The Economic Times

Reliance Industries Ltd. is planning a massive IPO for its telecom arm, Jio Platforms Ltd. The company is setting investment banking fees at a competitive 0.65% of the issue size. This move is in line with the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.'s proposed fees. The Jio IPO could be India's largest ever.

Citigroup has denied a Bloomberg report suggesting it was considering acquiring a U.S. regional bank, stating the speculation is aseless. The bank emphasized its sole focus remains on organic growth and executing its ongoing transformation strategy. This denial comes as Citigroup works to complete regulatory compliance and improve profitability.

The Indian rupee hit a record low of 94.81 against the dollar, nearing 95, as surging crude oil prices and a potentially prolonged West Asia conflict weighed on the currency. Mild central bank intervention offered little respite, with traders now forecasting levels as weak as 97 per dollar.

Rocket Pharmaceuticals' shares dropped significantly after gaining FDA approval for Kresladi, a gene therapy for a rare childhood immune disorder. Investors are concerned about practical challenges limiting patient access, despite the drug's potential to help those with severe Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency-I. The company plans a phased launch with limited availability.

Philadelphia Federal Reserve President Anna Paulson said on Friday the Iran war is creating challenges for the U.S. economy, while stopping short of saying what that might mean for near-term changes in monetary policy.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday mandated the use of Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) and Unique Transaction Identifier (UTI) for transactions in financial markets.

The Centre is planning to mobilise Rs 8 lakh crore through dated securities during the April-September period of 2026-27 to fund the revenue gap, the finance ministry said on Friday.

Securities and Exchange Board of India approved IPOs of six companies, including Vishvaraj Environment and SAEL Industries. Firms span sectors like renewable energy, chemicals and SaaS, while Jindal Supreme withdrew its draft papers, reflecting active primary market momentum.

BYD , China's biggest electric vehicle maker by sales, on Friday posted its first annual profit drop in four years, hit by weak sales in the world's largest auto market.

From rocket launches drawing millions of YouTube views to social media frenzy over its potential listing, SpaceX's debut is shaping up to be a landmark moment for Wall Street.

The UK's main stock indexes were on track for a fourth straight week of losses on Friday, as investors remained on edge due to uncertainty around the Middle East conflict, and fears of a spike in inflation.

Wall Street's main indexes opened lower on Friday as the month-long Middle East conflict dragged on, weighing on sentiment despite the United States pushing back another deadline to strike Iran's energy infrastructure.

Shockwaves from the Middle East conflict have rippled through global markets, driving record trading at Intercontinental Exchange across energy, commodities, futures and options.

Bitcoin hovers near $66,510 amid geopolitical tensions and a $14 billion options expiry, driving short-term volatility. Analysts see no trend reversal, with bullish cues targeting $75,000 once pressure eases, while broader market structure remains stable despite recent declines across major cryptocurrencies.

India's petrol excise duty cut brings some relief to consumers. However, Oil Marketing Companies continue to face significant losses. Analysts suggest the cut only partially offsets the price increase. Independent refiners, however, may experience substantial profits due to high product spreads. The market is closely watching for geopolitical resolutions or further price adjustments.

Powericas IPO closed with 1.45x subscription on Day 3, driven mainly by strong QIB demand at 4.5x, while retail interest stayed weak. The grey market showed a marginal Rs 2 premium over the issue price of Rs 395. The company aims to raise 1,100 crore through a mix of fresh issue and OFS.

Market downturns, often feared, present prime opportunities for seasoned investors. Instead of panic, focus on buying quality companies at discounted prices, much like Warren Buffett's philosophy. Strong management and sensible valuations during these volatile times pave the way for significant long-term wealth creation, turning anxiety into a powerful investment phase.

RIL, HDFC Bank, PSU banks, airlines, HEG and ACME Solar were among Fridays biggest market movers as crude spikes and geopolitical tensions fueled a broad sell-off.

Microsoft Corp. is at the intersection of two troubling trends roiling the technology sector, which has the stock on track for its worst quarterly performance since the global financial crisis two decades ago.

Oil prices rose on Friday but were set for their first weekly decline since February 9 as U.S. President Donald Trump extended a pause in attacks on Iran's energy plants, though investors remain cagey about prospects for ceasefire in the month-old war.

India's paint sector faces significant cost shocks from crude-driven inflation, prompting price hikes. Despite a short-term margin hit, structural factors like painting cycles and the low proportion of paint costs in total job expenses suggest a robust recovery. Investors can anticipate a return to double-digit revenue growth as pricing power re-emerges.

On Friday, the benchmark Sensex dropped 1,690 points to close at 73,583. During this steep fall, nine stocks from the BSE 200 index touched their 52-week lows.

Indian stock markets, including NSE and BSE, will observe closures on March 31 for Mahavir Jayanti and April 3 for Good Friday. The year 2026 has 16 scheduled stock market holidays, with MCX and NCDEX also announcing partial or full trading suspensions on select occasions.

Hyundai Motor India shares fell amid weak market sentiment, extending their one-month decline to about 21%. Asit C Mehta initiated coverage with a Hold rating and limited upside, citing concerns over market share erosion, weak domestic performance, and lack of fuel mix diversification.

