The Economic Times

BlackRock shares fell sharply after the asset manager restricted withdrawals from its flagship private credit fund, HLEND, following a surge in redemption requests. The move has intensified concerns about liquidity risks in the fast-growing private credit industry, even as investors shift towards safer assets amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles at Indias listed companies despite improvements in boardroom diversity. A Primeinfobase report shows women hold only 5% of CEO or MD positions and just 10% of executive directorships, highlighting persistent structural barriers and a widening gender gap in senior corporate leadership and pay.

Several stocks on the BSE 200 index have seen sharp declines at the start of CY2026 as volatility grips markets. Technology and new-age companies dominate the list of laggards. Coforge, LTIMindtree and Persistent Systems lead the fall, reflecting pressure on IT stocks amid global uncertainty and concerns around rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that multiple state governments will raise a total of Rs 45,960 crore through the auction of State Government Securities (SGS), scheduled to be conducted on March 10, 2026.

Bitcoin slipped below $70,000 as a broad crypto market sell-off triggered $329 million in liquidations across leveraged positions. Ethereum and major altcoins also declined amid geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic uncertainty, while analysts say traders remain cautious despite recent positive momentum in the cryptocurrency market.

Women's participation in crypto surged by 116.8%, with women now holding four digital assets on average. This growth is evident across metro and non-metro regions, with over 15% of the total investor base being women. They are adopting a research-driven, diversified, and long-term investment strategy.

Women demonstrate superior investment skills, achieving better risk-adjusted returns. However, a lack of financial autonomy and literacy hinders their investment participation. Despite this, women's financial awareness is growing, leading to increased asset share in investments. Addressing these gaps will empower women to build greater wealth.

Commodity derivatives offer dynamic trading opportunities on exchanges like MCX. Modern traders must understand price drivers, employ a defined trading system, and prioritize risk management over profit chasing. Leveraging technology and staying updated on contracts and regulations are crucial for navigating volatility and achieving long-term success.

India's capital goods sector shows robust growth in 3Q FY26, driven by strong demand in energy, renewables, defense, and rail. Despite execution slowdowns, profitability remains resilient. Healthy order inflows, boosted by public capex and export opportunities, signal a positive medium-term outlook. Companies are expanding capacity to meet rising domestic and international needs.

Oil prices are moving closer to $100 per barrel as escalating tensions in the Middle East threaten global energy supply routes. Analysts warn that a prolonged disruption, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, could push crude higher and trigger volatility in Indian equities, raising inflation risks and pressure on corporate margins.

Sunil Gold India Ltd is preparing for its initial public offering. The company plans to raise funds through a combination of new share issuance and an offer for sale by its promoters. Proceeds will support working capital and general corporate needs. Sunil Gold India designs and supplies gold jewellery, serving domestic and international markets.

Despite the volatile backdrop, InCred Equities has identified 11 stocks that it believes could perform well in the coming quarters. Heres the full list.

IIT Bombay's entrepreneurship arm, SINE, is witnessing significant wealth creation as its incubated startups, like ideaForge and Sedemac Mechatronics, head towards public markets. These companies' successful IPOs and potential listings are translating into substantial financial returns for the institute, showcasing the growing impact of academic incubation on India's startup economy.

Investor Mukul Mahavir Agrawals portfolio remains closely tracked by market participants. In FY26 so far, four of his holdings have turned multibaggers while several others delivered strong gains. The analysis also highlights fresh additions made in the December 2025 quarter as the seasoned investor reshapes his equity portfolio.

Oil prices surged as the Israel-US-Iran conflict entered its eighth day, pushing Brent close to $100 per barrel amid fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn prolonged tensions could add a geopolitical premium to crude, with some projections pointing to potential prices of $150 per barrel.

Bitcoins correlation with equities has climbed to its highest level this year as global volatility returns. The digital asset is increasingly moving in tandem with stocks rather than acting as a hedge, highlighting its growing sensitivity to broader risk sentiment amid geopolitical tensions, weak economic data and continued uncertainty around crypto regulation.

