The Economic Times

Indian markets ended a two-day rally as Iran-US tensions and elevated energy prices weighed on investor sentiment. Nifty fell 2.09% to 22,819.60, Sensex down 2.25%. US and European indices also declined amid geopolitical uncertainty. Financials, autos, and consumer stocks led losses, while volatility remained elevated.

Well-timed trades ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's major policy surprises during his second term have potentially led to millions of dollars in profits for unknown traders, leading some legal experts to say they should be investigated to protect fair markets and ascertain whether information is leaking.

The combined market valuation of seven of the top-10 most valued firms tumbled by Rs 1.75 lakh crore in a holiday-shortened last week, with Reliance Industries taking the biggest hit, in tandem with a weak trend in equities.

NCLAT dismissed BSEs appeals against NCLT orders to defreeze demat accounts of insolvent firms, ruling that NCLT has jurisdiction under the IBC. The tribunal said dues leading to account freezes qualify as debt, allowing resolution professionals to access shares and proceed with recovery during insolvency proceedings.

Jio Financial Services (JFS) is hoping to start general and life insurance businesses this year, a top company official has said.

Zerodha clarified its brokerage fee hike to Rs 40 per order, affecting only a small fraction of intraday derivatives traders using collateral margin with a significant cash shortfall. This move aims to align with SEBI regulations and reduce the broker's capital exposure, as many traders pledge stocks without sufficient cash.

Intellius Recode has filed its DRHP with SEBI for an IPO comprising a Rs 117 crore fresh issue and promoter OFS. The company plans to invest in digital worker development and operations. Backed by AI-driven solutions, it serves over 100 clients and competes with listed mid-tier technology firms in India.

Vedanta is preparing to split into five distinct listed companies next month. This significant restructuring aims to unlock substantial shareholder value. The demerger will allow each new entity greater autonomy for growth. Vedanta's market value is projected to increase considerably following this strategic move. The company's debt will also be managed across the new firms.

Intellius Recode Ltd has filed preliminary papers with the markets regulator Sebi to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO).

Amid rising Iran-US-Israel tensions and surging oil prices, Robert Kiyosaki warned that wars, while tragic, are financially profitable for some. He highlighted inflation risks, rising debt, and wealth erosion, urging financial education and disciplined investing. Kiyosaki also reiterated that market crashes could create opportunities for prepared investors.

Around 12 stocks will turn ex-date this week for corporate actions including dividends, bonus issues, rights issues, and stock splits. Key companies like TVS Motor Company, Triton Valves, and IRB Infrastructure Developers are among those with upcoming ex-dates for dividends and bonus issues.

Analyst estimates highlight select BSE mid-cap stocks with strong upside potential over the next year. Based on Trendlyne data, these stocks offer projected gains driven by improving fundamentals and positive sentiment. With consensus Buy or Strong Buy ratings, they present compelling opportunities for investors seeking high-growth mid-cap ideas.

Nifty snapped its two-day rally amid weak sentiment driven by Iran-US tensions, high energy prices, and a falling rupee. Technical indicators signal continued bearish momentum. Experts suggest a sell-on-rise strategy, while recommending ACME Solar and Dalmia Bharat as bullish breakout trades with near-term upside potential.

Amid global market uncertainty, contrarian investing is gaining relevance as overlooked stocks offer hidden value. Bill Ackmans strategy focuses on buying unpopular yet fundamentally strong businesses, emphasising long-term growth, valuation discipline, and conviction. In volatile conditions, opportunities often emerge where sentiment is weakest, and investor attention is limited.

In FY26, 13 penny stocks plunged between 50% and 90%, highlighting severe downside risks in low-priced equities. Screened for liquidity and size, these stocks underscore volatility, weak transparency, and manipulation concerns. Despite speculative appeal, such investments demand disciplined strategies and strong risk management to avoid significant capital erosion.

The Bihar government is preparing to list its power transmission company on the stock market in a move aimed at enhancing public participation in the state's growth, a senior official said.

Indian stock markets have seen a significant correction. Valuation indicators like the Sensex-to-Gold ratio are now at historical support levels. Many stocks are trading near 52-week lows and below key moving averages. This widespread pessimism suggests a favorable setup for future equity returns. Investors should consider systematic participation for long-term gains.