India's financial sector is changing fast. KV Kamath, a key figure, states disruption is happening now. Old banks and companies are falling behind. New technology allows startups to build services quickly. Areas like asset management and broking face rapid change. Even insurance is becoming more direct. Banks are losing deposits to investment products. Companies must adapt to survive.

The Indian rupee plunged to a record low on Friday, sliding past the 94-per-dollar mark, with mounting worries over the energy crisis sparked by the Middle East war putting the currency on track for its worst fiscal-year drop in more than a decade.

PSU bank stocks slumped sharply, with the index falling 16% over a month and individual stocks plunging up to 20% amid geopolitical tensions and weak macro cues. A broader market selloff wiped Rs 8 lakh crore in investor wealth, while a falling rupee and global uncertainty weighed heavily on sentiment.

Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd (ABREL) will redevelop a housing society in Mumbai and expects a revenue of Rs 1,700 crore from free-saleable area

Japanese government bond yields rose across the curve on Friday, as recent hawkish central bank signals and the Middle East war heightened inflation concerns and prompted investors to reprice the path of rate hikes.

Bitcoin and Ethereum saw a dip of nearly 3% in the last 24 hours. Major altcoins also experienced declines. Geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns are impacting market sentiment. Analysts suggest caution and waiting for a stronger move above $70,000 for Bitcoin. Institutional accumulation is helping absorb selling pressure, but overall sentiment remains fearful.

Indian drug makers are launching affordable generic Semaglutide, the active ingredient in popular weight-loss drugs. Sun Pharma, Lupin, and Torrent Pharma are identified as potential market leaders. Despite initial stockouts online, companies are adjusting supply. The market for these diabetes and obesity drugs is expected to grow significantly in India.

Foreign investors are pulling out of Indian bonds and equities at a record pace, as the Iran war-driven surge in oil prices fanned worries over a pick-up in inflation and clouded India's growth outlook, sending the rupee reeling.

European shares fell on Friday as investors remained wary about the outlook of the Middle East war that has stoked inflation risks and clouded global economic growth prospects.

Russia has sold physical gold from its central bank reserves for the first time in 25 years to address a widening budget deficit fueled by sustained military spending. This move marks a significant shift in reserve management, with gold holdings declining to their lowest level in four years as fiscal pressures intensify.

Indian stocks are presenting new opportunities as valuations have corrected significantly. Sahil Kapoor of DSP Mutual Fund highlights that while earnings growth is moderate, lower stock prices offer a chance for long-term investors. Financials, especially private banks, and select IT companies are seen as attractive. The market is becoming more constructive for global investors.

Reliance Industries shares fell, wiping out more than 82,000 crore in market value after the government reinstated windfall taxes on diesel and ATF exports. The move, aimed at boosting domestic supply amid volatile global oil markets, was confirmed by Nirmala Sitharaman, who said higher duties would ensure adequate availability of fuel within the country.

Despite recent market volatility, 12 midcap stocks within the Nifty Midcap 150 index delivered impressive returns in FY26, ranging from 50% to 140%. Three of these stocks achieved multibagger status, showcasing significant growth amidst broader market fluctuations.

National Stock Exchange of India is implementing its semi-annual index rejig from March 27, with changes effective March 30.

Indian equity markets are in a cautious holding pattern due to geopolitical uncertainty, but market expert Neeraj Dewan suggests the worst volatility may be over. He highlights the government's move to cushion Oil Marketing Companies as a smart buffer against inflation, and identifies selective opportunities in sectors like IT, pharma, and defence for patient investors.

The Indian rupee is experiencing a significant decline. Global economic shifts and domestic challenges are driving this depreciation. Analysts point to a stronger US dollar and rising US bond yields. Elevated crude oil prices also pose a risk. This situation complicates the Reserve Bank of India's policy outlook. The rupee may remain under pressure in the coming period.

Middle East tensions are creating global market uncertainty. BlackRock's Ben Powell notes significant drone and missile strikes in the UAE. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint. Investors are reducing risk exposure. US bond yields are rising, impacting global capital. Inflation remains a concern, with the Fed likely to maintain a hawkish stance.

Shares of IndiGo parent InterGlobe Aviation fell nearly 5% on Friday as elevated oil prices and Middle East tensions pressured aviation stocks. Brokerages cut target prices citing higher fuel costs, rupee weakness and disrupted international routes. IndiGo also received a 42.92-crore GST demand notice, which the airline plans to contest.

Indian shares saw little movement on Friday. Financial sector losses countered gains in mining stocks. Investors remained cautious. This followed Iran's rejection of a US proposal. Global markets have been unsettled by ongoing conflict. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index experienced a slight dip. However, it managed to end a three-week losing streak.

Robert Kiyosaki believes he can profit from a predicted 2026 global economic crisis, citing Nostradamus and Edgar Cayce. He avoids traditional investments, focusing on assets like real estate, gold, silver, Bitcoin, and oil production. Kiyosaki advises proactive investing in tangible assets, contrasting with passive 'buy, hold, and pray' strategies.

Bank of Japan updated its estimate of Japans natural interest rate to a range of -0.9% to +0.5%, signaling a slight upward revision.