AU Small Finance Bank reported steady Q4 growth with deposits rising 23% year-on-year to Rs 1.52 lakh crore and advances increasing 25%. Despite strong operational performance, the stock has declined amid broader weakness in banking stocks, FII outflows and macro pressures linked to rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions.
Bandhan Bank reported a 12.6% YoY rise in advances to Rs 1.54 lakh crore and 10% growth in total deposits for Q4 FY26. Retail deposits led the surge, while the CASA ratio stood at 29.31%. Collection efficiency remained strong at 98.9%, despite broader market headwinds.
Eight stocks have delivered over 50% returns in each of the last three fiscal years, defying broader market volatility. With gains ranging from 500% to over 3,100%, these consistent outperformers highlight strong underlying momentum despite fluctuating benchmark returns across FY24 to FY26.
Midcap mutual funds have delivered strong returns over the past three years, with the top five schemes offering up to 25% annualised gains. Invesco India Mid Cap Fund leads the pack, followed closely by Nippon India and WhiteOak funds, while some laggards delivered significantly lower returns in the same period.
HDFC Bank reported a steady Q4, with deposits rising 15% YoY and advances growing 12%. Average deposits touched Rs 28.51 lakh crore, while period-end deposits stood at Rs 31.06 lakh crore. The bank had been in the headlines after the abrupt exit of its director Atanu Chakraborty.
Nifty ended lower after persistent selling dragged the index below key short-term supports, signalling further weakness. With the index approaching the crucial 21,700 zone, sentiment remains fragile amid global uncertainties. Technical indicators stay bearish, suggesting caution, selective stock picking, and a defensive approach until stability emerges near major support levels.
Religion is playing a role in the US conflict with Iran. President Donald Trump has met with Christian pastors who offered blessings. Some officials view the conflict as a divine mission. This echoes historical religious wars. Iran's government is also religiously rooted. The US is invoking religious themes in its foreign policy.
Global food prices surged in March to their highest point since September, driven by rising energy costs from the West Asia conflict. The UN's FAO warns that prolonged conflict could lead to reduced planting and lower future yields, impacting food supply and prices throughout the year and into the next.
State-owned Bank of Baroda reported a 14% year-on-year rise in global business to Rs 30.78 lakh crore in Q4FY26, led by steady growth in deposits. Global deposits increased 12%, while domestic deposits rose 13%. The figures are provisional and part of the bank’s quarterly update, with final audited numbers to be announced alongside its earnings release.
Sebi is proposing to bring back share buybacks via stock exchanges. This reverses a decision made a year ago. New tax rules have resolved earlier concerns about fairness and tax distortions. Public shareholders will now be taxed on actual capital gains, similar to market sales. This change aims to ensure equal participation for all shareholders.
The Reserve Bank of India has banned banks from offering or rebooking rupee non-deliverable forward contracts. This move widens the gap between domestic and overseas currency markets. Banks are now selling dollars locally and buying them abroad. This action aims to curb speculative trading and support the Indian rupee against the US dollar.
HDFC Bank has penalized at least 12 senior and mid-level executives, including Ashish Parthasarthy, for their alleged role in the mis-selling of Credit Suisse AT1 bonds. This action follows previous sackings and suspensions, with the bank attributing the issue to technical documentation and regulatory interpretation lapses rather than fraud.
Bank economists have told the Reserve Bank of India that there is no immediate need to raise the repo rate or change the monetary policy stance. This advice is based on inflation remaining within the central bank's tolerance band. The RBI has alternative tools to manage currency pressures.
Indian IT stocks are at their cheapest since mid-2020, presenting a buying opportunity. Fund managers suggest gradual accumulation over two years as valuations have significantly compressed. Despite concerns over AI and recent sell-offs, the sector's improving deal momentum and expanding market offer potential for value investors. A balanced approach combining lump sum and staggered investments is advised.
Oil prices experienced a significant drop of over 4% as Middle East tensions continued to influence markets, despite indications of a potential easing of the U.S.-Iran conflict. Investors locked in gains amid uncertainty, with analysts noting that even if the conflict ends, supply chain normalization and infrastructure damage will likely keep prices elevated.
