Stock Market Crash Today (April 13, 2026): Nifty50 Opens Below 23,600; BSE Sensex Down Over 1,500 Points as Oil Rises, US-Iran Talks Fail Indian stock market benchmark indices, the Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, plunged in opening trade on Monday, April 13, 2026, as geopolitical tensions escalated following the collapse of US-Iran peace talks and a sharp rise in oil prices. The Nifty50 opened below 23,600, while the BSE Sensex fell over 1,500 points. At 9:16 AM, the Nifty50 was trading at 23,608.45, down 442 points or 1.84%, and the BSE Sensex was at 75,988.32, down 1,562 points or 2.01%. The market downturn was driven by renewed geopolitical uncertainty, with the failure of US-Iran peace talks and President Donald Trump’s announcement of a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil prices surged sharply, rising about 8% as both Brent and WTI crude benchmarks climbed above $100 a barrel. Brent crude hit $103, while WTI reached $104, reversing a previous decline that had followed a temporary ceasefire between the two nations. The spike in oil prices intensified fears of disruptions to Middle East energy supplies, a region critical to global oil flows. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments Limited, warned that the situation posed significant risks. “With the failure of US-Iran peace talks and Trump’s declaration of a US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, uncertainty and crude prices have spiked,” he said. “Brent at $103 is emerging as another threat to the economy and markets. How this naval blockade, which in effect will be a US blockade of Iran’s blockade, will play out remains to be seen. The ideal strategy in this ultra-uncertain situation is to wait and watch.” The rupee also faced pressure, with analysts predicting renewed volatility.#brent_crude #strait_of_hormuz #geojit_investments #wti_crude #us_iran_talks
Rupee Rebounds from Record Low Amid RBI Interventions and Market Volatility The Indian rupee staged a modest recovery on Thursday, April 2, 2026, rising 1.6% to 93.19 against the U.S. dollar, marking its first gain in weeks. The rebound came amid the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) intervention to curb the net open position of banks in the onshore forward delivery market. The central bank had imposed a cap of $100 million on banks’ net open positions in the rupee, effective from March 27, 2026, with compliance required by April 10. This measure aimed to stabilize the currency amid persistent pressures from foreign capital outflows, a strong U.S. dollar, and rising global crude oil prices. Despite the temporary reprieve, the rupee had previously hit a historic low of 94.84 against the dollar on March 27, 2026, prompting the RBI to step in. The currency had breached the 95 level on March 30, 2026, before closing at 94.70 on that day. The decline reflected broader economic challenges, including a widening trade deficit, fears of declining remittances, and sustained selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). The dollar index, which tracks the U.S. dollar’s strength against a basket of six major currencies, rose 0.32% to 99.77 on April 2, 2026, further pressuring the rupee. Meanwhile, Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, surged 4.84% to $106.06 per barrel, driven by geopolitical tensions in the West Asia region. The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, has contributed to a 4% depreciation of the rupee since its onset. Over the fiscal year ended March 2026, the currency had declined nearly 10% against the dollar. The domestic equity market mirrored the rupee’s struggles. The Sensex fell 1,312.91 points or 1.80% to 71,821.41 in early trade, while the Nifty 50 slumped 410.45 points or 1.#brent_crude #us_dollar #foreign_institutional_investors #sensex #reserve_bank_of_india
Gold and Silver Prices Drop Amid War Uncertainty and Inflation Fears Gold and silver prices in India have seen significant declines amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures. As of March 2, gold prices fell to ₹4,700 per 10 grams, while silver prices dropped to ₹45,000 per kilogram. These declines followed a previous surge in the previous week, driven by investor demand for safe-haven assets amid uncertainty over the Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising global crude oil prices. The current price movements reflect a shift in market sentiment. While gold and silver prices rose sharply in the week leading up to March 2, they have since retreated as investors reassess risks. Analysts attribute the recent volatility to two key factors: the lack of progress in resolving the Russia-Ukraine war and persistent fears of inflation. The war has kept investors cautious, prompting them to seek refuge in gold, which historically acts as a hedge against economic instability. However, as tensions stabilize slightly, demand for gold has softened, leading to a correction in prices. Crude oil prices have also played a role in shaping market dynamics. The Brent crude benchmark crossed $100 per barrel, while the WTI crude price surpassed $97.81, reflecting heightened energy market volatility. This has indirectly influenced gold and silver prices, as higher oil costs contribute to inflationary pressures, making commodities like gold more attractive to investors. Domestic stock markets have remained weak, further pushing investors toward gold and silver as alternative assets. The Indian equity market has struggled with volatility, partly due to global economic uncertainties and domestic policy concerns. This has reinforced the appeal of gold as a safer investment option.#gold_prices #brent_crude #silver_prices #russia_ukraine_war #wti_crude
