The Economic Times

Larsen & Toubro shares fell nearly 5% amid Middle East tensions, but an analyst believes it's too early to cut earnings estimates. While the company has substantial exposure to the region, its diversified project footprint and strong order pipeline offer resilience. Investors are advised to watch for L&T's upcoming strategic plan, which could serve as a positive catalyst.

Global markets face geopolitical risks and trade disruptions. Investors are increasingly seeking stability in portfolios. Fixed income instruments offer predictable cash flows and diversification. India's economic growth necessitates a stronger role for fixed income. A balanced tax structure between equity and debt could boost fixed income investing. This shift is crucial for long-term wealth creation.

Chris Wood of Jefferies sees gold potentially hitting $10,000 in five years, backed by geopolitical tensions, central bank accumulation and structural shifts in global reserves. He flags short-term consolidation risks but maintains a long-term bullish view, citing golds role as a hedge amid rising uncertainty and evolving monetary dynamics.

Adani Ports shares fell sharply as the IranIsrael conflict intensified, raising concerns over potential disruptions at its Haifa Port operations. While the company said all assets remain secure, escalating retaliatory strikes and rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East have heightened worries about trade impact and operational continuity.

Pakistan's KSE-30 Index experienced its largest-ever plunge, falling 7.3% after geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalated due to US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Pro-Iran protests across the country, resulting in at least 30 deaths, further fueled market declines. Escalating tensions with Afghanistan also contributed to the index briefly entering bear-market territory.

Shanghai stocks closed at a 10-year high on Monday, bucking regional weakness in the wake of the Iran conflict as investors snapped up energy, gold and defence shares.

Indian stock markets, BSE and NSE, will be closed on Tuesday, March 3, for the Holi holiday. The Multi Commodity Exchange of India will have a partial closure. The National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange will remain shut all day. The article also lists other upcoming trading holidays for the year 2026.

Short-dated euro zone government bond yields nudged above multi-month lows on Monday, as concern mounted over the impact of prolonged conflict in the Middle East on global growth and inflation.

Christopher Wood advises caution for leveraged gold investors, suggesting a 6-18 month consolidation period but sees gold reaching $10,000 in five years. He highlights gold and oil stocks as key hedges against geopolitical risks. Wood also discusses Bitcoin's four-year cycle and its existential threat from quantum computing, while expressing strong confidence in India's economic prospects for entrepreneurs.

European markets tumbled Monday as Middle East tensions escalated, pushing energy and defense stocks higher. The STOXX 600 saw a significant drop, its lowest since mid-February. Airlines and banks bore the brunt of the sell-off, while oil prices and defense firms surged amid fears of wider conflict and increased military spending.

FIIs boosted stakes across 300+ stocks in Q3 FY26doubling exposure in six namesthough returns since January have diverged sharply.

Japanese shares and the yen fell on Monday,while government bonds rose, after military strikes by the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

U.S. stock index futures slid more than 1% on Monday as the Middle East conflict showed no signs of cooling, prompting a rush toward safe-haven assets ahead of a busy week of U.S. economic data.

Oil prices could exceed USD 100 per barrel if tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is not swiftly restored, as the waterway's closure threatens to disrupt 15 per cent of global oil supply and 20 per cent of global LNG supply, consultancy Wood Mackenzie said.

Rice exporter stocks fell sharply on Monday as the IsraelIran conflict intensified, raising fears of trade disruption in key Middle East markets. Iran, Indias second-largest basmati buyer, is central to the risk. Exporters face potential freight spikes, insurance cost surges and delayed shipments amid uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Veteran investor Ramesh Damani advises investors to view market dips as buying opportunities, highlighting defence, commodities, and pharmaceuticals as safe havens. He stresses IT sector adaptability amidst AI's transformative impact. Damani sees significant potential in India's defence sector and consumption trends, urging a forward-looking investment approach.

