The Economic Times

Indian stock markets experienced a sharp decline on Friday, with the Sensex and Nifty falling significantly, marking their biggest weekly drop in over a year. The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and surging crude oil prices above $100 per barrel are major contributing factors. Global markets also mirrored this downturn, trading broadly in the red.

Indian auto stocks have seen a significant drop. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are impacting crude oil prices and causing gas shortages. This is affecting the production of raw materials and industrial output for auto companies. Several major auto manufacturers and suppliers are at risk of production losses. Investors are closely watching for potential impacts on production lines.

Morgan Stanley warns investors about Asian stocks. Rising geopolitical risks and potential oil price shocks are key concerns. The firm suggests selling during market rallies. Asian economies are seen as more vulnerable to elevated oil prices. A bearish scenario could see Asian equities fall significantly. Investors are urged to remain cautious and manage risk.

Kaynes Technology India shares dropped over 2% to Rs 3,612 on Friday, mirroring a broader market selloff. This occurred despite BofA Securities acquiring shares worth Rs 42 crore in a block deal on Thursday. The company's stock has underperformed benchmarks over the past year, though it reported a 15% profit growth in Q3 FY25.

Shares of HPCL, BPCL and IOC are likely to remain in focus as crude oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel again amid escalating Iran Israel US tensions. Irans leadership warned the Strait of Hormuz could remain closed, raising concerns about supply disruption and potential margin pressure for Indian oil marketing companies.

ONGC and Oil India shares have surged this year, outperforming the Nifty Oil & Gas index despite a sector-wide decline. Experts anticipate further upside for these upstream oil producers due to the escalating Iran-Israel crisis and potential crude oil price hikes, with a strong medium-term outlook.

Shares of Adani Total Gas soared 6% to extend gains for 4th straight session despite weak broader markets. The rally follows the governments Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, which prioritises gas supply for PNG and CNG users amid Middle East tensions and disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz closure, raising concerns over cooking gas availability in India.

India faces economic challenges from rising geopolitical tensions and high crude oil prices. Experts warn of potential GDP growth reduction and inflation spikes. Investors are advised to recalibrate portfolios defensively. While risks are present, historical data suggests markets can recover post-conflict. The nation's economic stability faces a test, but a strong starting position offers some resilience.

Marcellus Investment Managers is investing again after holding cash. The fund house sees the current market dip as a chance to buy quality stocks. They are cautious about a prolonged West Asia conflict impacting India's economy. However, they believe crises often present the best investment opportunities. Marcellus also analyzes HDFC Bank, seeing it as a long-term buy despite recent challenges.

Three Nifty200 stocks, including Coal India, Torrent Power and Muthoot Finance, formed the White Marubozu candlestick pattern on March 12, according to StockEdge technical scan data. The bullish pattern indicates strong buying pressure during the session and is often tracked by traders as a signal of potential upward price momentum.

As of March 12, six stocks in the NSE F&O segment recorded a sharp rise in futures open interest, indicating increased derivatives activity. The surge suggests traders are building fresh positions or expanding existing exposure, reflecting stronger market participation and growing conviction on the near-term price outlook for these counters.

Six Nifty 500 stocks, including NTPC Green Energy and Adani Power, showed a bullish Relative Strength Index crossover on March 12. The RSI moving above the 50 level signals strengthening price momentum, which traders often interpret as a potential early sign of upward movement and fresh buying opportunities in these counters.

Indian IT stocks are experiencing an unprecedented losing streak. This has wiped out significant market value and ignited a debate about artificial intelligence's future impact. Some investors see a major buying opportunity amid the sell-off. Foreign investors have exited, but one large mutual fund is aggressively buying. Analysts are divided on the sector's outlook.

Cooking gas shortages triggered by West Asia tensions have sharply boosted demand for induction cooktops and electric kettles in India. Companies including Stove Kraft, TTK Prestige and Butterfly Gandhimathi are seeing rising sales as restaurants and households shift to electric cooking amid supply disruptions and higher LPG prices nationwide recently.