The oil market is in 'backwardation' — what it means for energy prices The oil market is currently in a state of backwardation, a condition where near-term delivery futures are priced higher than longer-dated contracts. This phenomenon reflects market participants' expectations of short-term volatility and uncertainty, particularly in the context of the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. Analysts and traders have noted that this backwardation suggests investors are factoring in heightened risks, even as negotiations for a resolution remain uncertain. Oil prices have fluctuated significantly since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran nearly four weeks ago. On Thursday, global benchmark Brent crude futures surged nearly 4% to $106.18 per barrel, marking a 47% increase from pre-war levels. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures for April delivery also rose, trading around $93.27 — a 39% jump from pre-conflict prices. These spikes have been driven by ongoing missile strikes in the Middle East, persistent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and mixed signals from Washington and Tehran regarding peace talks. The backwardation in the oil futures market indicates that traders are pricing in immediate risks rather than long-term supply constraints. In a typical market, longer-dated contracts would trade at a premium due to scarcity or geopolitical tensions. However, in backwardation, near-term contracts command higher prices, signaling that the market anticipates a temporary disruption rather than a prolonged supply crisis. Analysts suggest that the current backwardation reflects a combination of factors, including the immediate impact of the conflict and the uncertainty surrounding its resolution. "It's an event rather than a sustained condition," one analyst noted.#iran #brent_crude #strait_of_hormuz #u_s #w_t_i
Stock markets up 1.7% as investor optimism crawls back Indian benchmark stock indices rose 1.7% on March 25, 2026, driven by renewed investor confidence following clarity on the Iran-U.S. conflict. The Nifty 50 and Sensex opened at 23,064 and 74,652 points, respectively, and gradually climbed to intraday highs of 23,434.75 and 75,735.6 points before closing at 23,306.45 and 75,273.45 points. The recovery was attributed to easing geopolitical tensions and a decline in global oil prices, which had previously spiked due to concerns over the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, fell 5.07% to $99.19 per barrel, marking a significant reversal from earlier levels that had surged to $114 amid fears of a prolonged U.S.-Iran standoff. Analysts noted that the drop in oil prices contributed to the market’s rebound, with Brent futures closing at $96 a barrel. The improved sentiment was further bolstered by signs of potential de-escalation in the conflict, as both sides signaled a willingness to engage in diplomatic talks. Sectoral indices across the BSE ended higher, with the SmallCap Select index rising 3.05% and the MidCap Select index climbing 2.50%. Key performers included PSU banks (up 2.61%), realty (2.53%), metals (2.51%), and commodities (2.75%). A total of 2,959 stocks advanced, while 1,357 declined, with 156 remaining unchanged. Tech Mahindra, Power Grid, Tata Consultancy Services, and Bharat Electronics were among the underperformers. The rupee closed at a record low of 94.05 against the U.S. dollar, reflecting ongoing pressure from global economic uncertainties. Asian markets, including South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225, and China’s SSE Composite, ended higher, while European markets traded in positive territory. The U.S. market, however, closed lower on March 24, 2026.#us #iran #brent_crude #motilal_oswal_financial_services #siddhartha_khemka
Stocks decline as oil prices rise amid ongoing war tensions Wall Street stock indexes retreated on Tuesday, with oil prices climbing further as concerns lingered over the prolonged U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. President Donald Trump claimed the U.S. was engaging in "productive conversations" with Tehran to end hostilities, but uncertainty about the war's duration and its impact on global markets continued to weigh on investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.18%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.37%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.84%, reflecting broader market unease. U.S. Treasury yields increased after a weak auction of 2-year notes, while the dollar rebounded against major currencies. Analysts noted that the lack of clarity regarding Iran's response and the potential for prolonged military operations remained the primary driver of market volatility. Oil prices surged as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas, persisted. Brent crude closed at $104.49 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose 4.79% to $92.35. The conflict has kept oil prices elevated, with traders anticipating sustained pressure on global energy markets. The war's economic fallout extended beyond energy, as data showed the euro zone's private sector growth nearly stalled. Inflation expectations and extended delivery times in the region added to concerns about the bloc's economic resilience amid the conflict. Fed Governor Christopher Waller cited the risk of persistent inflation from the war as a reason to maintain interest rates at current levels, shifting market expectations toward potential rate hikes. U.S. Treasury yields climbed, with the 10-year note hitting 4.356%, and the dollar strengthened against the euro and yen.