Cochin Shipyard shares surged approximately 15% after its inclusion in the NSE's F&O segment, boosting liquidity and trading volumes. This rally aligns with a broader bullish trend in shipyard stocks, fueled by strong performance from peers like GRSE and positive market sentiment. The stock's market capitalization saw a significant increase following the announcement.
Equity market has shifted sharply from optimism to crisis mode, marked by a record $13 billion FII outflow in March—the worst ever. The sell-off has been driven by a surge in oil prices following Gulf tensions, with Brent crude jumping over 50%, worsening inflation, trade deficits, and corporate margins. Existing weaknesses like a weak rupee, sluggish earnings, high valuations, and global trade pressures have compounded the impact, turning investor sentiment from an “India premium” to an “India exit.”
The Indian rupee ended FY26 as Asia's weakest currency against the US dollar. It depreciated by 9.88% due to significant foreign investor withdrawals and strong global dollar demand. The Reserve Bank of India intervened to stabilize the rupee. The Japanese yen also saw a decline. The Malaysian ringgit emerged as the top performer.
Foreign investors pulled out over ₹1.6 lakh crore from Indian stocks in FY26. This was the highest ever withdrawal. Domestic funds stepped in with a record ₹8.5 lakh crore. This inflow provided strong support against the foreign investor exits. Indian markets faced challenges from global events and currency depreciation.
Indian equity indices concluded FY26 with their worst fiscal performance since FY20, with the Nifty and Sensex registering losses. The outlook for FY27 is heavily dependent on the West Asia conflict's impact on crude oil prices and the rupee, with analysts suggesting a ceasefire could trigger a recovery.
Japan's Foreign Ministry is launching a new center to help Japanese companies invest in India. This initiative aims to overcome challenges like complex regulations and tax systems. The center will also foster cooperation in AI, startups, and critical minerals. This move supports a goal of 10 trillion yen in private sector investment by 2035.
After an 11% March crash driven by the escalating Iran–US conflict, Elara Securities says the Nifty may have limited downside ahead. Historical data shows conflicts typically cap drawdowns near 10%, and with valuations now 7% below long-term averages, the brokerage expects a potential rebound as risks gradually ease.
Top small-cap mutual funds have delivered over 28% annualised returns in three years, attracting investors seeking high-growth opportunities despite higher risk.
US stock futures surged after reports suggested Donald Trump may seek to end the Iran conflict, easing investor concerns over prolonged geopolitical tensions. Gains in Dow, Nasdaq and S&P futures come amid stable oil prices and falling bond yields, although uncertainty remains due to ongoing risks in the Strait of Hormuz.
Bitcoin held near the $67,000 level amid persistent geopolitical tensions and macro uncertainty, while mixed price action reflected cautious sentiment. Altcoins largely declined, and overall market capitalisation edged lower. Despite some recovery attempts, volatility remains elevated as investors assess inflation risks, liquidity conditions, and global policy signals.
Property Share Investment Trust, India's first registered SM REIT, announced its Rs 244.65 crore IPO for PropShare Celestia will open="open" on April 10. The issue, priced between Rs 10-10.50 lakh per unit, aims to acquire seven floors in Ahmedabad's Venus Stratum. This SM REIT's proceeds will fund the acquisition of a fully occupied commercial building with four anchor tenants.
IndiQube Spaces Ltd has secured a significant deal in Bengaluru. The realty firm leased 48,000 sq ft of office space. A health technology firm will establish a global capability centre there. The agreement is valued at Rs 75 crore over five years. This marks a key expansion for IndiQube's managed office solutions.
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.
A new passive fund from Zerodha is launching this week. The Zerodha Nifty LargeMidcap250 Plus 8-13 yr G-Sec 70:30 Index Fund will open for subscription on April 1 and close on April 15. This open-ended scheme will replicate the Nifty LargeMidcap250 Plus 8-13 yr G-Sec 70:30 Index. Investors can start with a minimum of Rs 100.