Crude oil prices dipped Friday morning after the U.S. issued a 30-day license for countries to purchase stranded Russian oil, easing immediate supply concerns. This follows a U.S. announcement to release 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve as part of a coordinated effort with the IEA to stabilize global energy markets amid ongoing tensions in the region.

We have collated a list of recommendations from top brokerage firms from ETNow and other sources.

Srinibas Pradhan Constructions is set to list on the NSE SME platform on March 13 with muted grey market signals, indicating a potential debut near its issue price of Rs 98. The Rs 20 crore IPO saw moderate subscription, with NIIs and QIBs showing interest, while retail participation was subdued.

As long as the stock is priced above the 200-day SMA on the daily timeframe, it is generally considered to be in an overall uptrend.

The US dollar is strong, seen as a safe haven amid global market chaos. The euro is weak, and Japan might intervene to support the yen. Oil prices are rising, impacting markets. Investors are watching central bank meetings for clues on interest rates. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether are also seeing gains.

Oil prices dipped Friday after the U.S. issued a 30-day license allowing the purchase of stranded Russian oil, easing immediate supply concerns. This move follows a larger release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and coordinated efforts by the IEA to stabilize global energy markets amidst escalating Middle East tensions and threats to the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. stocks plunged as Iranian strikes on oil tankers sent crude prices soaring, fueling inflation fears. Major indexes saw significant drops, with only energy and some defensive sectors performing well. The conflict's escalation dimmed hopes for Fed rate cuts, while private credit markets faced concerns.

Gold prices rose on Friday, buoyed by a weaker dollar and falling U.S. Treasury yields as geopolitical tensions escalated in the Middle East. Despite a weekly dip, bullion found support from easing yields, while oil prices surged above $100 a barrel amid concerns over global energy supply.

Adobe's long-serving CEO Shantanu Narayen will step down once a successor is appointed, a move that saw shares dip amid concerns about the company's AI strategy. Despite strong quarterly results and double-digit revenue growth, Adobe faces challenges from AI disruption and investor skepticism regarding monetization. Narayen will remain as board chair to support the transition.

Brent crude inched further above $100 a barrel and stocks fell in early Asian trade on Friday, after Iran vowed to attack oil resources in the Middle East and keep choking the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for crude, remains effectively shut.

Asian stocks mirrored US declines as fears of the Iran war impacting energy supplies and boosting inflation intensified. Oil prices, though slightly lower Friday, remained elevated due to defiant rhetoric regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Investors are now pricing in prolonged inflation and potential impacts on corporate earnings, with Treasury yields rising on inflation worries.

Restaurant and delivery platform stocks saw a dip on Thursday. A shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is disrupting operations. This is impacting kitchen functions in some areas. Large quick service restaurant chains may face limited effects. They often use electric equipment. Technical indicators suggest a pullback for some companies. Investors are watching key support levels.

Nabard and REC withdrew their planned bond issues on Thursday due to higher-than-expected yields. Nabard, initially seeking 8,000 crore for seven years, will now attempt to raise the same amount on Monday, March 16, but for a three-year tenure. The initial offer would have required Nabard to pay 7.57% interest.

Mumbai's commercial insurance market is experiencing a significant premium drop as insurers slash rates to secure large corporate clients. Property and industrial cover prices have plummeted, with natural catastrophe covers seeing discounts of 60-75% and preferred risks up to 85-90%. This aggressive pricing strategy, described as a loodbath, raises concerns about the sector's viability amid potential adverse events.

Nifty closed 227 points lower on Thursday amidst volatility, with analysts indicating a weak underlying trend. The market anticipates a potential lower bottom formation around 23500-23400, while a move above 23850 could signal an upside reversal. Foreign portfolio investors were net sellers, while domestic institutional investors bought shares.

Indian markets continued their downward trend on Thursday. Several companies saw significant news. BofA Securities invested in Kaynes Technologies. GAIL assured uninterrupted gas supply to Bengaluru. South Indian Bank launched EPF payment services. DCM Shriram approved renewable energy investment. TVS Motor launched a new electric scooter. Tata Steel moved court over a GST demand.

