The Times of India

Gold futures experienced a significant drop of Rs 1,052 on Monday, closing at Rs 1,60,582 per 10 grams due to weakened local spot demand and soft global cues. Conversely, silver futures saw an advance, gaining Rs 4,362 to end at Rs 2,63,923 per kilogram on the MCX amid market uncertainties.

G-7 nations are considering a joint release of strategic oil reserves to stabilize surging crude prices amid the ongoing Middle East war. Finance ministers will discuss the coordinated drawdown, which would be in conjunction with the International Energy Agency. This move aims to alleviate supply disruptions impacting global consumers and industries.

India's external affairs minister emphasized national interest, including energy security, as paramount amid Middle East conflict. He highlighted concerns over supply chain disruptions and instability, stressing the government's commitment to managing energy availability and costs for Indian consumers. India advocates for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy.

Asian stocks plummeted Monday as surging oil prices, driven by Middle East supply concerns, rattled markets. South Korea's Kospi led the decline, falling over 7.8%. Brent crude surpassed $118 a barrel, reaching a 14-year high, fueling fears of significant global economic harm.

Middle East conflict intensifies, driving oil markets past $100 a barrel as Brent crude reached $118. Fears of energy supply disruption and blocked shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, have caused significant price surges. This volatility impacts global energy supplies and the cost of everyday goods.

The Indian Rupee faced significant pressure, nearing a record low due to soaring crude oil prices and a stronger US dollar, exacerbated by Middle East tensions. Foreign investor outflows and a sharp decline in domestic equities further impacted the currency. Experts warn of further weakening if oil prices remain elevated, potentially pushing the rupee to 93.00.

Indian stock markets, Nifty and Sensex, opened the week lower amid escalating Middle East conflict, following a significant market cap erosion last week. Analysts anticipate geopolitical developments, particularly their impact on global crude oil prices, will dictate market direction. Investors are also closely monitoring foreign investor flows and global cues for sentiment shifts.

Jefferies initiated coverage on Shriram Finance with a buy rating and a Rs 1,220 target, citing healthy commercial vehicle demand and strong AUM growth prospects. Macquarie downgraded Nykaa to underperform, questioning its ability to replicate Dot & Key's success with other owned brands.

Indian investors are significantly fuelling Dubai's booming real estate market in 2026, injecting billions annually. Attracted by tax-free returns, strong rental yields and investor-friendly policies, they are now the largest foreign buyer group. This trend highlights Dubai's appeal as a secure global wealth hub, with even middle-class Indians diversifying portfolios overseas.

Thousands of UAE residents stranded abroad due to travel disruptions amid Iran vs US-Israel war, face salary and job uncertainty. UAE labour law offers protections, with employers expected to assess situations reasonably. Communication and documentation are crucial for employees, who may be eligible for remote work or paid/unpaid leave. Termination is not automatic for justified absences.

Gold prices are expected to remain volatile as investors monitor Middle East tensions and key global economic data. Escalating conflicts could boost safe-haven demand for gold, while easing tensions may trigger profit-taking. Silver also faces volatility, currently in a consolidation phase, influenced by gold and industrial metals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two new metro corridors in Delhi, completing India's first fully operational Ring Metro. The 12.3 km Pink Line extension and the 9.9 km Magenta Line section aim to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and ease congestion and pollution in the capital.

Amidst escalating Middle East tensions, India is rerouting crude oil supplies to secure uninterrupted fuel imports. Refiners are increasing sourcing from the US, West Africa, and Russia, while holding planned maintenance to build reserves. This diversification aims to mitigate risks associated with the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring domestic fuel needs are met despite potential cost increases.

India's energy security is bolstered by over 250 million barrels of oil reserves, sufficient for nearly two months. Diversified crude imports from 40 countries and a reduced reliance on the Strait of Hormuz mitigate geopolitical risks. India continues to import Russian oil, complying with G7 price caps, while domestic ethanol blending and expanded refining capacity further strengthen its energy independence.

Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn last week, with the top ten most valuable companies collectively shedding over Rs 2.8 lakh crore. Escalating geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices impacted investor sentiment, leading to broad-based selling. State Bank of India saw the steepest decline, while only Reliance Industries and Infosys managed to post gains.

Foreign portfolio investors divested nearly Rs 21,000 crore from Indian equities in the first week of March, driven by escalating Middle East tensions and a weakening global risk appetite. This follows a strong February inflow, with analysts citing geopolitical risks, rupee depreciation, and rising US Treasury yields as key factors influencing the outflows.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for infrastructure projects worth Rs 33,500 crore in Delhi. This includes two new Delhi Metro corridors, totaling over Rs 18,300 crore, aimed at enhancing public transport and connectivity. The event also features the foundation stone laying for three new metro routes under Phase V-A and GPRA redevelopment projects.

India's oil imports are flowing smoothly through alternative routes, assuring citizens of uninterrupted energy supplies amid Middle East conflict. Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed full flow from all non-Hormuz routes, alleviating concerns about availability, affordability, and sustainability. Qatar has also assured immediate resumption of LNG supplies once the shipping route reopens.

The Middle East conflict is escalating, triggering global economic concerns. Disruptions to trade, energy supplies, and food production are already evident, with potential for significant inflation and reduced growth. Asian economies and global shipping networks face particular vulnerability as tensions persist.

India is poised to finalize trade deals with the US within months, pending clarity on American tariff strategies. New Delhi remains committed, aiming for favorable terms for its farmers, including market access for mangoes without reciprocal farm product commitments. The nation has secured a competitive advantage, with assurances for domestic apple and walnut producers.

Despite regional geopolitical tensions and an anticipated surge in new housing supply, Dubai's real estate sector remains resilient, according to Emaar Properties founder Mohamed Alabbar. He asserts that the market has strong fundamentals and long-term planning to weather shocks, with record sales and luxury segment growth fueling optimism for continued stability and expansion.

India continues to source crude oil from Russia, asserting its right to procure from any supplier based on national interest, affordability, and availability. Government sources clarified that recent US waivers were for domestic audiences, as New Delhi's energy security is not solely dependent on single maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz, with a significant portion of imports unaffected.