The Economic Times

The Nifty IT index closed February around 20% lower, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq declined only 4% during the same month.

The prices of gold and silver will remain in focus tomorrow after US-Israels strikes on Iran killed the countrys supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Analysts expect high volatility as elevated geopolitical tensions can push investors towards safe-haven assets like precious metals.

Indian stock markets Nifty and BSE Sensex closed significantly lower on Friday. Selling pressure was seen across sectors, with auto, financials, and FMCG being major laggards. The IT sector experienced some buying. Analysts suggest the market might remain under pressure in the short term. US and European markets also ended with cuts.

Global markets are experiencing heightened anxiety due to the fast-moving Middle East conflict. Investors are seeking safety in assets like Treasuries and gold. Energy markets are a key focus for potential volatility. The conflict could lead to higher oil prices, impacting equities and potentially delaying Fed rate cuts. This situation reinforces the need for resilient investment portfolios.

State-owned India Infrastructure Finance Company has received the necessary approvals to proceed with its proposed initial public offer, with the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs clearing its listing on stock exchanges, the company's top official has said.

Khamenei's death, which was confirmed by Iranian state media earlier today, triggered warnings about sharp retaliation from Tehran. US President Donald Trump announced that the 86-year-old leader had been killed on the first day of what he described as massive joint airstrikes.

Despite elevated headline valuations, select sectors continue to offer compelling structural growth visibility. Viraj Gandhi, CEO of SAMCO Mutual Fund, believes defence, financials and pockets of consumer discretionary are positioned to benefit from policy support, balance sheet strength and evolving demand dynamics. He advocates a momentum-led, risk-calibrated approach in navigating the current market cycle.

Artificial intelligence has long been spoken of as a technology of immense potential. What few anticipated, however, was the sheer velocity at which it would evolve and begin rendering entire business models redundant. That reckoning has arrived, and it is unfolding in real time across global markets.

There has been a seismic shift in the market dynamics since November 2025. Until then, markets were largely range-bound in a side-ways setup. The indices werent doing much, but stock-specific, bottom-up investing was being rewarded. The broader markets felt weak, yes, but there was no panic.

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty will remain in focus tomorrow, as the war in the Middle East flared up after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Navigating market volatility requires investors to align their strategy with their temperament, not chase trends. John Mihaljevic emphasizes focusing on business fundamentals over crowd behavior. Choosing a consistent investment philosophy, rather than reacting to market noise, is crucial for long-term success in today's complex financial landscape.

Real estate stocks, especially those tied to Bengaluru, have seen significant drops as AI's impact on IT jobs sparks housing demand worries. Companies like Brigade Enterprises and Godrej Properties are among the hardest hit. Experts suggest this could be a near-term concern, with any real housing demand impact unfolding gradually.

Nifty experienced a sharp decline on Friday, with broad-based selling impacting auto, financials, and FMCG stocks. The index has fallen below key short-term moving averages and the 200-day DMA, signaling continued weakness. Technical analysts suggest immediate support at 25,000 and resistance at 25,370.

Niftys decisive breach of its 200-day SMA at the close of the month has intensified concerns around a potential retest of recent swing lows, signalling that the markets medium-term support framework is under pressure, says Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Investments.

Analyst forecasts highlight nine promising BSE mid-cap stocks. These companies show potential for robust returns over the next 12 months. Investors can explore these opportunities for significant growth. The projected upside ranges from 40% to 65%. This data-backed guide offers a look at high-potential investments.

Indian markets ended sharply lower on Friday. Investors now face a packed calendar of global and domestic triggers. The Iran-Israel conflict could escalate, impacting markets. US markets also closed lower. Crude oil prices surged, potentially affecting inflation. FIIs sold equities, while DIIs bought. The IT sector remains under pressure. Oil marketing companies and paint/tyre firms may face headwinds.

Nine penny stocks experienced significant drops of 50% to 65% in the last three months. These companies were identified through a screening process focusing on low market capitalisation and active trading. Penny stocks carry high risks due to volatility and potential manipulation. Investors should approach them with caution and a strong risk management strategy to avoid substantial losses.