#iran #brent_crude #strait_of_hormuz #us_israeli_conflict #us_west_texas_intermediate
Iran war fuel crisis gives electric cars a long-term boost The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran has triggered a sharp rise in fuel prices across Asia, with significant implications for the region’s energy transition. As the war escalates, the Strait of Hormuz—the critical waterway for oil and refined product exports—has been disrupted, leading to severe shortages and soaring costs for diesel and gasoline. In Australia, diesel prices have surged to record highs of around A$3 per liter, up 36% since the conflict began on February 28. Japan has also seen gasoline prices climb 18% in the same period. Global benchmark crude oil prices have risen sharply, with Brent crude futures reaching $103.78 per barrel in Asia. However, refined products like diesel and gasoline have experienced even steeper increases. Singapore gasoil, a key component for diesel, has jumped 104% to $186.43 per barrel, while gasoline prices hit a record high of $151.60. These spikes are expected to strain consumers further, with fears of supply shortages as refineries struggle to secure crude oil. The crisis is likely to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) in Asia. Already, EVs and PHEVs are gaining traction, driven by the affordability of Chinese models and government incentives. China leads the EV market, with sales of 12 million units in 2025, capturing over 50% of new vehicle sales for the first time. Analysts predict this share could rise to 60% by the end of the year. Outside China, growth opportunities are expanding. Australia’s EV and PHEV sales hit a record in 2025, accounting for 12.7% of light vehicle purchases. PHEVs are growing faster due to lingering concerns about battery range and charging infrastructure.#us #iran #brent_crude #china #strait_of_hormuz
Trump Signals De-Escalation in Iran Conflict, Markets Rally Global markets experienced a sharp rebound as U.S. President Donald Trump signaled potential diplomatic progress with Iran, shifting from earlier threats of military action. The positive tone from the administration raised hopes of de-escalation in the ongoing conflict, which had previously driven oil prices higher and fueled concerns about economic slowdowns. Trump’s announcement to halt strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, along with his emphasis on pursuing a deal, contributed to a surge in stock markets and a decline in oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose over 600 points in a relief rally, while European equities also rebounded. Oil prices fell sharply, with Brent Crude dropping nearly 11% following Trump’s statements. The market reaction was amplified by unusual pre-market activity in stock and oil futures, which spiked minutes before Trump’s social media post. However, the optimism was tempered by skepticism, as Iranian state media denied any prior discussions with the U.S., casting doubt on the durability of the rally. Trump’s comments came after he confirmed with CNBC’s Joe Kernen that the U.S. was “very intent on making a deal” with Iran. The administration’s Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum, also highlighted growing interest from Asian countries in purchasing U.S. energy to reduce reliance on Middle Eastern oil and gas exports. This shift underscores the broader impact of the conflict on global energy markets, which remain highly sensitive to any developments in the region. The situation remains fluid, with tensions lingering over Trump’s earlier ultimatum to Iran regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.#iran #dow_jones_industrial_average #brent_crude #donald_trump #joe_kernen
Stocks to Buy: Nifty Outlook for March 23-27 Week The stock market faces continued uncertainty as geopolitical tensions in West Asia have kept investor risk appetite subdued. Since the escalation of conflicts on February 28, the Nifty has experienced a sharp correction of over 2000 points, reflecting sustained pressure from adverse global conditions and a pronounced risk-off sentiment. The index has seen three distinct dead-cat bounces during this period, each met with aggressive selling at higher levels, highlighting the strong grip of bears on market direction. Every recovery attempt has been sold into, indicating a lack of buyer conviction. While the Nifty closed the week on a flat note, underlying weakness remains, suggesting the broader trend has not improved materially. Volatility has remained elevated throughout the week. The index staged a sharp rebound of