The Reserve Bank of India wants details on overseas rupee derivative trades. Foreign banks operating in India are resisting this move. They cite difficulties in accessing offshore deal information and jurisdictional concerns. The RBI aims for better market visibility to manage rupee volatility. This proposal could impact how international financial institutions operate within India.

Morgan Stanley and Cliffwater have capped withdrawals from their private credit funds as investors sought to redeem more than allowed. This move highlights growing concerns over loan quality, particularly for software companies impacted by AI. The $1.8 trillion private credit market faces additional pressure from scrutiny over illiquid loan valuations.

Sebi is proposing easier ways for legal heirs to claim securities. The regulator wants to simplify paperwork and procedures when an investor passes away. Higher limits for simplified documentation are suggested. Straight-through processing will be introduced for small claims. This aims to speed up the return of assets to survivors. The market has grown, and current limits need updating.

The Indian rupee hit an all-time low of 92.36 against the US dollar on Thursday, later recovering slightly to close at 92.19. Energy price retreats offered some relief, while central bank intervention was observed between 92.20 and 92.36, according to traders. Analysts suggest further weakness could occur if these levels are breached.

The National Stock Exchange of India has appointed 20 merchant bankers and eight law firms for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO). The IPO will be an offer for sale, with existing shareholders expected to offload approximately 4-4.5% of the exchange's equity. NSE is currently valued at around 5 lakh crore in the unlisted market.

Indian stock markets plunged to an 11-month low on Thursday, with the Nifty and Sensex dropping around 1% each. Surging crude oil prices, driven by US-Iran conflict fears, spooked investors, mirroring past market downturns. Analysts warn of continued volatility and potential further declines until oil prices stabilize, though a rebound is possible in oversold conditions.

Bandhan Financial Services is looking at ways for its investors to exit. The company has hired an investment banker to explore options. This move aligns with regulatory requirements for Bandhan Bank. The promoter's stake needs to be reduced. Options include selling shares to private equity funds or an initial public offer. The company's performance is improving.

Canada's TMX Group is pushing for a shift to semi-annual earnings reports for all listed companies. This move mirrors efforts in the United States and aims to revitalize Canada's IPO market. The Toronto Stock Exchange anticipates a surge in mining IPOs, driven by global demand for critical minerals and geopolitical shifts.

Large bank capital requirements will fall slightly under revised drafts of sweeping bank capital rules, Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman said Thursday, in a major victory for Wall Street lenders that had faced capital hikes under previous drafts.

Innovisions IPO has been extended to March 17 after 32% subscription, reflecting weak investor interest; the price band was revised lower, while revenue growth is strong but margins remain thin.

When stock markets are as manic as they've been recently, it's natural to want to do something to protect your retirement savings. Historically, though, staying calm has usually been best.

Indian indices declined for the second day as Iran-Israel tensions and rising crude prices spooked investors; auto, consumer, and financial stocks led losses amid high market volatility and bearish sentiment.

BofA Securities acquired 1.16 lakh Kaynes Technologies shares via a block deal, while the stock continues a multi-month downtrend despite rising revenue and quarterly profit growth

Nifty fell for the second consecutive day amid Iran-Israel/US tensions, dragging auto, consumer, and financial stocks. Commodity stocks saw selective buying. Analysts suggest bearish sentiment dominates, with support at 23,40023,200.

The U.S. Federal Reserve will cut interest rates for the first time this year in June, according to economists polled by Reuters who are clinging to their views despite the risk that disruption of energy markets resulting from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran boosts already-elevated inflation.

Securities and Exchange Board of India has proposed simplifying transmission of securities to heirs by raising documentation thresholds, introducing straight-through processing for small claims and standardising procedures, aiming to reduce paperwork and speed up asset transfer for families of deceased investors.

Bumble shares jumped more than 40% in early trading on Thursday after the company posted upbeat fourth-quarter revenue and unveiled an AI-driven overhaul of its apps to lure back younger users.

Oil prices soared Thursday, briefly trading above $100, and stock markets extended losses as fresh attacks against Gulf energy targets offset the release of crude reserves by major economies.