Gold prices have dramatically surged, reaching Rs 1.68 lakh per 10 grams on MCX following major strikes in Iran. This escalation has fueled safe-haven demand amid rising global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. Analysts predict further price increases as a new era of instability dawns, with investors closely watching economic data for future direction.

Global markets are experiencing volatility due to Middle East tensions. Indian equities are bracing for this uncertainty. Analysts suggest certain stocks in energy, metals, IT, pharma, defence, and banking could offer relative safety. Investors are advised to watch for opportunities amidst the current market movements. Oil prices and currency fluctuations are key factors to monitor.

Australian shares ended flat as Middle East conflict dampened investor sentiment. While miners and energy stocks surged on safe-haven demand, financials and airlines tumbled. The S&P/ASX 200 index saw minimal movement, reflecting geopolitical risks and concerns over global growth and potential supply disruptions. Investors are closely watching the evolving situation.

Jefferies sees the Israel-Iran conflict as a potential buying opportunity but warns of macro risks if crude prices spike due to Hormuz disruption. India faces exposure through oil imports, exports and remittances, with sectors like aviation and OMCs vulnerable, while defence and select exporters may benefit from sustained geopolitical tensions.

India's market regulator, SEBI, is clarifying the debate on derivatives trading. Chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey emphasizes that futures and options are distinct. The real concern lies with short-dated options and expiry-day speculation, not the entire derivatives market. SEBI is promoting transparency and awareness through data disclosure and statutory warnings to guide investors.

More than 30 listed Indian companies face rising geopolitical risk as the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the US threatens supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Exposure spans infrastructure, aviation, energy, logistics and consumer sectors, with crude volatility and trade disruption emerging as key pressure points for Corporate India.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has removed over 1.2 lakh misleading posts by unregistered financial influencers. Using an AI tool named Sudarshan, Sebi tracks violations in the digital space. The regulator is also warning retail investors about the high risks of options trading, noting that most lose money. SEBI emphasizes a calibrated approach to market development.

Global oil markets are experiencing unprecedented turbulence as Brent crude sees wild price swings due to geopolitical developments in the Middle East. Uncertainty dominates energy markets, with potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz threatening significant oil and LNG flows. Investors brace for continued volatility as diplomatic efforts and supply route security remain critical.

Global markets opened this week with limited declines despite Middle East tensions, as investors had largely anticipated the escalation. Crude prices eased from initial jumps, with the Strait of Hormuz's future being a key factor for energy prices.

Paint stocks like Asian Paints and Indigo Paints plunged up to 6% as crude oil prices surged due to escalating Middle East tensions following attacks on Iran. The conflict, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, has raised concerns about oil supply disruptions, directly impacting paint companies reliant on petroleum-based derivatives and pressuring their profit margins.

Tejas Networks shares soared over 15% to Rs 503, marking a 60% surge in four sessions, driven by strong volumes and a new manufacturing deal with NEC for 5G massive MIMO radios. Despite a recent quarterly loss and revenue dip, the company anticipates converting significant inventory into finished goods. This partnership signals international expansion hopes.

Global markets opened cautiously as geopolitical tensions escalated, boosting demand for safe-haven assets like the U.S. dollar and Treasury bonds. Oil prices experienced a 'shock trade' due to uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy chokepoint. India and China face significant challenges, potentially impacting their trade and economic stability.

Indian stock markets face three closures in March 2026. Holi, Shri Ram Navami, and Shri Mahavir Jayanti will halt trading. This marks the highest monthly holiday count for the year. Investors are questioning the March 3 Holi closure, as the festival falls on March 4. A fund manager suggested a two-day holiday to account for geopolitical events.

Bitcoin saw a dip to $63,000 over the weekend amid geopolitical tensions following an attack on Iran. The cryptocurrency has since recovered near $66,500. Major altcoins also experienced drops, though some saw gains. Experts note market resilience despite volatility. Investors are watching US market reactions for future crypto direction.