Foreign investors showed buying interest in Indian stocks in February. However, recent geopolitical tensions are causing concern. Experts believe FIIs may pause fresh investments. They are likely to observe the evolving situation before committing further funds to emerging markets. This cautious stance could impact market sentiment.

Oil prices rallied sharply after US and Israeli strikes on Iran heightened Middle East tensions. Brent and WTI hit multi-month highs, with further gains likely amid supply risks through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially pressuring equities and oil-sensitive sectors.

Nifty closed lower after sustained selling, staying above long-term averages but showing short-term weakness below key resistance. Technical indicators suggest consolidation with corrective bias. Energy, infra and financials show relative strength, while IT, auto and midcaps lag in near term.

Indian stock markets are poised for a gap-down opening on Monday following preemptive strikes by Israel on Iran. Global cues remain negative, with experts anticipating choppy trade and advising investors to utilize corrections for long-term buying opportunities. The trajectory of crude oil prices is a key trigger for domestic markets.

Vanguard ranks among top FIIs in India, with holdings in 48 BSE stocks surging sharply. Several portfolio companies delivered strong FY26 gains, with fresh additions in December quarter reflecting strategic stock picking and rising conviction in Indian equities.

Daljeet Kohli advocates strict bottom-up investing amid volatile markets, favoring earnings-driven stock selection. He sees opportunities in CV autos and ancillaries, remains cautious on IT and microfinance, and expects Q4 results to drive selective re-rating.

Following Israels pre-emptive strike on Iran, geopolitical tensions boost safe-haven demand. Gold and silver futures are expected to open higher, offering traders significant upside opportunities.

Sudip Bandyopadhyay highlights selective bottom-up investment opportunities in chemicals, defense, energy, retail, and telecom sectors amid market consolidation and improving corporate fundamentals. FIIs show early inflows, supporting a positive long-term outlook.

Bitcoin hovers around $65,000 amid broad crypto declines, with Ethereum and major altcoins down. Market shows tactical stability but structural fragility persists, while global financial risks and AI disruptions weigh on sentiment.

Indian markets fell sharply with Nifty and Sensex down on broad-based selling. IT and auto sectors led declines, while PSU banks outperformed. Volatility and AI concerns weigh on sentiment, with March outlook cautious amid technical weakness.

Bharat Electronics Limited announced an interim dividend of Rs 1.95 per share for FY26, with a record date of March 5. The company reported 21% YoY profit growth and robust revenue, with shares up 74% in the past year.

BSE and National Stock Exchange fined Shipping Corporation of India Rs 5.42 lakh each for violating Sebis board composition norms. The PSU said operations remain unaffected, even as it reported sharp profit growth and strong stock performance.

Despite the Sensex dropping 1.84% over five sessions to February 27, eleven BSE 500 stocks logged gains in each trading day. Schaeffler India, Sun TV Network and Timken India led advances, defying broader market weakness.

Choppy crypto markets hurt trend funds in 2025, but Februarys sharp selloff boosted XBTOs trend strategy, which gained 13.3% after flipping short as Bitcoin and Ether tumbled. The rebound highlights momentum tradings potential when markets decisively turn lower.

The primary market will see Sedemac Mechatronics Rs 1,087 crore IPO open next week, while nine companies line up for listings across mainboard and SME platforms. Muted grey market premiums and selective investor interest reflect cautious sentiment despite healthy subscription levels.

WhiteOak Capitals Trupti Agrawal says stabilising earnings and normalised valuations have improved risk-reward in broader markets. Small and mid caps, after sharp corrections, offer selective alpha as fundamentals hold up. Private financials, consumer discretionary and healthcare remain promising from a bottom-up perspective.

The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs under IEEPA, but his swift 15% global levy revived uncertainty. The ruling jolted global trade dynamics, pressured the dollar, lifted gold and silver, and heightened volatility across energy and base metals markets.

Indias consumer sector showed gradual recovery in 3QFY26, with 17% revenue and 15% EBITDA growth aided by low base, stable input costs and improving sentiment. Food and staples led gains, while discretionary recovery remained uneven. Titan Company and Britannia Industries delivered strong quarterly performances.