A sharp decline in the Sensex over the last five sessions has dragged several large stocks lower. Ten companies from the BSE 200 index recorded losses in each of the past five trading sessions, reflecting broad based market weakness as benchmark indices slipped more than 4% during the period.

India's primary market gears up for a busy week with five IPOs aiming to raise over Rs 6,578 crore, led by Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust's Rs 6,000 crore offering. Despite the influx, investor sentiment remains cautious due to recent weak listings and muted grey market premiums, signaling a challenging period for new issuances.

Brent crude futures rose to the highest since July 2024 at $87.66 a barrel, recording a 20% weekly risethe largest since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Qatar's energy minister Saad al-Kaabi told the Financial Times that global oil prices could surge to as high as $150 a barrel if the conflict in the Middle East intensifies and disrupts energy supplies from the Gulf.

Indian stock markets are experiencing a significant wealth hemorrhage, with investors losing Rs 19 lakh crore in market capitalization due to escalating US-Iran tensions and surging crude oil prices. The broad-based selloff has led to a 3,330-point plunge in the Sensex, raising concerns about a potential bear market.

Market volatility in 2026 has left investors grappling with uncertainty. Timeless investing principles from John Bogle offer guidance, emphasising discipline, diversification, compounding and cost control. The seven rules highlight how long term thinking and avoiding emotional decisions can help investors stay focused despite market turbulence.

Global financial markets face a volatile week as the U.S.-Iran conflict drives oil and gas prices sharply higher, potentially overshadowing crucial U.S. inflation data. Investors are closely watching central bank reactions, with a growing likelihood of rate hikes. China's economic data and Colombia's pre-election political landscape also remain key market influences.

Markets are closely watching the escalating Middle East conflict and its potential impact on energy supplies and inflation. Investors are grappling with uncertainty, as oil prices have surged, impacting asset volatility. Upcoming inflation data will be crucial in assessing the economic outlook and the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate decisions.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that more sanctions on Russian oil could be lifted, following a recent 30-day waiver that permits Russian crude stranded at sea to be sold to India. Bessent shared these remarks during an interview with Fox Business network.

America's job market saw an unexpected decline in February. Nonfarm payrolls dropped, and the unemployment rate climbed to 4.4 percent. This development presents a challenge for the Federal Reserve. Factors like a healthcare worker strike and severe weather impacted job numbers. Economists are watching closely as rising oil prices and trade policy uncertainties add to market volatility.

Middle Eastern heavy crude production cuts, triggered by the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions, are sending U.S. Gulf Coast heavy grades soaring. Mars sour crude hit its highest premium to WTI since April 2020, with Asian buyers scrambling for alternatives. This surge, coupled with seasonal demand increases, is driving prices higher.

Global businesses face turmoil as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran escalates. Energy prices are surging, impacting supply chains for everything from food to car parts. Critical shipping and air routes through the Middle East are disrupted. Companies are grappling with increased costs and potential inflation.

The Indian rupee faces pressure and may fall below 92 against the US dollar. A prolonged conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran could drive up oil prices. This rise in oil costs is expected to affect India's fiscal deficit and inflation. Economists predict a potential impact on India's GDP due to higher crude prices.

Vedanta Ltd is set to raise approximately 3,000 crore through a domestic bond issuance early next week to refinance upcoming obligations and bolster liquidity. The three-year and five-year non-convertible debentures are expected to offer coupons around 8.75% and 9% respectively.

The Securities Appellate Tribunal has upheld market regulator Sebi's penalties against Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company. This ruling concerns investments made by its fixed maturity plans in Essel Group-linked entities. The tribunal found Kotak AMC failed to exercise due diligence and violated mutual fund rules.

India's foreign exchange reserves surged to a record $728.5 billion in the week ending February 27, boosted significantly by a $4 billion increase in gold reserves. Foreign currency assets and SDRs also contributed to the rise, despite the rupee facing pressure from forward contract maturities.

