The Times of India

Top stock market recommendations: Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals, Ather Energy, and KSB are the top stocks that Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President - WM Research of Nuvama Professional Clients Group recommends buying today. He also shares his views on Nifty and Bank Nifty, lets take a look:

Qatar expelled key Iranian military and security officials following missile strikes on its energy infrastructure. The Qatari Foreign Ministry declared the attachs and their staff persona non grata, citing repeated Iranian aggression and violations of sovereignty. This diplomatic fallout follows significant damage to the Ras Laffan Industrial City, a critical gas processing hub.

A Ten-Year Long Drive Raises Questions Over Process, Future Disinvestment Plans

Underwriters, Policyholders Weigh Effectiveness Of Plans

Experts had said that fears of oil prices stoking inflation were unlikely to push the Federal Reserve toward raising interest rates at this weeks meeting. hile markets and economists had earlier anticipated that the next move would be a rate cut, that conviction has weakened since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28.

India has deployed additional naval assets in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman to ensure safe passage for its fuel-carrying vessels amid escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. The Indian Navy's precautionary deployment aims to escort Indian ships to safer waters, as the strait's closure disrupts crucial energy imports for India.

In a bid to curb soaring energy costs, President Trump has temporarily waived the Jones Act for 60 days. This move permits foreign ships to transport goods between US ports, aiming to ease oil market disruptions caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

India continues to be the largest recipient of remittances in the world. Indias share in the world remittances stood at 14% in 2024. What does the current US-Iran war and the Middle East conflict mean for remittance flows to India? What is the dependence, macro importance?

Gold prices dipped across major Indian cities on Wednesday, mirroring a decline in domestic futures. This cautious sentiment stems from anticipation of the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision and ongoing assessment of oil price impacts on inflation. Retail rates saw a noticeable drop in key urban centers.

India has launched an anti-dumping probe into Chinese ethyl chloroformate imports following a complaint by domestic producer Paushak, alleging unfair pricing that harms local industry. The investigation, initiated by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies, will assess if duties are needed to protect Indian manufacturers. This move is part of a broader effort to curb cheap imports.

Amidst escalating Middle Eastern tensions, many Indian blue-collar workers are staying put for jobs and family support, despite recruiters warning of potential layoffs. While salaries remain consistent, some workers are on mandatory leave as demand for labour declines. Experts foresee a hiring surge post-conflict, but current uncertainty impacts operations and domestic hiring.

The government is incentivising states to transition to piped natural gas (PNG) by offering an additional 10% commercial LPG allocation. Despite ongoing global supply disruptions causing a worrisome LPG situation, improvements in online bookings are noted. States can earn extra LPG by forming committees, simplifying permissions, and implementing infrastructure schemes.

March 2026 brings a series of bank holidays across India, impacting branch operations significantly. Customers should note closures for festivals like Gudhi Padwa, Ugadi, Eid-Ul-Fitr, and Ramzan, alongside state-specific observances and the second and fourth Saturdays. Digital banking remains available for routine transactions, but services requiring branch visits must be rescheduled.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha proposed reforms to ease financial burdens, advocating for optional joint income tax filing for couples, full tax exemption on disability pensions for all wounded soldiers, and removal of bank minimum balance penalties. These proposals aim to create a fairer financial system for ordinary citizens amidst ongoing pensioner concerns.

Data from Vortexa Ltd. indicates that at least seven vessels transporting Russian crude have altered their routes mid-journey, changing course from China to India. At present, all major Indian refiners are actively sourcing Russian oil.

Escalating Middle East tensions are impacting Indian households and businesses reliant on LPG imports. To counter supply disruptions, the government is urging a swift shift to Piped Natural Gas (PNG), fast-tracking approvals and waiving charges for pipeline infrastructure. This initiative aims to ease the strain on LPG supplies, with hospitality and industrial sectors already facing significant challenges.

Among individual stocks, Coforge and Persistent Systems surged more than 4% each. TCS, the countrys largest software exporter, advanced around 3%, while LTIMindtree also posted gains of over 3%.

The ongoing US-Iran war has meant that shipments from the Middle East and in particular the Strait of Hormuz have been held up. India imports a major chunk of its LPG needs, and a substantial percentage of that comes from the Middle East.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices lack an immediate bullish bias, though the current phase is more consolidative than corrective, says Maneesh Sharma, AVP - Commodities & Currencies at Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers.

Middle East conflict escalates, disrupting global oil flow. Iran's Strait of Hormuz threats push crude to the Red Sea, but even this route faces danger. Iran warns of targeting US-linked facilities, raising fears of further supply disruptions and potential oil price spikes, impacting consumers worldwide.

Airlines must now allocate at least 60% of seats free of charge, ensuring families and groups on the same PNR are seated together, preferably adjacently. This directive aims to address passenger grievances regarding seat selection fees and separation of travel companions. The DGCA also mandates transparent policies for sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets, alongside prominent display of passenger rights.

Asian equities rose as oil prices paused their rally, despite escalating Middle East tensions. Investors await U.S. Federal Reserve signals on interest rates, with markets anticipating no rate cuts this year. The U.S. dollar weakened, while Treasuries found support after a strong bond auction.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex continued their upward trend for the third day on Wednesday. While Nifty50 went above 23,650, BSE Sensex was up over 300 points.

Middle East tensions are causing oil prices to fluctuate, with Brent crude and WTI experiencing initial gains followed by a slip. Attacks on energy facilities and threats to key shipping routes are fueling supply concerns, impacting global markets and leading to higher gasoline prices in the US. India faces LPG supply worries, though authorities assure stability.

Stock market recommendations: Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank, and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) are the top three stocks that Mehul Kothari, DVP - Technical Research at Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers recommends buying today (March 18, 2026):

Brokerages reinstate 'add' and 'buy' ratings on Aster DM, Marico, and Hindalco, citing robust growth prospects driven by mergers, value-added products, and domestic demand. Tata Motors PV sees a target price cut due to JLR woes and rising costs, while JSW Infrastructure maintains strong growth targets despite geopolitical headwinds.

Geopolitical tensions have left many expatriates stranded abroad, raising questions about salary continuation. UAE labour law dictates salary is tied to work but unavoidable absences due to conflict or travel bans are considered justified. Outcomes depend on remote work capability, employer agreement and clear communication, with flexibility and negotiation being key.

Beyond oil and gas, several other sectors of the economy will likely see a hit if the US-Iran war continues for a longer duration. According to Barclays, India's non-energy imports from the Middle East are sizable as well - at approximately 10% of total non-energy imports.