The Indian stock market faces a holiday-shortened week with significant headwinds. Geopolitical tensions from the Iran-Israel conflict, elevated crude oil prices, and a depreciating rupee are expected to weigh on investor sentiment. Foreign institutional investors continue their selling spree, adding to market uncertainties.

Indian stock markets will trade for only three days this week. This shortened trading period, combined with settlement holidays, is expected to increase market volatility. Investors should be aware of potential deferred reactions to global events. Nifty IT shows resilience, while PSU banks are in a corrective phase.

Foreign investors sold Indian shares worth over Rs 1.27 lakh crore in March. This marks the worst month for such outflows. Global tensions and a weakening rupee fueled this trend. Investors are also pulling out from other Asian markets. The situation may improve if West Asian hostilities cease and crude prices fall. Indian markets saw significant drops on Friday.

Indian markets experienced a significant downturn this week, with the Nifty losing over 1.28% and breaching key support levels. Volatility surged as the India VIX climbed, indicating heightened investor caution. While Indian equities showed resilience against global peers, the near-term trend appears weak, suggesting a cautious approach and focus on capital preservation for the upcoming trading sessions.

Indian stock markets faced a sharp decline in March. Geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices impacted investor sentiment. Financials, auto, and consumer stocks saw significant drops. Analysts suggest caution and disciplined risk management. The Nifty and Bank Nifty experienced substantial losses. Investors are advised to monitor key support and resistance levels closely.

Markets are experiencing sharp swings due to global tensions. Experts advise against selling, suggesting this is a time to buy in small parts. Investors should deploy capital gradually over the next few months. Crude supply disruptions will impact corporate earnings in the coming quarter. Volatility is expected to remain high in the near term.

Indian markets face continued downward pressure as technical signals suggest a bearish trend. Analysts highlight that every rise is being sold, with Nifty potentially breaking 22,450 and heading towards 22,000. Global factors and currency concerns are weighing heavily. However, select stocks like Coal India show relative strength, while Ather Energy presents a buying opportunity and BDL is flagged for shorting.

E-marketplace Rentomojo Limited has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus with Sebi for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), aiming to raise Rs 150 crore through fresh equity issuance. The company, a leader in the home furniture and appliance rental segment, plans to utilize the proceeds for debt repayment, lease rentals, and general corporate purposes.

Bitcoin is trading near $66,000, stuck in a range for 50 days. The cryptocurrency market saw a dip of nearly 3% in the last 24 hours. Major altcoins also experienced declines. This weakness is linked to rising Treasury yields and global geopolitical tensions. Experts suggest a sell-on-rise phase unless Bitcoin and Ethereum reclaim key levels.

However, despite the overall slump, six stocks bucked the trend, delivering gains in the range of 20105% over the same period. We also highlighted three newly added stocks in the December 2025 quarter, including Inox, WeWork Management, and Midwest. (Data Source: ACE Equity, Trendlyne)

Online rental platform Rentomojo Ltd has filed preliminary papers with Sebi for an IPO, aiming to raise funds through a fresh issue of Rs 150 crore and an offer-for-sale. The company plans to use the proceeds for debt repayment, warehouse expenses, and general corporate needs. Rentomojo is a leading player in the organized online rental segment for furniture and appliances.

The primary market anticipates a quiet week with no new IPOs. Focus shifts to the listing of Coal India's subsidiary, CMPDI, on Monday. Six companies, including three mainboard and three SME issues, are set to debut. Emiac Technologies' SME IPO continues bidding until Wednesday, while Sai Parenteral and Powerica are expected to list on Thursday.

Amidst global market volatility, legendary investors like Warren Buffett offer timeless wisdom. Key traits include independent thinking, emotional discipline, and a long-term perspective. Embracing discomfort, continuous learning, and focusing on quality businesses are crucial. These simple yet powerful qualities, not complex strategies, define success in investing, emphasizing temperament over environment.

Geopolitical shocks like the West Asian conflict can unsettle markets, but history shows resilience. For India, managing oil price spikes and inflation is key. Investors should stick to disciplined plans, rebalancing portfolios and upgrading quality during dips. Long-term growth remains the focus, urging calm, liquidity, and discipline.

GIFT City is transforming global investing for Indians and attracting foreign capital. Its unique IFSC structure offers a unified regulatory framework. NRIs and foreign investors find investing in India simpler with relaxed compliance and tax norms. The city is rapidly scaling as a financial hub, providing regulatory comfort and a stable environment for capital allocation.