New RBI proposals aim to protect bank customers from fraudulent electronic transactions, potentially offering compensation up to 50,000 even in cases of customer negligence. The draft regulations propose reimbursement of 85% of the net loss or 25,000, whichever is lower, with a lifetime benefit limit. Banks will bear the burden of proof for customer liability in fraud cases.

Morgan Stanley has lowered India's rating to 'equal weight'. This move is due to geopolitical uncertainties and oil supply concerns. The firm remains positive on Japan, Brazil, and Singapore. While India's economy is more stable against oil price hikes, AI disruptions and high valuations are also factors.

The Reserve Bank of India will purchase bonds worth one lakh crore rupees next week. This move aims to inject funds into the banking system. These purchases will help offset expected outflows from advance tax payments. Banking liquidity is currently robust. However, banks may be hesitant to sell government bonds due to low liquidity coverage ratios.

Indian equities experienced their steepest weekly loss in over a year, with the Nifty and Sensex falling significantly due to escalating West Asian conflict fears. Persistent foreign outflows and rising oil prices further pressured sentiment, causing the rupee to hit a record low despite central bank intervention. Analysts anticipate continued weakness unless a ceasefire is reached.

Wall Streets major indexes fell on Friday as weak US jobs data and a sharp rise in oil prices heightened concerns about the economic outlook. The Dow Jones dropped 0.95%, the S&P 500 fell 1.33%, and the Nasdaq declined 1.59%, with the Dow posting its steepest weekly fall since April 2025.

A week after a major disruption to global energy markets, oil prices remain below past crisis peaks but are rising fast as the conflict in the Gulf halts ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude has crossed $90 a barrel, gaining more than 25% this week.

US retail sales declined by 0.2 percent in January, according to delayed government data released on Friday, missing some analysts' expectations amid persistent concerns that consumption in the world's biggest economy is slowing.

The Securities Appellate Tribunal granted partial relief to Kotak Mahindra AMC in the fixed maturity plan case by setting aside Sebis fee disgorgement order but upheld monetary penalties. The ruling relates to delayed investor payouts linked to recoveries from underlying investments.

New signs of labor weakness and oil-driven inflation concerns may saddle U.S. Federal Reserve officials with a choice they'd hoped to avoid between ensuring prices remain contained or keeping a possibly wobbly job market on track.

The U.S. economy unexpectedly shed jobs in February amid a strike by healthcare workers and harsh winter weather, while the unemployment rate increased to 4.4%.

The world's biggest bond markets were headed for their worst week since at least last April as concerns that war in the Middle East will renew upward pressure on inflation and force central banks to start hiking interest rates soon.

Wall Street's main indexes opened lower on Friday as the conflict raging in the Middle East threatened to fuel inflation through higher energy costs and data showed the economy unexpectedly shed jobs in February.

Oil prices jumped further on Friday after US President Donald Trump said only unconditional surrender of Iran will end the Middle East war, as fresh strikes hit the Islamic republic.

PB Fintech shares witnessed block deals worth Rs 695 crore, with Goldman Sachs, mutual funds, and foreign investors acquiring shares from Tencent Cloud Europe, signaling sustained institutional interest in the company.

Sebi has cleared IPOs for Bonbloc Technologies, Eastman Auto and Power, and Milestone Gears. The companies plan fresh equity and offers for sale, targeting NSE and BSE listings amid steady primary market activity.

Shares of oil marketing companies ended lower on Friday after a day's breather amid surging crude oil prices due to the deepening conflict in West Asia.

For decades, the Gulf's sovereign wealth funds have preserved and amplified the riches from oil and gas, investing in overseas assets and international markets to create a $5 trillion pot for a rainy day.

Following Indias ban on real-money online gaming, offshore betting apps are rapidly growing. Nithin Kamath warns they target Indian users, raise fraud risks, and suggests blocking domestic payment access to curb their spread.

The Sensex fell sharply by 1,097 points to close at 78,918 on Friday. Despite the broad market decline, seven BSE 200 stocks touched 52-week highs, signaling strong momentum and investor optimism for further potential gains.