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.
India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is boosting efforts to raise funds and control the fiscal deficit. The government is protecting citizens from rising crude oil prices. Lockdowns are not planned. She urged leaders to avoid spreading rumors. Excise duty on petrol and diesel has been cut to manage domestic inflation and volatility.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao on the sidelines of the WTO Ministerial Conference. Discussions focused on the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement and bilateral trade matters with China, amidst India's growing trade deficit with the latter.
A Moody's report warns that India and other Asia-Pacific economies face rising credit stress due to the ongoing Gulf conflict. Higher energy prices and supply disruptions, particularly for fuel, food, and industrial inputs, will impact import-dependent nations. Producers heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil and naphtha are most exposed.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the U.S. aims to dismantle Iran's missile, drone, naval, and air force capabilities without ground troops, expecting operations to conclude in weeks. He clarified recent troop deployments offer President Trump options for contingencies, not for direct engagement in the conflict.
Diplomatic efforts to end the war in Iran are accelerating. Proposals are being exchanged through Pakistan, though Iran denies direct talks with the US. Iran's demands include an end to aggression and financial compensation. The US seeks Iran's nuclear disarmament and missile program limits. Both sides need to claim victory for a deal. The conflict's outcome remains uncertain.
India is compiling detailed industry data following a US Section 301 probe into alleged excess capacity in sectors like petrochemicals and steel. The commerce ministry is gathering information on production, employment, and policy support to address US concerns about practices potentially burdening American commerce.
India has maintained its retail inflation target at 4 percent for the Reserve Bank of India. This decision ensures continuity and price stability amidst global economic uncertainties. The framework, set for another five years until March 2031, obligates the RBI to manage monetary policy for price control. This move influences government fiscal measures, aiming for overall economic stability.
A new bill aims to speed up bankruptcy resolution in India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The proposed changes focus on creditor-led, out-of-court settlements. This aims to reduce delays and improve the process for resolving insolvent companies. The bill also addresses cross-border and corporate group insolvency cases.
Pakistan Ship stopped by Iran in Strait of Hormuz: Iran has denied passage to a Karachi-bound vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, citing protocol violations and lack of clearance. This action, coupled with a potential $2 million transit fee, signals Iran's tighter control over the crucial oil route amid escalating regional tensions.
Geopolitical tensions and market corrections are testing investor confidence, but history shows markets rebound strongly. Avinash Satwalekar of Franklin Templeton advises against panic selling, emphasizing disciplined asset allocation and using market weakness for long-term opportunities. India's economic fundamentals remain robust, with GDP growth expected to exceed 7%.
In the Nifty200 pack, 12 stocks' closing prices crossed above their 200 DMA (Daily Moving Averages) on March 24, 2026, according to stockedge.com's technical scan data. The 200-day daily moving average (DMA) is used by traders as a key indicator for determining the overall trend in a particular stock. 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. Take a look:
Equity mutual fund investors face a market downturn. Wealth managers suggest lumpsum investments for those with long horizons and risk appetite. Reviewing portfolios for diversification is advised. Investors with loss-making thematic funds may consider trimming and reallocating to diversified options. This period offers opportunities for strategic financial decisions.
Zerodha is doubling brokerage fees to ₹40 for certain intraday derivatives trades from April 1. This applies to traders not meeting SEBI's 50% cash collateral rule, a gap Zerodha previously covered. The move follows declining volumes and potential STT hikes, prompting other brokers to consider similar pricing adjustments to offset rising costs.
Mutual fund investments can soon be gifted using prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), with Sebi proposing a new framework. Individuals can purchase gift PPIs, capped at ₹10,000 and valid for one year, to transfer funds for mutual fund subscriptions. This initiative aims to attract new investors and enhance financial product accessibility.
HDFC Bank has engaged domestic and international law firms to investigate the reasons behind former chairman Atanu Chakraborty's sudden departure. The review will scrutinize board meeting records and whistle-blower complaints. This proactive step aims for an objective assessment of the issues raised. The bank is committed to upholding high governance standards.