Indian markets fell sharply as US-Israel strikes on Iran triggered geopolitical tensions, pushing crude oil higher and weakening the rupee. Analysts warn of macro risks if the conflict prolongs, with energy, defence and IT stocks seen as relative beneficiaries, while OMCs, airlines and export-linked firms face immediate pressure.

President Trump's delay in formally submitting Kevin Warsh's Federal Reserve nomination has created uncertainty, with a Republican senator vowing to block it amid a DOJ probe into Jerome Powell. This pause highlights the delicate balance between political pressure and the Fed's independence, impacting financial markets.

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Economist Andrew Freris advises investors to shift focus from oil to defence stocks following the US strike on Iran. He argues that oil price spikes will be muted due to Iran's small production share and a strong US naval deterrent, while defence companies are poised for significant growth amid rising global military conflict.

Indian government bonds declined as oil prices surged due to escalating Middle East conflict, prompting investors to move away from risk assets. The benchmark bond yield rose, while the rupee and shares also fell. Higher oil prices threaten to increase inflation and widen India's current account deficit.

Escalating US-Iran tensions are unsettling global markets, with oil prices rising due to fears of Strait of Hormuz disruption. Investors are seeking safe havens like gold and U.S. Treasuries, while emerging markets face currency and trade balance pressures. Defense and energy sectors may benefit, contrasting with airlines.

Fino Payments Bank shares tumbled after its MD and CEO, Rishi Gupta, was arrested under GST law. The bank clarified the arrest relates to business partners and not its own compliance, with the CFO taking over operations. This comes after RBI approved Gupta's reappointment and the bank's conversion to a small finance bank.

Indian solar stocks face pressure from oversupply and a US duty overhang, impacting companies like Waaree Energies and Premier Energies. While domestic module capacity outstrips demand, new US tariffs on certain imports add uncertainty. Experts suggest integrated players and those with diversified markets are better positioned for the evolving sector.

Oil prices may see a short-term rise due to Middle East tensions. However, markets have already factored in significant Iran-related risk. Experts believe a major spike to $100 a barrel is unlikely. The Strait of Hormuz remains open, and insurance costs are a key concern. OPEC's immediate impact is limited. India is expected to maintain its energy diversification plans.

The Indian rupee and local stocks plunged on Monday as Middle East conflict and rising oil prices compounded economic worries. The rupee hit a one-month low, while benchmark indexes fell about 1%. Higher oil prices pose a significant risk to India's energy imports and could impact government bonds.

Rajputana Stainless will open its Rs 255 crore IPO on March 9 with a price band of Rs 116-122 per share. The issue includes a fresh issue and OFS. Proceeds will fund expansion and debt repayment. The company manufactures stainless steel products and reported steady revenue growth and improved profitability in FY25.

Middle East conflict has become a central financial risk, unsettling markets amid geopolitical fragmentation and inflation. U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran's leader triggered retaliatory attacks, disrupting regional flights and oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Political uncertainty in Iran and potential supply disruptions are driving oil prices higher and impacting investor caution.

Escalating Middle East tensions, following reports of Iran's Supreme Leader's death and subsequent retaliation, are boosting Indian defence stocks like HAL and BEL. While geopolitical uncertainty persists, India's deepening defence ties with Israel offer potential export opportunities. However, the broader market faces pressure, with crude oil prices being a key monitorable.

Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn on Monday, with the Sensex and Nifty 50 opening sharply lower. This decline, exceeding 2,700 points for the Sensex and 500 points for the Nifty 50, was largely attributed to the escalating Middle East conflict and reported missile strikes. The market capitalization saw a substantial erosion of over Rs 7.

Wall Street watches artificial intelligence closely. AI could reshape businesses and the economy. Middle East tensions add to investor worries. A key US jobs report is due. Chipmaker Nvidia's results are under scrutiny. Markets are navigating uncertainty as new data emerges.