The Times of India

According to forex market participants, the domestic unit remains under pressure due to persistent outflows by foreign investors and the strengthening of the US dollar, driven by ongoing uncertainty linked to the West Asia conflict.

The Finance Ministry has released the latest interest rates for the first quarter of the new financial year FY 2026-27 from April to June. The interest rates for all small savings schemes have been kept unchanged.

Rs 7,104 crore approvals cleared, but Vaishnaw warns funds may be withheld without local design push

Indian banks face widespread closures this week due to festivals and annual account settlements. Several states will see branches shut on March 31 for Mahavir Jayanti. April 1 sees a nationwide closure for accounting, with exceptions. Further closures are scheduled for April 2 and 3 for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday respectively.

India's economy shows strength with robust domestic demand and positive high-frequency indicators. Auto sales and credit growth are up. GST collections remain steady. Manufacturing activity is improving. Labour markets are showing signs of strengthening. Corporate revenues are holding up. Financial flows are supportive. However, Middle East tensions create global uncertainty and a risk of stagflation.

The Lok Sabha has approved the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a move lauded by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for revitalizing India's banking sector. The amendments aim to expedite case admissions and curb system misuse, building on the IBC's success in resolving over half of stressed assets and improving corporate governance for rescued firms.

The Middle East conflict's global impact is escalating, disrupting supply chains and raising costs worldwide. From Australian farmers facing fertilizer shortages to South Koreans cutting shower times, nations are implementing energy-saving measures. This crisis, fueled by disruptions in vital shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, is reshaping daily lives and economies across continents, forcing significant adjustments.

Liquefied petroleum gas is extensively used across industries such as automobiles and electronics, particularly in processes like brazing and paint shop operations, as well as in segments like food processing.

For salaried individuals, this transition marks more than just a procedural change. It signals quite a shift in how income is reported, assessed, and taxed. The reforms seek to simplify compliance, reduce ambiguity, and align Indias tax administration with global best practices.

Last week, the government announced a big excise duty cut on petrol and diesel prices, in effect cushioning consumers from a hike, while also reducing the blow for oil marketing companies.

Stock market recommendations: Aster DM Healthcare, and Karur Vysya Bank are the top stocks that have been recommended by Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical Research and Derivatives, SBI Securities for the week starting March 30, 2026. He also explains his outlook for Nifty and Bank Nifty:

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices seem to be exhibiting a corrective phase with a bearish tone, feels Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. The analyst shares his outlook on the yellow metal:

The Indian rupee saw a significant rebound, gaining 128 paise to 93.57 against the US dollar following RBI's directive to limit banks' currency exposure. This move prompts banks to reduce dollar holdings, offering temporary support.

Facing global energy disruptions, the Centre has launched a 60-day emergency plan, distributing extra kerosene to states for cooking and lighting. This move aims to support families experiencing LPG shortages, with authorities also intensifying raids against hoarding and black marketing to ensure supply chain integrity. Meanwhile, some consumers are switching to piped natural gas.

Stock market crash today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex plunged in opening trade on Monday. Nifty50 opened the trading day below 22,500 and BSE Sensex dropped over 1,100 points.

Stock market recommendations: Ipca Laboratories, and AU Small Finance Bank are the stocks that Motilal Oswal Wealth Management Research Desk recommends buying for the week starting March 30, 2026. Target prices and potential upsides are listed below:

Asian markets opened lower as surging oil prices and escalating US-Iran tensions impacted investor sentiment. Oil prices extended their rally amid Iran's retaliatory strikes and fears for the global economy. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Pakistan preparing to host talks, while the US considers seizing Kharg Island.

Oil prices surged as the Middle East conflict reached its one-month mark, with Brent crude exceeding $110 and WTI surpassing $100. The involvement of Iran-aligned Houthis and increased US military presence in the region are fueling market uncertainty and disrupting crucial oil supply routes.

For over 25 years, members of the WTO have upheld a rule no customs duties on electronic transmissions. While India has used it as a bargaining chip at every ministerial meeting. For India, the big win is managing to keep investment facilitation for development out of the WTO framework despite standing alone at the end. It has demanded guardrails against using plurilaterals, which are agreements between a select group of member nations.