The U.S. dollar is poised for its first monthly gain since October, despite a midday retreat from earlier highs. Hotter-than-expected producer price data initially boosted the greenback, but traders squared positions ahead of month-end and the weekend. Geopolitical uncertainty and expectations of Fed rate cuts are also influencing currency movements.

Oil prices climbed on Friday as traders anticipated supply disruptions. Nuclear talks between the United States and Iran have yet to reach an agreement. Brent crude futures settled at $72.48 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude finished at $67.02 a barrel. Both benchmarks are on track for weekly gains. Uncertainty prevails, with fear pushing prices higher.

Gold surged to a near one-month high, nearing its seventh consecutive monthly gain. Geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and potential military action, fueled a flight to safety. Lower U.S. Treasury yields further bolstered bullion's appeal. Meanwhile, China's gold imports saw a significant jump, indicating strong consumer demand.

Trump Media & Technology Group is exploring a significant move. The company plans to spin off its Truth Social platform. This will create a separate publicly traded entity. Discussions are underway with potential partners. This strategic shift aims to separate social media assets from a new fusion energy venture.

European shares hit a record high, marking their longest monthly winning streak since 2012-2013, buoyed by positive corporate updates. However, heavyweight banks experienced a significant decline due to concerns over private credit markets and potential AI disruptions. Defensive sectors like healthcare and food and beverage saw gains as investors sought stability.

The Nifty IT index plunged 19.5% in February, its steepest monthly drop since 2008, as AI disruption fears and new tools from Anthropic triggered heavy selling. Tech stocks erased Rs 5.7 lakh crore in market value, with Coforge and LTIMindtree among the worst hit.

Global stocks saw a dip on Friday. Concerns over AI's impact and high tech valuations weighed on markets. Meanwhile, rising US-Iran tensions pushed oil prices higher. Sterling also experienced a fall following a Labour election defeat. Investors are closely watching these developments.

U.S. stocks faced significant declines on Friday, heading for their largest monthly drop in a year due to persistent investor worries. Financial and tech sectors were particularly hard hit by concerns over AI costs, revived tariff uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions, alongside hotter inflation data.

Gold loans surged 128% year over year, while renewable-energy lending rose 62%. Export credit declined 17.2%. Total bank credit increased 14%, outpacing deposit growth. Retail loans grew 15%, corporate lending improved to 12%, and the gems-and-jewellery and engineering sectors each posted 36% growth. Overall credit expansion now exceeds deposits.

January saw Mumbai's new rupee-loan rates climb, propelled mainly by state-owned lenders. By contrast, rates on existing loans dipped slightly and deposit rates declined a touch. The move unfolds in the RBI's policy backdrop, after its prior repo-rate reduction.

Howard Marks believes AI possesses many investor qualities like data processing and unemotional decision-making, but lacks crucial human elements like skin in the game and intuitive risk assessment. While acknowledging AI's rapid advancement and potential, he advises a cautious, selective approach to investing in the technology, warning against going all-in.

Bihar's new microfinance law could stall the sector's rebound. The state assembly passed a bill regulating money lending, a move that may push up loan defaults, echoing issues seen in other states. Lenders are prioritizing borrower engagement to curb repayment delays, and the industry aims to reassure borrowers while safeguarding asset quality.

IIFL Home Finance has secured a $300 million loan from the Asian Development Bank to expand affordable housing lending for low-income families, with a special emphasis on women. A portion of the funds will back green-certified, energy-efficient homes, helping address India's substantial housing shortage and extending homeownership to underserved communities nationwide.

Indian equities closed February on a weaker note as the Sensex and Nifty slipped, led by a sharp drop in IT shares amid concerns about AI-driven disruptions. Foreign institutional buyers returned, but domestic institutional purchases slowed. Geopolitical tensions and rich valuations kept risk sentiment under pressure, with analysts forecasting a continued uneasy tone in the near term.

Artificial intelligence is creating uncertainty for the US stock market. Investors are watching closely for how this technology will change businesses. Key economic reports and company earnings are due soon. Experts are debating whether companies will benefit from AI or be replaced by it. This debate is causing market jitters.