve Bank of India.

India's manufacturing sector faces temporary gas supply issues. Investor Aditya Shah sees this as an opportunity. He highlights a banking upgrade cycle and high summer power demand. Shah favors companies supporting increased power consumption. He also sees potential in banking stocks and microfinance. Shah's insights offer a roadmap for navigating these market dynamics.

Despite the Middle East war and rising geopolitical tensions, gold prices have fallen, defying their safe-haven appeal. This counterintuitive trend is attributed to a broad risk-off sentiment, a strong US dollar, and profit-booking after earlier rallies. Experts suggest this is a short-term adjustment, with long-term fundamentals still supporting precious metals.

S&P Global Ratings said it will avoid immediate sovereign downgrades despite the escalating Middle East conflict, but warned that higher oil and gas prices could strain vulnerable economies. Energy-import-dependent Asian countries and debt-laden South Asian nations may face added fiscal pressure if the geopolitical tensions and elevated energy prices persist.

Gold and silver prices opened lower on Friday due to soaring energy prices dampening expectations for near-term US interest rate cuts. Investors await the Personal Consumption Expenditures index, while international gold prices edged higher. Experts advise trading within specified ranges, with long-term investors encouraged to accumulate on dips.