Brent heads for record monthly jump as Iran conflict widens

Oil prices surged Monday as Yemeni Houthis attacked Israel, escalating the Middle East conflict. Brent crude neared record monthly gains, driven by fears of disrupted shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. Saudi exports are rerouting, with potential disruptions impacting global supply. Ceasefire talks are underway amidst rising tensions.

India unleashes curbs on rupee bets as intervention costs swell

India’s central bank is implementing forceful new rules to curb speculative bets against the rupee, capping banks’ open positions at $100 million daily. This shift from direct intervention aims to stabilize the currency amid record lows driven by the Iran war, which has drained foreign-exchange reserves.

Global Market Today | Stocks dive in Asia, brent crude heads for record monthly rise

Asian markets tumbled as investors braced for a prolonged Gulf conflict, driving oil prices to record monthly gains and fueling global inflation fears. President Trump’s remarks on potential U.S. actions against Iran’s oil exports added to market jitters, while Pakistan prepared for peace talks. The conflict’s impact on energy and commodity prices is expected to […]

RBI’s currency defence could leave banks paying the price

The Reserve Bank of India has introduced a bold new daily limit on the open rupee positions held by banks, aiming to counteract the rupee’s weakening trend versus the dollar. As a result, banks are now required to trim their dollar assets and offload US currency.

MTM losses likely for lenders as yields on govt bonds hit 12-month high

Rising sovereign bond yields are expected to cause significant mark-to-market losses for banks in the March quarter. Despite RBI’s open market operation purchases, escalating geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns have pushed 10-year government bond yields to a 12-month high, impacting bank portfolios.

SFIO summons former top executives of IndusInd Bank in accounting probe

The Serious Fraud Investigation Office is investigating IndusInd Bank’s accounting irregularities. Key former executives have been summoned for questioning. This probe follows earlier findings by auditors and forensic reports. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing is nearing the closure of its preliminary inquiry, finding no evidence of fund diversion.