The West Asia conflict continues to escalate as the US and Iran exchange warnings and global oil prices surge, with Brent crude rising to $109 a barrel. Here are the top updates at 10 am (IST)
US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose $11.42, or 11.41 per cent, at $111.54 per barrel, settling at their biggest absolute price rise since 2020
In the past one month, the stock price of BPCL (down 28%), IOC (27%) and HPCL (25%) tanked over 24% owing to rising crude oil prices amid the Iran war.
The risk-reward profile has shifted decisively to the downside as de-escalation signals intensify, raising the prospect of a rapid $20-30/bbl correction as the geopolitical risk premium unwinds
Data shows that FDs beat stock market returns in FY26. Analysts, however, expect equities to outperform most asset classes in FY27 despite the ongoing geopolitical conflict in West Asia.
Prices rose earlier on Wednesday but then uncertainty over the Middle East conflict prompted investors to lock in gains
India VIX, which reflects investors' perceptions of market volatility in the near term, fell 9.89 per cent to 25.13 amid hopes of de escalation in the West Asia conflict
The oil crisis is unfolding amid record global debt, fragile supply chains, and emerging market volatility
Global markets rebound amid Iran war tensions, as easing fears lift stocks while oil prices head for a record monthly surge
A month into the war, investors continue to be whipsawed by a barrage of headlines as tensions and attacks between the US, Israel and Iran escalate
Retail fuel price hike is unavoidable with crude above $110/bbl, suggest analysts at Elara Capital. At $125 crude, even after the excise cut, the retail price needs to rise by Rs 8-14/liter, they add.
A weaker rupee and a war-led jump in crude may make India pay more for imports, affecting headline inflation as well as the trade deficit
Here's how leading analysts expect FY27 to play out for different asset classes and suggest an ideal investing strategy.
Brent crude futures jumped $3.16, or 2.81 per cent, to $115.73 a barrel by 2205 GMT after settling 4.2 per cent higher on Friday
FMCG firms are closely tracking crude-linked input costs amid West Asia tensions, while consumer durable companies have already raised prices due to rising raw material pressures
Stock Market crash today: Sensex and Nifty 50 snapped their two-day gaining streak on Friday after US President Donald Trump extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to April 6
A broader escalation-including the potential closure of the Red Sea chokepoint by Yemen's Houthis-would likely push both Brent and WTI to new cycle highs
Deven Choksey believes the excise cut may bring some respite to OMCs amid high energy prices, while create a ₹1.5 trillion dent to the exchequer per year.
Brent futures fell 84 cents, or 0.8 per cent, to $107.17 per barrel as of 0353 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate futures lost $1.02, or 1.1 per cent, to $93.46 per barrel
Selective IT services companies with strong digital portfolios, diversified clients, and disciplined cost structures could indeed present a contrarian opportunity, he said.