nearly 900 points during the first three trading sessions, driven by short covering. However, these gains proved unsustainable, as the market gave up all its advances on Thursday, recording the sharpest single-day decline since June 4, 2024. The Nifty ended the week on a muted note, extending its losing streak to four consecutive weeks, reinforcing the prevailing cautious tone. Sectoral pain has been most pronounced in the Automobile and Banking sectors, which were key outperformers before the geopolitical tensions escalated. These sectors have faced significant selling pressure, primarily due to persistent foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows. FII have offloaded a massive ₹81,262 crore in the ongoing March series, and their significant exposure to these sectors has amplified the downside momentum. Additionally, the sharp surge in crude oil prices has added to market woes. Brent crude spiked to $114.#nifty #brent_crude #bank_nifty #coal_india #jb_chemicals_pharmaceuticals
Brent crude jumps over 60 pc since US-Israel strike on Iran Brent crude prices have surged more than 60 percent since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, rising from approximately $70 per barrel to around $112 per barrel on Monday. The sharp increase follows heightened tensions in the region, with key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz under threat. Crude oil futures for May on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) also rose by 0.65 percent, reaching Rs 9,318 per barrel. Over the past 30 days, Brent crude has climbed about 56 percent, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices hovered near $98.75 per barrel after a 2 percent gain in the previous session. The ongoing conflict has disrupted oil production in the Middle East, prompting force majeure declarations at several facilities and leading to production cuts. Escalating tensions have also raised concerns about the safety of critical shipping lanes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a vital artery for global oil trade. US President Donald Trump has imposed a 48-hour deadline on Iran to fully open the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Iran’s power plants would face severe consequences if the waterway remains closed. Iran’s administration has countered with threats to target energy infrastructure in Gulf countries, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz is not blocked and that navigation continues despite wartime conditions. Goldman Sachs has adjusted its forecasts, raising its 2026 average Brent crude price estimate to $85 per barrel from $77 per barrel. The firm predicts a near-term average of $110 per barrel for March and April, with flows through the Strait of Hormuz expected to remain at only 5 percent of normal levels for six weeks before a gradual recovery over a one-month period.#iran #brent_crude #strait_of_hormuz #us_president_donald_trump #goldman_sachs
Oil prices volatile after Trump's Strait of Hormuz threat Oil prices remained above $100 per barrel in early trading Sunday as the Iran conflict entered its fourth week, reflecting persistent uncertainty over the security of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The market’s reaction suggests traders remain concerned about the prolonged disruption to global supply and the potential for further escalation in the region. The price of Brent crude, the global benchmark, initially climbed to around $113 per barrel before stabilizing near $111 late Sunday. This level marked a modest decline from Friday’s close but still represented a 55% increase from prices before the U.S. military strikes on Iran began. Meanwhile, U.S. crude, or West Texas Intermediate (WTI), hovered near $99, with the average national gasoline price inching closer to $4 per gallon, reaching $3.94 according to AAA tracking. The volatility came amid heightened tensions following President Trump’s warning that Iran had 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face U.S. military action targeting the country’s power infrastructure. The threat, announced Saturday night, added to existing fears about the strait’s closure, which has already disrupted oil flows on an unprecedented scale. Analysts noted that the prolonged crisis has kept prices elevated, with traders skeptical about a swift resolution to the conflict. Former Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, speaking to Axios, suggested that oil prices could decline sharply once the war concludes. “If it ends in the next couple of weeks, we’re going to see what everybody is forecasting—oil prices are going to drop pretty quickly,” he said. However, the timeline for an end remains unclear, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure safe passage for oil tankers through the strait.#iran #trump #brent_crude #strait_of_hormuz #wti