People aware of the developments said since major car and two-wheeler manufacturers have their prototype FFV models ready, now govt needs to create the ecosystem for adoption of these vehicles. Govt has maintained that 20% ethanol blending in petrol has helped India save imports of around 4.5 crore barrels (700 crore litres) of crude annually.

TOI has learnt that the ministry also said in its presentation that the credit-debit registry of each original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will be established and maintained by the designated authority. Officials said this will ensure better enforcement of penalties and provisions along with providing greater clarity as govt is working to finalise the norms for CAFE-3.

Until Friday, banks could run net open positions of up to 25% of their net worth. In practice, large lenders often accumulated sizeable long dollar bets, sometimes in excess of of $1 billion, on expectations of rupee depreciation. The new cap forces a rapid reversal. By April 10, 2026, banks must cut these exposures to $100 million. This compels them to sell dollars and buy rupees to close the gap.

Similarly, failure to furnish information or sample, or furnishing false information or sample and damaging books of account or refusal to furnish it will not result in a jail term of up to three months, instead a fine of Rs 10,000-25,000 can be levied under the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act.

Foreign broking major Goldman Sachs has cut the Nifty target to 25,900 points from 29,300 points earlier while Citigroup has revised down their target for the index to 27,000 points from 28,500 points earlier. On its part, HSBC said that historical trend shows that a 20% rise in oil price could drag down earnings of India Inc by 1.3 percentage points. Since the war started crude oil prices are up about 50-55%.

Indian stock markets face a shortened trading week with closures on Tuesday, March 31, for Mahavir Jayanti and Friday, April 3, for Good Friday. This marks the end of the financial year on a holiday. Commodity traders on MCX will have a partial opening on Mahavir Jayanti but will be fully closed on Good Friday.

KPMG UK is cutting nearly 600 roles in its audit division and around 120 in advisory, citing tougher market conditions and unusually low staff turnover. The proposed redundancies, potentially affecting up to 440 audit staff, aim to right-size operations. This move highlights broader cost-cutting pressures across professional services firms.

Precious metals are poised for a corrective phase this week, with Middle East developments and crucial US economic data, including Fed speeches, shaping investor sentiment. Domestic gold saw a slight dip, while silver gained, supported by a weaker rupee. Global gold declined, but silver rebounded, buoyed by safe-haven demand and strong Chinese imports.

Indian stock markets brace for a volatile, shortened week. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, crude oil price fluctuations, and the rupee's stability are key concerns. Foreign investors have pulled significant funds amid the ongoing conflict. Analysts anticipate continued sensitivity to global developments, with domestic economic data also under scrutiny.

The National Stock Exchange is launching Dated Brent Crude Oil futures on April 13, 2026, following SEBI approval. These contracts, based on the globally recognized Platts benchmark, aim to enhance price discovery and hedging for domestic participants. Trading will occur in 100-barrel units with initial daily price bands, and settlement will be in rupees based on monthly averages.

India's top companies faced a significant market capitalisation loss of Rs 1.75 lakh crore last week, with Reliance Industries bearing the brunt. Broader market indices also tumbled amid global uncertainties and Middle East tensions. While most major firms saw their valuations shrink, Larsen & Toubro, Bajaj Finance, and Infosys managed to post gains.

Global helium supplies face a critical shortage due to Middle East tensions disrupting production and shipping. This invisible gas, vital for MRIs, semiconductors, and advanced tech, is irreplaceable and lost forever once released. India, heavily reliant on imports, sees soaring prices and potential disruptions in healthcare and its burgeoning chip industry.

Global crude markets are strained as Middle East conflict escalates, pushing oil prices up and impacting fuel supplies worldwide. Countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh are implementing measures such as price adjustments, import increases, and conservation efforts to manage the crisis.

Saudi Arabia has fully operationalized its East-West pipeline, moving 7 million barrels of oil daily to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. This crucial alternative route aims to maintain export supplies following disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz. While not fully replacing Hormuz volumes, the pipeline's operation is mitigating significant price increases amid escalating regional tensions.

Global economies reel as Middle East conflict escalates, disrupting oil supplies via the Strait of Hormuz. Nations like Vietnam and India are cutting fuel taxes, while Japan and Germany consider increased coal use. Venezuela faces power cuts, and Pakistan grapples with soaring jet fuel prices. Sri Lanka implements strict fuel rationing, highlighting widespread energy challenges.