The Economic Times

Portfolio management strategies delivered mixed returns in February, with a few quantitative and multicap portfolios outperforming while several small cap strategies declined. Nirmal Bang Securities multi cap strategy led the performance chart with an 11.21% gain, followed by Purnartha Investment Advisers and Valcreate Investment Managers.

Shares of Indian power companies rose sharply as early summer heat pushed electricity demand higher. Limited solar output and supply constraints from LNG and hydro plants boosted thermal generation. Temperatures across key cities have been above normal. Rajkot in Gujarat recorded 42C on Tuesday, the highest so far this year.

Corporate India faces a margin headwind in FY27, with Crisil Intelligence forecasting a 50 basis point shrinkage due to rising crude and gas prices. Sectors with dual exposure to revenue and cost risks, like ceramic tiles and airlines, are most vulnerable. The duration of West Asia tensions will significantly determine the extent of margin erosion.

Recent stress in global private credit markets is seen as isolated to a few developed market funds, not posing a systemic threat. India's private credit market, still in its early stages with tight covenants, minimal leverage, and closed-ended structures, remains well-insulated from global turbulence and offers compelling investment opportunities.

After a deep AI-driven selloff, US software stocks are showing signs of recovery. The S&P 500 Software Index posted its strongest weekly gain since May, supported by strong earnings growth, undervalued multiples, and large share buybacks. Investor sentiment is improving as fears of AI disruption ease.

The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has disrupted LPG supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, impacting India's imports and leading to long queues for cylinders. JM Financial anticipates these shortages to persist for about a month, affecting Aegis Logistics and Aegis Vopak Terminals' logistics volumes, with potential price increases for LPG.

Mutual funds show strong belief in 253 stocks. Many of these have seen significant gains since the start of FY26. Over 100 schemes invested in these companies. Some stocks have delivered impressive returns, even becoming multibaggers. This indicates potential strength in these fund-backed companies.

GSP Crop Science has set its IPO price band at Rs 304-Rs 320 per share, aiming to raise Rs 400 crore. The subscription opens on March 16, 2026, and closes on March 18, 2026. The funds will be used for debt repayment and general corporate purposes.

Australian shares dropped over 1% as rising oil prices, fueled by Middle East attacks, heightened inflation concerns and increased the likelihood of interest rate hikes. The S&P/ASX 200 index fell 1.3%, with financials and miners leading the decline. Energy stocks were the sole gainers, while New Zealand's benchmark also saw a dip.

Despite fears of AI-driven layoffs in Indias IT sector, CLSA analysts say hiring remains steady, and revenue per employee is rising. IT giants like TCS, Infosys and Tech Mahindra continue to expand recruitment, especially for specialised AI roles, while AI adoption boosts productivity and margins without threatening core jobs.

Geopolitical tensions and trade route disruptions are making investors cautious, despite attractive stock valuations. Market participants are closely monitoring the Strait of Hormuz, as any disruption there impacts oil prices and supply chains. While uncertainty typically lowers valuations, it can create opportunities once clarity emerges, with the continuity of trade being the key factor for market stabilization.

Indian stock markets face volatility due to geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices, disrupting recent stability. Despite caution, market expert Neeraj Dewan identifies selective long-term opportunities in sectors like energy, defensives, food delivery platforms, auto, and select PSU stocks, advising gradual accumulation on dips.

Bitcoin consolidated near $70,000 despite positive institutional demand, as macro uncertainty persisted. While Spot Bitcoin ETFs saw significant inflows and whale holdings rose, the broader crypto market capitalization edged down. Analysts suggest cautious sentiment with limited near-term breakout probability above $75,000.

Jefferies has initiated coverage on Sai Life Sciences with a 'Buy' rating and a Rs 1,300 target price, citing its integrated 'follow-the-molecule' model and strong growth outlook. The brokerage highlighted the company's healthy pipeline, global presence, and clean balance sheet as key investment drivers, projecting significant upside potential.

Nomura has initiated coverage on Tata Capital, L&T Finance and Piramal Finance with Buy ratings, citing their expanding product portfolios and rapid adoption of AI-driven lending engines. The brokerage expects NBFCs to outpace banks over the next 15 years, driven by MSME credit gaps, digital data analytics and rising retail penetration.