Stock Market Crash: Investors Lose Rs 12 Lakh Crore In An Hour As Geopolitical Tensions Drive Market Decline Indian benchmark indices, including the Sensex and Nifty, opened sharply lower on Monday as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensified, triggering a massive sell-off. Within the first hour of trading, investors lost approximately Rs 11.78 trillion, with the market capitalisation of all BSE-listed companies dropping to Rs 416.98 trillion at 10:23 am. This marked a significant decline from Rs 428.76 trillion recorded at Friday’s close. The sell-off affected nearly all sectors, reflecting widespread panic rather than isolated profit-taking. The primary driver of the crash is the escalating conflict in the Middle East, now in its fourth week. Rising tensions between the United States and Iran have heightened global market fears, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The uncertainty surrounding this region has led investors to withdraw from equities and shift toward safer assets. Analysts noted that the market’s sharp reaction underscores the growing sensitivity of Indian markets to geopolitical risks. Crude oil prices have further exacerbated the situation. Brent Crude and WTI Crude prices surged over 50% this month, reaching $112.94 and $99.23 per barrel, respectively. The International Energy Agency warned that the current crisis could rival the oil shocks of the 1970s. Higher oil prices are pushing inflation expectations upward, increasing input costs for companies, and straining profit margins. For an import-dependent economy like India, this has added significant pressure on both corporate and consumer sectors. The Indian rupee also hit a record low of 94 against the US dollar, breaking its previous low of 93.7350.#middle_east #us_iran_conflict #brent_crude #indian_rupee #wikipedia
The Indian rupee fell 82 paise, or nearly 1%, to reach an all-time low of 93.71 (provisional) against the U.S. dollar on Friday, March 20, 2026. The decline was driven by ongoing foreign fund outflows and a sharp increase in global crude oil prices amid rising geopolitical tensions. Forex traders noted that the rupee faced significant pressure as surging oil prices and a shift toward risk-averse investing dampened investor confidence. Heightened geopolitical uncertainties, particularly in the Middle East, are expected to keep energy costs elevated, potentially widening India’s trade deficit and fueling inflationary pressures. The rupee opened at 92.92 against the dollar on Friday but quickly broke through the 93 mark, continuing to weaken throughout the session before closing at 93.71. This marked a new record low for the currency, following its previous all-time low of 92.89 on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Anuj Choudhary, a research analyst at Mirae Asset Sharekhan, attributed the rupee’s decline to geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the outflow of foreign institutional investors. He also highlighted the impact of rising global crude oil prices, which have further strained the currency. Choudhary noted that all major central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of England, and Bank of Japan, maintained their interest rates unchanged in recent policy meetings, citing inflation concerns. The dollar index, which measures the U.S. dollar’s strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.35% to 99.58. Meanwhile, Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, climbed 1.84% to $110.7 per barrel in futures trading. On the domestic equity market, the Sensex rebounded from its previous day’s crash, gaining 0.44% to 74,532.96, while the Nifty rose 0.49% to 23,114.50.#brent_crude #us_dollar #indian_rupee #anuj_choudhary #mirae_asset_sharekhan
Stocks tumble Friday as losses mount from Iran war impact, Dow and Nasdaq near correction Friday’s trading saw steep declines across major U.S. stock indices as tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran escalated, with oil prices surging amid renewed attacks on energy infrastructure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 443.96 points, or 0.96%, closing at 45,577.47, while the S&P 500 fell 1.51% to 6,506.48 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 2.01% to 21,647.61. The Russell 2000 small-cap index also declined over 2%, entering correction territory, though it closed below the 10% threshold. The market’s downturn followed overnight strikes between Iran and Israel, with Iran launching new attacks on energy sites in the Persian Gulf. U.S. officials confirmed that the Pentagon is deploying additional Marines to the Middle East, and reports indicated preparations for potential ground troop movements to Iran. These developments intensified fears of prolonged geopolitical instability, which analysts warned could sustain higher oil and gas prices. Oil prices surged as Iraq declared force majeure on all foreign-operated oilfields, citing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to Iranian attacks. Brent crude futures hit $113 per barrel, while U.S. crude oil rose above $98. The move sent energy sector stocks lower, with utilities and real estate also suffering significant declines. Tech leaders like Nvidia and Tesla fell 3%, while the broader market saw 80% of S&P 500 stocks drop. Investment strategists highlighted the market’s vulnerability to ongoing uncertainty. Ross Mayfield of Baird noted that equity declines had not yet fully reflected the geopolitical risks, suggesting further volatility could follow. Art Hogan of B.#iran #pentagon #israel #brent_crude #us_dow