Geopolitical tensions have impacted India's housing market, with sales dipping 7% sequentially in Q1 2026, despite a 7% annual rise. New launches outpaced sales, leading to a 4% quarterly increase in unsold inventory. While developers remain confident, global uncertainties and rising costs are affecting buyer sentiment and investment, particularly from Middle Eastern buyers.

Middle East conflict sent oil prices soaring, impacting Indian markets. While valuations have cooled to fair levels, analysts caution against aggressive buying. The market remains fragile, with a durable bottom yet to be confirmed. Investors are advised to adopt a staggered or wait-and-watch approach, as the situation hinges on the war's duration and its effect on India's economy.

India's investment landscape is shifting as investors from smaller towns increasingly drive growth. Digital penetration in these 'Bharat' cities is expanding the investor base significantly. Platforms are adapting product design and education for this new cohort. This trend is set to redefine wealth management and boost India's investor numbers substantially over the next decade.

India's metabolic therapy market is transforming post-semaglutide patent expiry, shifting to a competitive, volume-driven model. With significant price drops and increased launches, demand is surging among millions needing obesity management. Broader specialist adoption and a growing prescriber base are fueling this expansion, promising substantial market growth.

Global markets are ending a turbulent first quarter. War in Iran has significantly impacted stocks and energy prices. Investors are bracing for more volatility with upcoming U.S. jobs data and South Korean trade figures. Euro zone inflation is also expected to rise, potentially pressuring the European Central Bank. The coming week promises crucial economic indicators and continued market uncertainty.

Stock markets are bracing for a volatile week, with investors closely watching the ongoing Iran conflict's impact on oil prices and inflation. A crucial U.S. jobs report is due, with expectations for a positive number after recent weakness. Rising Treasury yields are also pressuring equity valuations, as concerns about AI and credit markets persist.

U.S. stocks plunged Friday, with major indexes hitting seven-month lows as a Middle East war continued to suppress risk appetite. The Dow entered correction territory, down over 10% from its record high. Rising oil prices fueled inflation fears, dampening hopes for Fed rate cuts.

India's Nifty index shows resilience against potential oil price surges from the Gulf conflict. Companies within the Nifty that supply energy like coal and electricity stand to gain. Demand for these energy sources is expected to rise as alternatives to oil and gas. Conversely, smaller companies face greater impact from rising fuel costs.

Specialised equipment maker Kay Bouvet Engineering's Rs 1,000 crore debt is poised for takeover by NARCL. Banks will see a 13% recovery through NARCL's Rs 130 crore offer, which faced no competition in a Swiss challenge auction. This marks a potential final acquisition for the bad loan aggregator this fiscal year.

The yield on India's 10-year government bond rose sharply Friday. This increase follows a cut in fuel excise duty which impacted the fiscal outlook. High state bond sales and rising oil prices also contributed to the jump. The benchmark yield has seen its biggest weekly rise since May 2022.

The Reserve Bank of India's Payments Vision 2028 introduces a shared liability model for unauthorized digital transactions, placing responsibility on both customer and beneficiary banks. This aims to boost fraud detection and inter-bank coordination. The RBI also plans to expand the 'switch on/off' feature, currently for cards, to all digital payment modes, empowering users and enhancing ecosystem trust.

The Reserve Bank of India has mandated all market participants, both resident and nonresident, to obtain a valid Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) code. Entities without an LEI will be ineligible for transactions in RBI-regulated financial markets. Participants in the over-the-counter derivative market must also secure a unique transaction identifier.

The Indian rupee hit a record low against the dollar, breaching 94 and nearing 95, as rising crude oil prices fueled fears of a prolonged Gulf war. Indian equities also suffered significant declines, marking a fifth consecutive week of losses. Analysts warn of further depreciation for the rupee if the conflict persists and central bank intervention remains subdued.

U.S. stocks plunged Friday, with major indexes hitting over six-month lows as the Middle East war suppressed risk appetite. Megacap and software stocks led the decline, while rising oil prices fueled inflation fears and dampened rate cut expectations. Markets now anticipate potential Fed rate hikes.

Online furniture rental platform Rentomojo has filed for an initial public offering in Mumbai, according to a draft prospectus dated Friday.

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.