Indian government bonds declined early Thursday, reversing prior gains due to a surge in oil prices and a slump in U.S. Treasuries. Traders anticipate central bank intervention to mitigate losses, as rising crude prices may prompt a hawkish stance to counter rupee depreciation and imported inflation.

Rising oil prices and West Asian tensions are creating market volatility, with investors watching energy flows and geopolitical strategy. Market expert Anurag Singh believes the US and Israel aim to dismantle Iran's capabilities and secure the Strait of Hormuz. Equity markets have priced in weaker earnings, but emergency oil releases offer a temporary reprieve.

Goldman Sachs has pushed back its forecast for U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts, now anticipating quarter-point reductions in September and December. This shift is attributed to rising inflation risks stemming from the Middle East conflict, making a June start appear too early. However, earlier cuts remain possible if the labor market weakens more significantly than expected.

Crude oil prices surged past $100 per barrel due to escalating Middle East tensions. This development impacted shares of paint, tyre, and airline companies, with significant drops observed. Iran's actions, including attacks on tankers and fuel facilities, have heightened concerns about regional security and oil supply.

Jefferies has cut its target price on Bharti Airtel to Rs 2,250 from Rs 2,575, citing a potential delay in the Reliance Jio IPO and concerns over Bhartis entry into the NBFC business. The brokerage expects tariff hikes to be pushed to December 2026 but maintains a Buy rating, saying the stock still offers favourable risk-reward.

Oil marketing company shares tumbled as crude prices surged past $100 per barrel following Iran's attacks on Middle Eastern oil tankers. Iran warned of prices potentially reaching $200, escalating regional tensions and impacting global supply routes. This volatility is expected to pressure OMCs' margins and cash flows.

Astral shares are showing strong bullish momentum after rallying nearly 24% since February and hitting fresh 52 week highs. The stock has broken above the key 1600 resistance and is sustaining above the 20 day EMA. Analysts suggest a bull call spread strategy, with resistance near 1867 and support around 1666.

Shares of Adani Total Gas surged up to 14% and extended a two-day rally to nearly 39% after the government issued the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 to prioritise gas supplies to essential sectors amid Middle East conflict-driven disruptions. The move follows LNG shipment issues through the Strait of Hormuz, while rising gas prices and global supply concerns continue to roil energy markets.

Analysts predict significant gains for seven Indian stocks in the next year. Allcargo Logistics, Tarsons Products, Ugro Capital, Awfis Space Solutions, and Puravankara are among those expected to see substantial growth. These projections are based on broker estimates and analyst price targets. Investors can explore these opportunities for potential wealth creation.

Indian private banking stocks face selling pressure. Foreign institutional investors are driving this trend through ETF outflows, short positions in futures, and direct stock selling. Domestic investors are not stepping in to buy. A stronger dollar and rising oil prices add to market concerns. Experts suggest a cautious approach to investing, advising to buy dips gradually over time.

Shares of online food delivery giants Zomato and Swiggy tumbled sharply on Thursday as a commercial LPG shortage raised concerns over restaurant closures and limited menus. Indias heavy reliance on Middle Eastern LPGaround 90% of imports come from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwaithas left the sector highly vulnerable.

America's inflation stayed steady in February. This was before conflicts involving Iran began. Now, oil prices are surging. This has revived worries about inflation increasing in the coming months. Food prices contributed significantly to the rise. Energy prices are expected to climb. This situation impacts the US stock market. Investors are watching closely.

Reliance Industries, a major Indian conglomerate, has seen its market value drop by nearly Rs 3 lakh crore this year. This decline is attributed to softer refining margins and significant investments in new energy projects. While core businesses remain strong, the company is in a transition phase. Investors are watching for future earnings growth from its diversified ventures.

The Indian rupee hit a new lifetime low against the dollar on Thursday, driven by surging oil prices due to energy supply disruptions. This economic risk for energy importers saw the rupee fall to 92.3575 per dollar. Central bank intervention helped to curb further losses.

Gold and silver prices moved down on Thursday as a firmer US dollar weighed on bullion demand. On the MCX, silver fell over Rs 2,000 per kg while gold declined marginally. Analysts expect continued volatility amid currency fluctuations, geopolitical tensions and crude oil price movements, advising investors to wait before initiating fresh positions.