India's private sector growth slowed to its weakest pace in over three years in March, impacted by the West Asia conflict dampening demand and output. While international sales reached a record high, rising input costs, including oil and energy, intensified inflationary pressures.
India's culinary landscape is feeling the pressure as a lack of LPG supplies disrupts the food industry. Establishments like hotels and bustling street vendors are trimming their resources, leading to lower usage of essential ingredients like edible oil and flour. The decline in wheat flour sales poses challenges for the production of staples such as bread and biscuits.
Iranian attacks on Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG hub have caused natural gas prices to surge, though Europe's impact is expected to be less severe due to reduced reliance on Qatari LNG. While wholesale prices have jumped, they remain significantly lower than during the Ukraine conflict, with storage levels below average for the upcoming winter.
Economists believe India's policy interest rate cuts are unlikely to continue due to West Asia crisis-driven inflation risks and the fading of a favorable base effect. Sustained foreign outflows and a weakening rupee could also force the Reserve Bank of India to reconsider further easing, potentially even a hike.
Geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are driving up agricultural input costs, with fertilizer prices already surging 50-80%. While shipping, insurance, and energy costs have climbed, immediate agrochemical availability for the upcoming kharif season remains stable due to pre-built inventories.
India is assessing the diversion of export cargoes stranded by the West Asia crisis to alternative markets. The commerce ministry is seeking details from goods exporters on rerouting options and has also reached out to services exporters to gauge potential risks to trade, including movement restrictions and technology reliance.
India's economy faces risks from West Asia conflict affecting oil prices. Real GDP growth is expected at 7.1 percent in FY27. This growth will be supported by consumer spending and investment. Exports are also set to grow. Retail inflation may rise to 4.3 percent. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to maintain interest rates.
European nations are reacting to major strikes on Iran by the US and Israel. Leaders are working to safeguard their citizens in the Middle East. Germany is holding an emergency meeting. The European Union is evacuating some staff. France and Italy are urging caution for their citizens. The situation is described as perilous and a military escalation is underway.
Nepal's national elections are just days away as millions of eligible voters prepare to cast their ballots. The campaign centers on jobs and the economy, with a special emphasis on opportunities for youth. India and China are closely watching the outcome.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the seat-sharing deal for the upcoming assembly elections is complete. The NDA alliance, including BJP, AGP, UPPL, and BPF, has finalized its contest plan. The state leadership will present the candidate list to Union Home Minister Amit Shah soon. Elections for the 126-member assembly are anticipated in March-April, following a recent delimitation exercise.
Bangladesh's new leader Tarique Rahman states national interest and public welfare are paramount. His party, the BNP, is set to govern after a long absence. The BNP is seeking the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India. Rahman, son of former leaders, faces expectations for significant change. Relations with India are a key focus for the new administration.
Hermes has reported robust fourth-quarter revenue growth, exceeding expectations. Strong sales in the United States and Japan have bolstered performance. The luxury brand is weathering a sector slowdown better than rivals. Hermes anticipates continued confidence into 2026. Price increases are planned, though at a slightly slower pace. Positive signs are emerging from China.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell highlights climate action as a vital tool for global security and prosperity. He notes that despite global instability, investments in clean energy are growing rapidly. Renewables are now the leading electricity source, and global emissions have dropped. Stiell acknowledges progress but stresses the need for faster and fairer transitions.
The Election Commission's 'Special Intensive Revision' of Bihar's electoral rolls has ignited political debate, differing from past revisions. While intensive revisions aren't new, the timing of Bihar's SIR, months before assembly elections, is unusual. Unlike previous 'de novo' exercises, it builds upon the 2002-03 roll, incorporating new enumeration forms and document submission.
BJP has accused Arvind Kejriwal of orchestrating hoax calls to mislead voters, alleging that the AAP is claiming votes are being cut by the BJP to support AAP. They also allege distribution of money in slum areas and raised concerns about voter data confidentiality, demanding an investigation.