Indian benchmark indices surged on Wednesday, with the Sensex rising over 650 points and the Nifty 50 crossing the 23,750 level. The market showed broad-based strength, with IT, auto, and financial sectors leading gains. Midcap IT stocks also outperformed, signaling strong tech momentum. Banking and consumption sectors supported the rally, indicating healthy investor participation. Metals remained the only laggard, though overall sentiment suggested a sustained uptrend rather than a short-covering-driven rally. The rally was attributed to several factors, including easing oil prices, rising global markets, declining bond yields, and value buying. Brent crude futures retreated $2.26 to $101.16 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped $2.99 to $93.22. The decline in oil prices eased market concerns, contributing to the positive sentiment. Global indices also rose, with the Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.2%, the S&P/ASX 200 gaining 0.3%, and Japan’s Topix rising 1.5%. Key performers included Eicher Motors and Bajaj Finance, both of which rose 2%. IT stocks led the gains, while financials and auto sectors saw broad support. However, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Tata Steel, and Bajaj Finance declined, reflecting mixed sectoral performance. The market’s upward trajectory was further bolstered by positive global cues, with the S&P 500 futures rising 0.1%. Commodity markets also saw activity, with silver and gold ETFs falling nearly 4% amid cautious investor sentiment. The decline in gold and silver prices was linked to a marginal dip in commodity prices on the MCX, though traders remained watchful ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy decision.#brent_crude #sensex #nifty_50 #us_west_texas_intermediate #indian_benchmark_indices
MRPL, Chennai Petroleum Shares Surge Over 16% Amid Crude Price Trends Shares of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) and Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd rose sharply in Monday’s trading session, with MRPL’s stock climbing 16.18% to close at Rs 206.80 and Chennai Petroleum gaining 7.70% to Rs 988.60. The surge was attributed to rising crude oil prices, which are expected to benefit standalone refiners like these companies. Elara Capital, in a recent report, highlighted that refiners operating independently would see significant gains as crude prices increase. The brokerage noted that the Gross Refining Margin (GRM) for the industry could rise by approximately $5 per barrel for every $10 per barrel increase in crude oil prices. This is because such companies do not bear the burden of retail fuel losses, giving them a competitive edge. The report also pointed out that MRPL and Chennai Petroleum could experience substantial growth in their EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) but warned of potential policy risks. Elara stated that while near-term earnings could be strong, sustained high GRMs might draw regulatory attention. If refining margins remain elevated for an extended period, the government could impose windfall duties or other interventions to curb excessive profits. This would introduce uncertainty, as policy actions could offset the benefits of higher margins. Additionally, the brokerage emphasized that oil marketing companies (OMCs) are disproportionately affected by high crude prices. Higher GRMs can partially offset losses from retail margins and rising LPG subsidies, but the impact varies among OMCs.#brent_crude #strait_of_hormuz #mrpl #chennai_petroleum #elara_capital
US Stock Market Outlook: Volatility Expected as Oil Prices and Inflation Concerns Shape Investor Sentiment U.S. stock indexes closed lower on Friday amid rising oil prices and growing inflation concerns, with the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite recording their third consecutive weekly loss. The market’s decline was driven by geopolitical tensions involving Iran, which have disrupted oil supplies and pushed energy prices higher. Analysts warn that these factors, combined with elevated bond yields and mixed economic data, could keep investors cautious as the week begins. The surge in oil prices has become a central theme for market participants. Crude oil prices rose sharply, with Brent crude closing at $103.14 per barrel, up 2.7%, and U.S. crude at $98.71, up 3.1%. This follows a significant disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil. Iran’s actions have slowed cargo traffic, leading to production cuts by oil producers unable to move shipments through the region. Research firm Rystad Energy reported that over 12 million barrels of oil equivalent per day have been taken offline since the closure began. Major U.S. indexes reflected the market’s unease. The S&P 500 fell 0.6%, closing at 6,632.19, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 119.38 points to 46,558.47. The Nasdaq Composite declined 206.62 points to 22,105.36, marking its lowest close of the year. Technology stocks, which had been a key driver of gains earlier in the year, recorded the largest losses among S&P 500 sectors, while utility stocks were the only sector showing positive movement. Several companies also faced pressure. Ulta Beauty dropped 14.2% after its quarterly results missed profit targets, with higher operating expenses impacting earnings.#iran #brent_crude #federal_reserve #us_stock_market #us_crude
