The Economic Times

The BSE Sensex surged 900 points to close above 80,000, pushing several stocks to fresh yearly highs. Companies including Data Patterns (India), Sai Life Sciences, Vardhman Textiles, and Lupin showed strong momentum with notable gains over the past month.

Realty firm Embassy Office Parks REIT has raised Rs 1,400 crore through the issue of debentures.

A steep selloff in U.S. Treasuries continued for a fourth day on Thursday, as investors fretted that surging energy prices from the war in the Middle East could stoke inflation and derail the Federal Reserve's rate outlook.

The Indian rupee logged its biggest one-day gain in a month on Thursday after the Reserve Bank of India stepped in aggressively to shore up the currency, with bankers expecting the central bank to stay on guard as geopolitical risks persist.

European shares edged lower on Thursday as an expanding Middle East conflict weighed on market sentiment, while a string of patchy corporate earnings added to the gloom.

Force Motors shares dropped up to 4% after the company disclosed that SEBI has sought additional information related to its Q2 FY25 financial results announcement. The regulator has asked for details including chronology of events, insiders and structured digital database extracts. The company said there is no financial impact and will respond within timelines.

India's metals sector has performed well. However, experts suggest that significant further gains may be difficult now. Valuations have risen, making entry tricky. Investors can hold existing positions, but substantial new upside is unlikely. Dips are still buyable, but the sector offers less safety. Coal India shows promise due to global factors.

Indias volatile equity market still delivered strong smallcap rebounds. About 14 stocks that fell over 35% in FY25 surged 50%500% in FY26, turning last years biggest losers into standout winners with sharp rallies across sectors, highlighting renewed investor interest in beaten-down smallcap companies.

State-owned NHAI-sponsored Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) on Thursday fixed a price band of Rs 99 to Rs 100 per unit for its upcoming Rs 6,000-crore Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Manpower and toll plaza management services provider Innovision Ltd on Thursday said its Rs 323-crore initial share-sale will open for public subscription on March 10.

Investors seeking income can explore several Indian companies offering attractive dividend yields. From logistics giant Allcargo Logistics at 13.7% to media firm Jagran Prakashan at 9.7%, these stocks provide substantial returns. Other notable mentions include MSTC, Accelya Solutions India, and Vedanta, each presenting compelling investment opportunities for dividend-focused portfolios.

Indian metal stocks rallied sharply as aluminium prices surged on supply concerns after Bahrains Alba halted shipments following the Strait of Hormuz closure. Additional support came from Chinas plan to curb industrial capacity and a weaker dollar, lifting the Nifty Metal index and boosting investor sentiment across major metal companies.

Geopolitical tensions in West Asia are creating market uncertainty, impacting energy supplies and capital flows. While Indian equities have shown resilience, prolonged conflict could significantly affect the economy due to heavy reliance on GCC for energy and remittances. Foreign investors are currently favoring other Asian markets with stronger earnings growth, delaying their return to India.

Amidst global uncertainty, market volatility presents opportunities for long-term investors, according to Rahul Shah. He highlights mispricing as a chance to build portfolios, favoring resilient largecaps like private banks, telecom, consumer discretionary, and auto sectors. Shah also sees potential in metals, energy, and defence, with specific stock recommendations.

Indian shares saw a modest rebound on Thursday, with banks, energy, and tech stocks leading the charge after a significant two-day slump. Investors bought into beaten-down sectors, buoyed by global market gains. Australia's resource-heavy index offered some resilience against Middle East tensions, while strong iron ore prices boosted mining giants.

Valuation expert Aswath Damodaran analyzed Citrini Research's AI doomsday scenario, finding it implausible but acknowledging AI's significant long-term disruption potential. He believes AI will transform specific industries like software and finance, impacting jobs over time. While not an immediate crisis, AI's evolution poses substantial future challenges for the workforce.

Coal India shares climbed over 4% after Citi placed the stock on a 90-day Upside Catalyst Watch and raised its target price, citing stronger global coal prices and potential gas-to-coal switching due to elevated LNG prices. The brokerage expects improved e-auction realisations but warns that easing Middle East tensions could cap gains.

Indias IPO market is showing signs of cooling, with seven of the last eight mainboard listings delivering negative debut gains. Weak broader markets, stretched valuations, and softer investor appetite have weighed on listing performance. Analysts say cautious sentiment and declining subscription levels suggest investors are becoming more selective about new public offerings.

India Inc. witnessed a significant turnaround in the December quarter, with approximately 50 listed companies swinging from losses to profits. This broad-based recovery spans sectors like aviation, banking, and logistics, driven by strong demand and improved operating leverage. Brokerages are turning constructive, with earnings growth meeting expectations and valuations appearing reasonable.

Indian government bonds saw early gains on Thursday, buoyed by suspected central bank intervention in debt and currency markets. Despite escalating Middle East tensions and rising oil prices, a record net purchase of bonds by institutional investors on Wednesday provided crucial support. The rupee also firmed, easing inflation concerns.

Bharat Forge shares rose 4% after strong growth in North Americas Class 8 truck orders, which jumped 159% year-on-year in February. The surge signals improving demand in the commercial vehicle cycle, a key export market for the company, which also reported robust profit and revenue growth in the December quarter.

Bitcoin has surged past $72,000, driven by renewed institutional interest and significant inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs. Major altcoins like Ethereum, BNB, and Solana are also showing strong gains. Analysts suggest this recovery, despite cautious sentiment, could lead to further price increases if key resistance levels are broken. The market is stabilizing after an early-year correction.

L&T shares rose over 2% after four days of losses as hopes of easing Iran-Israel tensions lifted sentiment. However, Motilal Oswal remains cautious, citing the companys significant Middle East exposure, risks to EPC execution, and potential valuation pressures from AI disruption in its IT subsidiary.