Chinese exporters are now actively managing currency risks. They are using financial tools like forward contracts to protect profits from yuan's rise and global tensions. This shift from holding dollars is reshaping their strategies. Strong exports and regulatory encouragement are driving this trend. The move could influence global currency markets and the yuan's strength.

Indian stock markets experienced a sharp selloff on Thursday, with Sensex and Nifty 50 declining significantly. Escalating Iran-Israel tensions, persistent FII selling, and rising crude oil prices above $100 per barrel weighed heavily on investor sentiment. The market capitalization saw a substantial drop, with most sectoral indices trading in the red.

PayPay, a Japanese digital wallet provider, has priced its U.S. initial public offering at $16 per share. This figure is below its initial target range. The offering raised approximately $880 million. The market sentiment was impacted by geopolitical events. This listing marks a significant debut for a SoftBank majority investment in the U.S. market.

Indian markets are experiencing significant volatility, prompting investor instinct to buy dips. However, Dipan Mehta advises against this, suggesting it's a time to sell underperforming stocks and reinvest in quality large-cap companies like L&T and Bharti Airtel. He also favors thematic mid and small-cap plays in travel, healthcare outsourcing, and insurance infrastructure.

Amid geopolitical tensions and muted market returns, Bajaj Life CIO Srinivas Rao Ravuri advises gradual cash deployment during corrections, favoring consumption and private banks. He prefers large caps over expensive small and midcaps, highlighting a long-term perspective and disciplined approach for navigating market volatility and seeking opportunities.

Home appliance makers such as Stove Kraft, TTK Prestige saw its shares rocket 10% as concerns over cooking gas supply impacted the market. Demand for induction cooktops and electric kettles saw a significant jump. Retailers reported a threefold increase in demand for induction cooktops. This trend follows disruptions in West Asia affecting energy supply routes. Consumers are seeking alternative cooking methods amid rising gas prices and shortages.

Foreign investors are shifting investments in India. They are buying shares in metals, capital goods, and power sectors. This move is a hedge against artificial intelligence disruption. Technology stocks are seeing significant selling. This rotation signals a change in market focus. Old economy sectors are now attracting foreign capital.

The Rs 323 crore Innovision IPO has entered its final day of bidding with grey market premium around 13%. The issue has seen modest demand so far, with overall subscription at 12% after two days. Brokerage Swastika Investmart has advised avoiding the IPO due to high valuation and thin margins.

On March 11, three NSE stocks with a market capitalisation above Rs 10,000 crore featured in the White Marubozu bullish scan, according to StockEdge data. This candlestick pattern signals strong buying interest throughout the session, indicating improving momentum and potential near-term upside that traders track for confirmation of a bullish trend.

As of March 11, seven NSE F&O stocks saw a sharp rise in futures open interest, signalling heightened derivatives activity. Rising OI reflects stronger participation, with traders initiating fresh positions or adding to existing ones. This technical signal highlights growing conviction on near-term price direction in these stocks.

Borosil Ltd may remain in focus after the company partially halted production at its Jaipur furnaces due to LPG supply restrictions linked to Middle East tensions. Disruptions in tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz have tightened fuel supplies in India, pushing LPG prices higher and triggering shortages in several cities.

On March 11, six Nifty200 stocks entered the RSI Trending Up scan after gaining momentum. Their RSI readings crossed above the 50 mark from lower levels, signalling strengthening price momentum and rising buying interest. Traders track this technical signal to identify potential bullish continuation in these stocks.

Oil prices surged over 7%, pushing Brent close to $100 per barrel amid escalating Middle East tensions and supply disruption concerns. The rally is expected to keep upstream oil stocks such as Reliance Industries, ONGC and Oil India in focus, while geopolitical risks raise fears that crude prices could spike further.

Aluminium prices surged on Thursday, driven by ongoing concerns over a tightening global supply exacerbated by the Middle East conflict. The Shanghai and London Metal Exchanges saw significant gains as shipments through the Strait of Hormuz faced disruptions, fueling fears of a more acute supply squeeze.

Global markets are on edge as oil prices surge, nearing $100 a barrel. This spike fuels inflation fears, prompting central banks to consider aggressive interest rate hikes. The U.S. dollar is strengthening as investors seek safety. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz add to market volatility. Economists warn of slower global growth. Cryptocurrencies are also experiencing a downturn.