The Times of India

India is temporarily reviving kerosene and coal for cooking as Middle East disruptions strain LPG supply chains. The nation is vulnerable due to significant energy imports transiting the Strait of Hormuz, forcing commercial users to switch to alternate fuels while new LPG cargoes are arranged.

The numbers are staggering: on February 27 the combined market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies was Rs 46,325,200.41 crore. As of March 13, 2025, it has fallen to Rs 42,939,960.29 crore. Thats a loss of almost Rs 33 lakh crore in investor wealth over a span of two weeks and nine trading sessions!

Gold prices saw a significant dip on Friday, with futures trade closing at Rs 1.59 lakh per 10 grams. This decline was influenced by weaker international trends and a stronger US dollar. Analysts highlight the strengthening dollar as a key pressure point, while geopolitical risks and economic signals remain under close observation by traders.

President Trump's stance on rising oil prices has shifted, now framing them as beneficial for the US as a major oil producer. This change follows strikes against Iran, which triggered a surge in global oil and petrol prices, impacting the Strait of Hormuz. The administration is grappling with economic consequences and political considerations ahead of midterm elections.

India's IT stocks are facing an eighth consecutive week of losses, wiping out significant market value and sparking debate. While some fear AI's disruptive impact, others see a buying opportunity amid historical rebounds. Foreign investors have exited, but a domestic fund is increasing its IT holdings, betting on a recovery.

The scarcity of commercial LPG has emerged after shipments from the Gulf region were disrupted amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. India relies heavily on imports from this region for its LPG requirements.

Global oil markets are reeling from Middle East tensions, with the Strait of Hormuz facing disruptions. Nations like India are securing Russian crude, while the US and other IEA members release emergency reserves. China eyes its reserves and Russia, as countries worldwide implement measures to stabilize prices and ensure supply.

US envoy Sergio Gor voiced grave concerns over escalating tensions at the Strait of Hormuz, warning of potential global oil supply disruptions. He highlighted Iran's actions targeting commercial vessels, including those with Indian casualties, and stressed India's crucial role in maintaining stable oil prices.

The economies included in the investigation are China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan and India.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are seeing intraday weakness and a sell on rise strategy makes sense, says Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities.

Stock market today: Continuing the down trend, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex opened in red on Friday as oil prices climbed and the Strait of Hormuz closure halted important global trade. While Nifty50 went below 23,500, BSE Sensex was down over 580 points.

Middle East tensions are impacting the US bond market, causing mortgage rates to tick upward. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.11%, reversing recent declines. This surge, driven by inflation concerns from higher oil prices, is overriding softer economic data and potentially delaying Federal Reserve rate cuts, further pressuring the already slow housing market.

Stock market recommendations: NCC, and HFCL are the top stocks that Bajaj Broking Research recommends buying on March 13, 2026. Here is a detailed outlook on NCC, and HFCL along with a view on Nifty and Bank Nifty.

Middle East tensions are sending global oil prices soaring past $100 a barrel, with Brent crude trading at $100.66. Attacks on Iran have triggered significant supply concerns, potentially leading to the largest supply disruption ever. Despite economic uncertainty, the US prioritizes confronting Iran over oil prices, while global efforts to mitigate the impact are underway.

Despite escalating Iran vs US-Israel war, HSBC reaffirms strong confidence in GCC economies, signalling global banks are not retreating. The region's diversified economies, fiscal strength and strategic location continue to attract capital, even as markets grapple with conflict-driven volatility and energy price surges. Financial hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expanding, underscoring long-term appeal.

Amid escalating Iran conflict and rising oil prices, the Trump administration is considering a temporary waiver of the Jones Act. This maritime law requires US ships for domestic transport. The move aims to ensure free flow of vital energy and agricultural products to US ports by allowing foreign-flagged ships to operate domestically.

In simple terms, fixed term employment means hiring an employee directly on the employers payroll for a clearly defined period, backed by a written contract.

US stock markets plunged on Thursday as surging oil prices and escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran rattled investor confidence. Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.1 per cent to 46,879.09 while S&P 500 declined 1.0 per cent. Crude prices briefly surpassed $100 per barrel amid fears of Middle East supply disruptions, with no end in sight to the ongoing hostilities.

India's retail inflation climbed to 3.21% in February, primarily driven by a surge in food prices. While this rise is within the RBI's target, specific items like gold and silver saw price acceleration. Core inflation remained steady, suggesting underlying price trends are moderate. Experts anticipate potential upside risks from oil prices but view them as temporary.

In a more pessimistic outlook outlined by Goldman Sachs, crude prices could climb back to around $100 per barrel and remain elevated. Such a development could reduce global economic growth by roughly half a percentage point while increasing inflation by nearly one percentage point over the next year.

President Donald Trump said that US gains from higher oil prices. However, his main focus is stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He described Iran as an evil empire whose nuclear ambitions threaten global stability. The conflict with Iran has entered its thirteenth day. The US has reportedly spent over $11.