The Economic Times

Indias latest market downturn is unusual because stock prices have corrected sharply despite a resilient macro backdrop. Unlike past cycles marked by fiscal weakness, high NPAs, or external stress, key indicators remain stable. This divergence suggests the potential for a faster, V-shaped recovery, creating selective opportunities for high-conviction investors.

India assures ample seed availability for the upcoming sowing season. This comes as global supply chains face disruptions. The nation boasts a self-reliant seed system. For the Kharif Season 2026, a surplus of 19.29 lakh quintals is reported. This ensures agricultural needs are met, providing stability for farmers.

The Lok Sabha has passed a bill making Amaravati the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. This move is set to revive investor confidence and unlock significant infrastructure development. The bill provides legal clarity, ending years of uncertainty. Amaravati is envisioned as a global-standard city and a key growth engine for the state. This will accelerate investments and generate employment.

Axis Capital initiates a 'Buy' on Meesho with a Rs 195 target, anticipating a 34% surge. The brokerage highlights Meesho's strong position to capture growth in smaller cities through its affordability model. Key drivers include expanding user base to 440 million, growing ad revenue, and competitive advantages over rivals.

SNVA Traveltech Ltd, the operator of online travel platform Travomint, has submitted preliminary IPO papers to Sebi via the confidential route. The Noida-based company aims to leverage this approach for greater flexibility in its public offering preparations. Travomint, established in 2017, offers comprehensive travel booking solutions globally.

Young Indians are leading the surge in crypto derivatives trading. Gen Z traders aged 18-25 dominate new accounts. Women's participation is also growing significantly. Trading activity is increasing, with larger trade sizes and higher frequency. Eastern India shows remarkable growth, indicating a shift from metro-centric to wider adoption. This signals a new era for digital asset engagement in India.

India has shelved plans for deep-sea mining auctions, citing a lack of technological readiness and anticipated low bidder interest. The initial auction for critical mineral blocks, valued over 1.5 trillion rupees, was annulled due to poor response. Companies find the venture economically unfeasible, with domestic miners unprepared for the substantial investments and specialized technology required.

As FY27 begins, FY26 was marked by global uncertainty and domestic headwinds, with the Nifty 50 falling 5%. Amid tariffs, FII outflows, weak earnings, and geopolitical tensions, PSU banks outperformed, delivering a 27% return, supported by improving asset quality, strong balance sheets, sustained credit growth, and attractive valuations, drawing investor interest even amid broader market volatility.

India is establishing dedicated rare earth corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to reduce import dependence and boost domestic capabilities in strategic sectors. These corridors will focus on mining, processing, research, and manufacturing, aligning with national goals of self-reliance and net-zero emissions. A joint working group is formulating guidelines to implement these initiatives.

Cupid Limited shares jumped 8 percent on Wednesday. The company expects to exceed its FY26 revenue and profit targets. Cupid has set a new revenue goal of at least Rs 600 crore for FY27. Strong export growth and a favorable currency environment are driving this optimism. The company's stock has delivered impressive returns over the past year.

Indian equities experienced a significant rebound, with the Nifty climbing nearly 500 points. Technical indicators suggest a potential shift in market sentiment, hinting at the end of a selloff and the start of a durable uptrend. PSU banks and IT stocks are showing signs of recovery, offering near-term trading opportunities as the market moves towards selective optimism.

FY26 India IPOs show signs of retail fatigue, with average listing gains falling to -7% and retail oversubscription halving. Only 34 of 108 IPOs delivered over 10% gains on listing day. While institutional participation, especially by mutual funds, remains strong, retail appetite is cooling. FY27 sees a robust pipeline, with 144 SEBI-approved companies and 83 new-age tech firms preparing to raise capital.

Indian defence shares surged Tuesday following fresh geopolitical concerns. US President Donald Trump's remarks on NATO stability and global security dynamics fueled the rally. Companies like Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders saw significant gains. Strong domestic fundamentals, including a growing defence budget and government initiatives for self-reliance, also support the sector.

Sammaan Capital anticipates a strong future. A major capital boost from International Holding Company is expected to lower borrowing costs significantly. Net margins are projected to double. Assets under management will grow substantially by FY29. The company is also expanding its reach to 500 cities and investing heavily in technology and workforce.

Sammaan Capital anticipates a strong future. A major capital boost from International Holding Company is expected to lower borrowing costs significantly. Net margins are projected to double. Assets under management will grow substantially by FY29. The company is also expanding its reach to 500 cities and investing heavily in technology and workforce.

Oil marketing company shares saw a significant jump on Wednesday. This rise followed a drop in oil prices below the $100 per barrel mark. Investors are hopeful for an end to the Iran-US conflict. This development has cheered shareholders of companies like HPCL, BPCL, and IOC. Earlier, rising oil prices had impacted these companies negatively.

