The Times of India

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.

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.

Escalating West Asian conflict disrupts global energy supplies, triggering panic buying of LPG across India. Long queues at agencies and restaurants switching to alternatives highlight growing anxiety, despite government assurances of adequate domestic supply. Commercial distribution faces pressure, fueling fears of a wider energy crunch.

US financial and tech firms are enhancing security and reducing office presence in the Middle East following Iran's threats to target economic centers linked to America. Companies like Citigroup, Standard Chartered, and Google have implemented precautionary measures, including mandatory work-from-home policies for staff in the region due to heightened security concerns.

The proposed facility in Texas will be Reliance Industries second greenfield investment outside India. Reliance Industries, which has a market capitalisation of 18.82 lakh crore ($204 billion), runs the worlds largest integrated refinery complex at a single site in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global commodity markets beyond oil and gas, impacting aluminium, fertilisers, ethanol, and helium. Tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, with significant implications for essential goods and food exports. Authorities are working to ensure food supply stability amidst rising logistics costs.

Gold and silver price prediction: Gold prices are seeing a sideways-to-bullish bias and may rally to Rs 1.7 lakh mark while silver is likely headed to Rs 3 lakh, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head - Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group.

Following a Supreme Court setback on tariffs, the Trump administration has launched new Section 301 investigations into alleged unfair trade practices by 16 key partners, including China and India. These probes aim to restore tariff pressure and could lead to new import taxes by summer, with officials emphasizing a commitment to protecting US manufacturing and reducing trade deficits.

Stock market crash today: Continuing the down trend, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, crashed in opening trade on Thursday with the US-Iran war showing no signs of stopping and oil prices climbing again.

Top stock market recommendations: INOX India, and Apollo Hospitals Enterprise are buy calls from Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President - WM Research of Nuvama Professional Clients Group. The analyst recommends selling TVS Motor Company. Below is his views on on Nifty, Bank Nifty and each of the three stocks:

Oil prices rose above 9% despite significant releases from strategic reserves by major economies. The United States and the International Energy Agency announced substantial crude oil withdrawals to stabilise markets. However, escalating tensions in the Middle East and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz continue to fuel price volatility.