Gold: Safe Haven Role Pauses as US Dollar Attracts Crisis Flows During the early stages of the Iran conflict, the market’s usual instinct to seek safe-haven assets like gold was temporarily overshadowed by a surge in demand for the US dollar. Traders typically turn to gold in times of geopolitical uncertainty, but this time, the dollar emerged as the dominant refuge. The Commitment of Traders data revealed that speculative demand for gold remained subdued, with managed money adding only about $470 million in net futures exposure during the week of February 24 to March 3. New long positions totaled $830 million, but much of this was offset by $360 million in short covering, indicating a lack of aggressive buying. The dollar’s rise was driven by its role as a reserve currency in a global energy crisis. As oil prices spiked and concerns over supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz grew, the US’s relative energy self-reliance made the dollar a preferred choice for investors. The Dollar Index climbed 1.2% during the period, while gold’s April contract fell roughly 1%. This shift highlighted the dollar’s function as a liquidity provider during crises, rather than a traditional safe-haven asset. However, the dollar’s dominance was not permanent. By March 11, the dollar’s rally stalled, allowing gold to recover. Over the following days, gold advanced about 1.1%, while Brent crude surged 13%. This period also saw a resurgence in stagflation-related trades, as investors began to reassess the economic landscape. Despite this, the market’s internal dynamics remained mixed. Futures open interest expanded by $5.1 billion, but the exchange for physical market softened, suggesting reduced urgency to secure physical gold.#gold #brent_crude #us_dollar #iran_conflict #dollar_index
Stock markets tumble for 3rd day as West Asia turmoil, rising oil prices weigh heavily on sentiments Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended sharply lower on Friday, driven by escalating tensions in West Asia and a surge in oil prices. The decline marked the third consecutive day of losses, with investor sentiment further dented by heavy global selling, persistent outflows of foreign capital, and a weak rupee. The 30-share BSE Sensex fell 1,579.82 points, or 2%, to 74,454.60 during intraday trading before closing at 74,563.92, a drop of 1,470.50 points, or 1.93%. The 50-share NSE Nifty declined 488.05 points, or 2.06%, to 23,151.10. Hindustan Unilever and Bharti Airtel were among the few gainers. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, rose 0.25% to $100.7 per barrel, adding pressure on equity markets. Asian indices such as South Korea’s Kospi, Japan’s Nikkei 225, China’s SSE Composite, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng all closed lower. European markets were also in negative territory. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold equities worth ₹7,049.87 crore on March 12, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth ₹7,449.77 crore. The Sensex had already dropped 829.29 points, or 1.08%, to 76,034.42 on March 12, and the Nifty fell 227.70 points, or 0.95%, to 23,639.15. The ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, coupled with rising energy costs, have created uncertainty, prompting investors to retreat from riskier assets. Analysts noted that the combination of these factors, along with weak domestic currency performance, has exacerbated market volatility.#nifty #brent_crude #sensex #west_asia #fiis
Russia reacts to US oil waiver amid Iran war tensions Russia criticized the United States for temporarily allowing the sale of Russian crude oil already in transit, calling the move a recognition of the critical role Russian oil plays in global markets. The decision came as energy prices surged amid escalating conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the U.S. Russia’s economic envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, stated on Telegram that the U.S. action effectively acknowledged the importance of Russian oil supplies to global stability. The U.S. Treasury Department issued a notice permitting transactions involving Russian crude oil and petroleum products that had been loaded onto vessels by March 12. This temporary authorization, valid until April 11, followed warnings from Iran that it could target regional energy infrastructure if attacked. Iranian military officials vowed to “set the region’s oil and gas on fire” with any strike on Iran’s energy facilities or ports. The waiver coincided with a sharp rise in oil prices. Brent crude surged 9.2% to $100.46 per barrel, its highest level since August 2022, while West Texas Intermediate climbed 9.7% to $95.73. Market volatility intensified as U.S.-led strikes on Iran disrupted trade through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route. Investors grew concerned over prolonged regional conflicts, with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions further destabilizing the market. President Donald Trump’s emphasis on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons over controlling oil prices added to the uncertainty. Meanwhile, the U.S. military faced additional challenges, including the crash of a refueling aircraft in Iraq and reports of Iranian missile attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets.#iran #united_states #brent_crude #strait_of_hormuz #russia
