Global Market Today | Asian stocks edge higher at open as oil retreats
Asian markets opened higher on Friday. This followed a rebound in US stocks and a drop in oil prices. Leaders from the US and Israel are working to ease worries about the Iran war. Investors are closely watching geopolitical developments for signs of de-escalation. Efforts are underway to stabilize energy prices and financial conditions.
Indian indices log biggest single-day decline in nearly two years
Indian equity benchmarks experienced their steepest single-day drop in nearly two years, plummeting over 3% on Thursday. Attacks on West Asian oil and gas infrastructure fueled inflation concerns, while HDFC Bank’s sharp decline added further pressure. The Nifty closed below 23,000, and the Sensex fell significantly, wiping out recent gains and impacting market capitalization.
Small-caps bear the brunt as geopolitical risks dent valuations
Small-cap stocks are facing greater valuation pressure due to geopolitical concerns. More than half of these smaller companies trade below their three-year average valuations. Technical indicators also suggest small-caps are entering oversold territory faster. This trend persists across longer timeframes, indicating significant price exhaustion in the small-cap segment.
RBI’s March-end rupee support faces test from war and oil surge this year
Historically, the rupee strengthens by March 31 due to RBI intervention, benefiting corporate balance sheets. However, this year, elevated oil prices and geopolitical tensions have led to significant RBI dollar sales, potentially challenging this trend. Traders anticipate a close around 91.75-92.50 per dollar, with a weaker outcome if interventions decrease amid sustained high oil prices.
Sebi may allow FPIs to settle net value of cash market trades
Sebi is set to consider proposals to allow FPIs to net cash market trades, aiming to reduce costs and boost foreign investment amid record outflows. The regulator also plans to review ‘fit and proper’ criteria for intermediaries, potentially removing automatic disqualification for individuals facing unproven economic offense allegations.
Mega IPO Wave: SBI Funds and Manipal Hospitals ready DRHP filings
SBI Funds Management and Manipal Hospitals are gearing up for major initial public offerings. SBI Funds’ IPO is expected to be between ₹12,000-13,000 crore. Manipal Hospitals’ offering is estimated at ₹9,000-11,000 crore. Both companies aim to file their draft prospectuses by the end of March, signaling significant market activity.
HDFC Bank crashes 9% in one day. Which mutual funds have highest exposure to this stock in February
HDFC Bank shares fell nearly 9% after the resignation of Chairman Atanu Chakraborty triggered leadership concerns. Mutual funds held 359 crore shares worth Rs 3.19 lakh crore before the fall, with SBI Mutual Fund leading exposure. The data highlights significant institutional holding in the stock despite recent volatility.
HDFC Bank ADRs crash another 4% after sharp selloff, hinting at more losses on Friday
HDFC Bank’s US-listed shares dipped further following the former chairman’s sudden resignation, citing ethical concerns. Despite management’s reassurances and a lack of specific details, investors remain cautious. Analysts, however, see the stock correction as a potential buying opportunity, emphasizing the bank’s strong fundamentals and leadership continuity over perceived tactical differences.
India’s largest asset manager SBI Mutual Fund files DRHP for IPO. Check details
SBI Mutual Fund, India’s largest asset manager, has filed for an IPO. The offering is entirely an offer for sale by its promoters, State Bank of India and Amundi India Holding. This move aims to provide liquidity to existing shareholders. The company manages significant assets and has a strong market share. Financial performance shows consistent […]
These 9 smallcap multibaggers of 2025 fall up to 30% in less than 3 months
After strong 2025 multibagger gains, several small-cap stocks corrected 10–30% in early 2026 amid global uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and rising crude prices, highlighting their high-risk, high-reward nature for investors.