Japanese government bond yields fell sharply on Wednesday as investors scooped up bonds at the start of the new fiscal year, with sentiment aided by optimism for the de-escalation of the Middle East conflict.

Auto components maker Kay Jay Forgings Ltd is set to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) aiming to raise Rs 360 crore. The funds will be utilized for expanding manufacturing facilities, including a solar power plant, and for debt reduction. The company, a leading supplier of crankshafts to two-wheeler OEMs, reported strong revenue and profit growth in FY25.

Bitcoin traded near $68,000 as geopolitical tensions eased, while Ethereum saw a 3% rise. Major altcoins experienced mixed movements. Market sentiment remains cautious, awaiting the March Jobs Report, which could influence rate cut expectations and Bitcoin's trajectory.

Australian shares surged to a three-week peak on Wednesday. Gold miners led the gains as hopes of reduced Iran conflict boosted bullion prices. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index saw broad-based advances. Global markets recovered after March losses. Gold prices rallied, supporting Australian gold miners. The yellow metal reached its highest level since March 20.

Japan's Nikkei share average surged 5% on Wednesday, driven by hopes of Middle East de-escalation following U.S. President Trump's remarks on a potential end to the Iran conflict. Chip and AI-related stocks, alongside major banks, led the broad market gains, with only one Nikkei component declining.

Oil prices experienced a significant drop of over 4% as Middle East tensions continued to influence markets, despite indications of a potential easing of the U.S.-Iran conflict. Investors locked in gains amid uncertainty, with analysts noting that even if the conflict ends, supply chain normalization and infrastructure damage will likely keep prices elevated.

Cochin Shipyard shares surged approximately 15% after its inclusion in the NSE's F&O segment, boosting liquidity and trading volumes. This rally aligns with a broader bullish trend in shipyard stocks, fueled by strong performance from peers like GRSE and positive market sentiment. The stock's market capitalization saw a significant increase following the announcement.

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia are creating market uncertainty, with crude oil prices remaining high. Despite this, investors are advised to avoid overreacting, as long-term trends suggest geopolitics has limited influence on stock markets beyond a certain point. India's oil import dependence remains a key concern, though opportunities may emerge during this volatile period.

Oracle's stock surged despite widespread layoffs, as the company reallocates resources towards AI and cloud infrastructure. Investors are focusing on future growth potential, viewing the job cuts as a strategic move to enhance profitability and operational agility in the competitive tech landscape.

Indian real estate saw its strongest first quarter for institutional investments in 2026, reaching $1.4 billion. This marks a significant 74 percent surge compared to the previous year. Commercial assets led this growth, attracting 80 percent of the investments. Domestic capital is now driving the market, showing resilience amidst global economic challenges. Residential asset investments saw a decline.

DMart shares surged over 8% after Avenue Supermarts announced its store count reached 500 following rapid expansion. Brokerages remain bullish with strong upside potential, supported by steady earnings growth and improving margins. The stock has delivered solid gains across short- and long-term periods amid continued retail expansion.

Equity market has shifted sharply from optimism to crisis mode, marked by a record $13 billion FII outflow in Marchthe worst ever. The sell-off has been driven by a surge in oil prices following Gulf tensions, with Brent crude jumping over 50%, worsening inflation, trade deficits, and corporate margins. Existing weaknesses like a weak rupee, sluggish earnings, high valuations, and global trade pressures have compounded the impact, turning investor sentiment from an India premium to an India exit

India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection surged to Rs 1.78 lakh crore in March 2026, marking an 8.2% increase from the previous month. Overall GST collections for March reached Rs 2 lakh crore, an 8.8% rise compared to the same month last year, according to official data.

Adani Ports shares surged over 5% after the company crossed 500 million tonnes of cargo handling, marking a key operational milestone. The firm highlighted its expanding logistics network and reiterated its target of 1 billion tonnes by 2030, while the stock remains under pressure on a one-month and year-to-date basis.

Indian exporters receive a six-month extension for RoDTEP scheme benefits until September 30. This move aims to counter trade disruptions from the West Asia crisis. The scheme offers refunds on duties and taxes for manufactured goods. This support helps exporters manage rising freight costs and trade risks.

Gold prices edged up while silver declined as the dollar weakened on hopes of an end to the Iran-US-Israel conflict. Both US and Iranian leaders expressed optimism about de-escalation, with Washington suggesting a swift withdrawal. This geopolitical easing, despite ongoing market caution, influenced precious metal movements.

Market expert Dipan Mehta advises investors to stay cautious. He suggests holding cash and waiting for a resolution to the ongoing geopolitical conflict. A sustained drop in global oil prices to around $80 per barrel is crucial for market stability. Until then, expect continued sharp market swings. Patience is key for Indian equity investors.