Lok Sabha election 2024: The BJP-Shiv Sena won 41 of the 48 seats in the 2019 polls, but the Sena has split since and a vast majority of the Bal Thackeray-founded party is now allied with the BJP. The Nationalist Congress Party also split as well with Ajit Pawar joining the ruling alliance in the state, led by Eknath Shinde. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP emerged the top party with 23 seats, followed by the undivided Sena with 18.
Gujarat's upcoming Lok Sabha elections are influenced by PM Narendra Modi's charisma, anti-incumbency, unemployment, inflation, education, healthcare challenges, and BJP's endeavor to secure all 26 seats. Lok Sabha polls in Gujarat will be held in a single phase on May 7. Counting of votes will be held on June 4. Anti-incumbency, unemployment, inflation, education and healthcare facilities are some of the other important issues in the election, where the ruling BJP in Gujarat will attempt to retain all the 26 Lok Sabha seats it won in 2019.
The BJP, riding high on its growing voter base in Telangana, is now aiming to win over 12 out of the total 17 seats and 35 per cent vote share, in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The party doubled its vote share to nearly 14 per cent resulting in eight seats in the assembly elections held on November 30, last year. BRS, which ruled the state for about a decade since its emergence, is low on morale following the defeat, even as its founder and former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter K Kavitha was arrested on the eve of poll dates announcement, adding insult to the injury.
Anita Nariani Schulze is part of the Sindhi minority. Her complaint alleges that her senior and direct managers, both male, consistently excluded her from meetings while inviting her male counterparts, criticised her, micromanaged her work and deprived her of bonuses, despite positive performance evaluations and significant team contributions.
But two senior envoys who attended said there was no direct response from the ministers gathered in Brussels when Blinken said: "We must push back on China together and show strength in unity."
This comes as the San-Francisco based firm is at the receiving end of the Indian government over an issue of blocking and unblocking certain handles tweeting about farmer protests.
Foreign companies looking for incentives under the scheme may have to invest Rs 500 crore over four years, while the threshold for domestic firms is likely to be around Rs 20 crore for five years, the source who did not wish to be named said.
Growth More than in MetrosAccording to companies like Aisle and Truly Madly, which have millions of users and position themselves as “serious” dating apps, and bespoke high-end dating services like Sirf Coffee, a lot more users from such places are not only keen on using these apps, but also willing to pay for it.
“Indian companies need to re-skill, train, and acquire more relevant talent, if they are to successfully integrate AI technologies. Most importantly, they should be willing to make the continued investment. It is an uphill race in which there will be winners and losers,” said Deloitte India CEO N Venkatram.
The Old Fox of Dalal Street has been on a dream run since the past couple of weeks. On Friday, most stocks that he had been steadily building up positions in figured among key gainers of the day.
The scrip, which was flat for most of the session, shot up in the final hour of trade on the Bombay Stock Exchange to settle with a net gain of 4.36 per cent at Rs 355.45.
In the late afternoon session, the scrip was being traded at 20.61 pounds, down by 5.50 per cent on the LSE. Vedanta opened on a positive note, but soon swung into the red.
Many experts believe that looking at PE ratio in isolation won’t help investors grasp realities of the mkt and higher valuation may not be the only deciding factor driving mkt.
Financial inclusion and financial literacy will be the paramount objective while implementing reforms along with UID project to protect the interests of poor.
Prabhudas Lilladher has a ‘reduce’ rating on Infosys Technologies as it feels that the outlook for the company and the software industry is quite weak in the near-term.
A crisis of $240 trillion cannot be stemmed with bailout packages of $1 to $10 trillion. 2008: Year of global financial crisis | Survive credit crisis | Ghosts of 1929
The falling rupee will severely affect the small companies, whereas the big ones will be impacted moderately. Get rid of Debt | Adopt correct investment strategies
BusinessWeek's 'The Infotech 100', has ranked Bharti Airtel at the 21st position followed by Reddington India (55th) and RCom (66th). Successful business formula
14 firms present in a new list of world's 500 most valued firms together seeing an erosion of about $150 billion in their market value in the first three months of this year.