Crude oil prices are now the key driver for global markets. Emerging market tech stocks are showing early signs of recovery. Gold is approaching a peak. Independent commentator Geoff Dennis believes oil price stability is crucial for broader market gains. Asian markets are showing a tentative bounce. Investors are watching the Middle East situation closely.

China pledged intensified investment in high-tech industries and scientific innovation to bolster economic resilience amid escalating geopolitical tensions. The nation aims for 4.5%-5% growth, prioritizing innovation-driven development and industrial upgrading while addressing structural challenges and subdued domestic demand.

India VIX cooled on Thursday after a sharp 52% surge in just two sessions triggered by escalating Middle East tensions. Despite the pullback, volatility remains elevated near 19, prompting experts to advise traders to stay cautious, hedge portfolios and avoid aggressive positions until greater clarity emerges on the IranIsraelUS conflict.

Reliance Industries shares jumped as brokerages said the recent selloff was overdone and noted the company could benefit from rising crude prices amid Middle East tensions. Analysts expect supply disruptions to boost refining margins, with diesel cracks surging to $35$42 per barrel, potentially benefiting the companys oil-to-chemicals business.

Geopolitical tensions and market swings prompt caution for investors. Maulik Patel of Equirus Securities advises patience, suggesting a wait-and-watch approach. He notes current crises differ from past conflicts. Patel also discusses AI's impact on IT services and identifies potential investment opportunities in corrected sectors, while advising caution in others.

The Indian rupee hit a record low of 92.15 against the dollar, mirroring a surge in equity fear gauges. This depreciation is attributed to West Asian war-induced oil and gas supply disruptions, prompting a flight to safe-haven dollar assets. Central bank interventions helped arrest steeper losses, but the rupee faces continued depreciation pressure.

The Rs 1,087 crore Sedemac Mechatronics IPO entered Day 2 with 27% subscription on the first day, driven by QIB demand. The grey market premium stands at Rs 60, indicating modest listing gains. While financial growth is strong, high valuations and customer concentration remain key concerns for investors.

President Trump nominated former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to chair the Federal Reserve, signaling a potential shift towards lower interest rates. While Republicans largely view Warsh as qualified, his confirmation faces challenges from Senator Thom Tillis and unified Democratic opposition, potentially impacting the Fed's independence and future monetary policy.

Indian markets are navigating a turbulent phase. Geopolitical tensions and volatile commodity prices are impacting investor sentiment. Market expert Ajay Bagga advises patience and selective buying of fundamentally strong stocks. He believes the situation may ease soon. Financials are expected to lead when stability returns. Defence sector presents a long-term opportunity. Investors should prepare but not rush.

Adani Ports and JSW Infrastructure shares saw gains after JP Morgan initiated coverage with overweight ratings. The brokerage sees strong growth in India's ports sector. JP Morgan has set price targets for both companies, anticipating significant expansion and revenue growth. Both firms are investing in logistics and warehousing, diversifying their operations. Their financial health remains robust despite expansion plans.

The Indian Rupee is facing sharp pressure, falling against the US Dollar. Middle East tensions are driving a global move towards safe-haven assets, boosting the Dollar. This situation impacts India's import costs and inflation. The Reserve Bank of India is expected to intervene to manage volatility. Geopolitical stability is crucial for the Rupee's outlook.

Axis Securities has identified 15 top stock picks, maintaining an overweight stance on BFSI, telecom, consumption, healthcare, and interest-rate sensitive sectors. The brokerage favors discretionary and retail consumption plays, along with select capex-linked cyclical stocks, while expressing caution on IT in the medium term.

The Reserve Bank of India likely intervened in the foreign exchange market on Thursday, selling dollars to support the rupee after it hit a record low. Traders observed a sharp rally in the rupee just before the local market opened, with state-run banks reportedly acting on behalf of the RBI to shore up the currency against the dollar.

Oil marketing companies saw significant stock gains from low crude prices. However, escalating Iran-Israel/US tensions have driven crude prices up nearly 30% this year. This surge risks squeezing refining margins and impacting profitability. Experts advise investors to book profits and consider a sell-on-rise strategy as crude prices are expected to move higher, negatively affecting OMC stocks.

Companies and investors are rushing to complete large share sales, raising tens of billions of dollars amidst escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions. This surge reflects a belief that capital markets may become more volatile, prompting a swift move to secure funding before investor appetite potentially wanes.

Indian stock markets saw a significant rebound on Thursday. The Sensex and Nifty ended sharply higher, adding substantial market capitalisation. This recovery followed a period of sharp decline. Key factors included reports of Iran's potential nuclear program shift, positive global market movements, and reassurances on oil supply. Strong buying in Reliance Industries also contributed to the gains.

West Asian conflict hits Indian equities at a vulnerable time, with stretched valuations and AI concerns already present. Sanjeev Prasad of Kotak Institutional Equities highlights oil supply disruption as a major threat, potentially impacting current account deficit and margins for commodity-linked sectors. While underlying economic trends remain, prolonged conflict could necessitate earnings downgrades.

Gold and silver prices opened sharply higher on the Multi-Commodity Exchange of India on Thursday. Escalating Middle East tensions boosted safe-haven demand. A softer US dollar also made bullion more attractive. MCX Gold futures for April 2026 delivery rose over Rs 1,600. Silver futures for May 2026 delivery soared by Rs 8,700.

Indian stock markets are experiencing a sharp decline due to escalating Middle East tensions. Experts advise against panic selling, urging investors to identify quality businesses for long-term gains. Brokerages are recalibrating portfolios, favoring domestic cyclicals and specific sectors. While near-term volatility persists, historical data suggests geopolitical conflicts lead to temporary corrections, presenting opportunities for patient investors.