From April 1, investors face key regulatory and tax changes including higher STT on derivatives, removal of interest deduction on dividend income, revised buyback taxation, new ETF valuation norms, tighter sovereign gold bond tax rules and a structured algo trading framework, all of which could impact trading costs, returns and market behaviour.

Greece is set to rejoin developed market benchmarks in May 2027, a significant step after its 2009 debt crisis. This reclassification by MSCI, following market consensus, ends its emerging market status. While promising broader investor access, some analysts foresee capital outflows and reduced visibility for Greek firms within global indices.

Investors holding assets acquired before April 1, 2017, have received a significant reprieve. The Central Board of Direct Taxes has clarified that gains from these legacy investments will be exempt from General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR). This move aims to provide much-needed clarity and reassurance for foreign investors and private equity funds concerning their existing holdings.

Global markets navigate geopolitical uncertainty and investor optimism, with equities rising amid hopes for a de-escalation of Iran tensions. However, emerging markets face pressure, and investor flows signal caution, balancing defensive positioning with readiness for a potential rebound. Deeper macroeconomic concerns, including stagflation risks and AI return skepticism, also linger.

Bank stocks rallied up to 4% as easing geopolitical tensions lifted sentiment, pushing Nifty Bank nearly 3% higher after a sharp 17% March decline. Analysts see recovery potential, especially in beaten-down private lenders, though technical indicators suggest sustained strength will depend on the index reclaiming key resistance levels.

Shares of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers jumped over 16% after the company reported a record FY26 turnover of Rs 6,400 crore, up 26% year-on-year. The strong performance was driven by a landmark year of deliveries, including eight vessels to the Indian Navythe highest ever in a single fiscalhighlighting robust execution and order momentum.

Indian stocks are defying global market fears. Pharma, energy, and industrial companies are delivering positive returns. Investors are favoring domestic power producers and renewable energy players. Commodity-linked stocks are also gaining traction. This trend highlights a shift towards defensive and domestically focused investments in uncertain times.

Shares of BSE, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, Groww, and Angel One surged after the Reserve Bank of India delayed stricter liquidity norms by three months to July 2026. The move provides relief to brokers by allowing continued use of margin-backed bank guarantees, easing regulatory pressure amid new transaction taxes and upcoming MTF rule changes.

U.S. bond markets face mounting inflation risks and potential fiscal burdens from a prolonged conflict, as surging energy prices push Treasury yields higher. Investors are reassessing Federal Reserve rate cut expectations amid concerns over increased defense spending and potential fiscal stimulus, straining a market already showing fatigue.

The Iran conflict has triggered an unprecedented shock in global oil markets, disrupting critical supply routes and production. Analysts have sharply raised 2026 price forecasts, with Brent crude now projected to average $82.85 per barrel, a nearly 30% increase from February. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are the primary driver, forcing output cuts and exacerbating shortages.

Nifty50 has delivered zero returns over the past two years and is now at a critical juncture amid rising geopolitical tensions, a weakening rupee, and surging crude prices. While domestic investors continue to buy, foreign investors have pulled out a record $13 billion in March, signaling a shift to safer assets. Adding to concerns, Goldman Sachs has downgraded Indian equities to marketweight and cut its Nifty target.

Indian stock markets experienced a significant surge today, with Sensex and Nifty climbing over 2.5%. This optimism is fueled by hopes of de-escalation in the Iran-US-Israel conflict, following statements from leaders suggesting a potential end to hostilities. Global markets also saw a strong rally, mirroring the positive sentiment and contributing to the robust performance on Indian bourses.

South Korea's exports surged an impressive 48.3% in March, driven by a massive boom in semiconductor demand fueling the global AI race. While this signals strong tech growth, escalating Middle East tensions pose a significant threat to supply chains and could dampen future economic gains. Investors should watch for both tech opportunities and macroeconomic risks.

InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of IndiGo, saw its shares climb after announcing William Walsh as its new CEO. Walsh, currently IATA's Director General, will take over by August 3, succeeding Pieter Elbers. His appointment aims to steer the airline through recent turbulence and market challenges.

Six Nifty 500 stocks that gained traction on March 30 featured in the RSI Trending Up scan, with their RSI crossing above 50 from lower levels. This shift signals improving price momentum, which traders often monitor to identify strengthening sentiment and potential short-term bullish opportunities across select counters.

Sammaan Capital is set to transform into a diversified NBFC following a significant Rs 5,652 crore transaction with Abu Dhabi-based IHC. IHC's affiliate will acquire a 41.5% stake, becoming a promoter. This strategic move aims to expand Sammaan Capital's product offerings beyond mortgages and double its asset base within three years.