Categories
Corporate

Sensex jumps 900 points, Nifty above 24,750

Indian stock markets rebounded sharply on Thursday, March 5, 2026, after several days of volatility triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The BSE Sensex climbed around 900 points, while the Nifty 50 rose 285 points and stood above 24,750, erasing part of the losses seen earlier in the week.

Investors found some relief as global markets stabilised and fears of a prolonged conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran showed signs of easing. This improved sentiment helped domestic benchmarks recover from earlier dips.

Key gainers included Tata Motors, Reliance Industries and HDFC, which led the upside in the indices. On the other hand, ITC, Nestle India and Titan Company faced selling pressure, slightly weighing down the overall market.

Earlier in the week, Indian equities fell sharply due to rising crude oil prices and heightened geopolitical uncertainty. A spike in oil prices raised concerns about inflation, a higher import bill, and potential pressure on the Indian rupee. On March 4, the Sensex had tumbled over 1,100 points, while the Nifty fell below the 24,500 mark, hitting multi-month lows.

Thursday’s recovery was broad-based, with gains seen across major sectors including technology, metals, and consumer goods. Global markets also provided support, as Wall Street and Asian indices posted gains amid hopes of diplomatic engagement and easing tensions in West Asia.

The Indian rupee also strengthened slightly, recovering from recent lows against the US dollar, reflecting improved risk sentiment among investors.

Markets are likely to continue reacting to geopolitical developments and fluctuations in crude oil prices, which remain key factors influencing investor sentiment.

Also Read: Intel reconsiders strategy for 18A chip technology

Categories
Corporate

Morgan Stanley to cut 2,500 jobs globally

Global investment bank Morgan Stanley plans to cut about 2,500 jobs worldwide, roughly 3% of its global workforce, as part of a restructuring effort aimed at improving efficiency and aligning operations with changing market conditions.

The layoffs will affect several of the bank’s major divisions, including investment banking, wealth management and investment management. However, reports said the company’s financial advisers are unlikely to be impacted by the job cuts.

The decision comes despite the bank reporting record financial performance in 2025, with strong growth in investment banking and dealmaking activities. The firm recorded annual revenue of around $70.6 billion, driven by increased mergers and acquisitions activity and stronger trading performance.

Sources familiar with the matter said the job cuts are part of a strategic workforce review rather than a sign of financial distress. The bank is evaluating staffing levels based on business priorities, employee performance and operational needs across different regions.

The layoffs will impact both front-office roles, which generate revenue, and back-office support functions, though the company has not disclosed which locations will see the largest reductions.

As of the end of 2025, Morgan Stanley had nearly 83,000 employees globally. The planned cuts represent a relatively small portion of its workforce but reflect a broader trend among global financial institutions to streamline operations and control costs.

Industry analysts said many large banks are adjusting staffing levels as market conditions evolve and companies increasingly invest in automation and technology to improve productivity.

Also Read: Rupee rebounds, trades between ₹91.08–₹91.57

 

Categories
Corporate

Sensex up 500+ points, Nifty above 24,650

Indian benchmark indices opened on a positive note on Thursday, supported by encouraging global cues and a strong indication from GIFT Nifty ahead of the session.

The BSE Sensex rose in early trade while the NSE Nifty50 also moved higher, signalling a recovery after recent losses triggered by geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices.

Market sentiment improved after GIFT Nifty traded higher in pre-market deals, suggesting a firm opening for domestic equities. Investors remained cautious, however, as global markets continue to react to developments in the Middle East and fluctuations in oil prices.

Several stocks remained in focus during the session. Shares of MRF, Shriram Finance and Glenmark Pharma attracted attention following recent corporate developments and investor interest.

Sector-wise, buying was seen in metal, realty and oil & gas stocks, while some pressure was visible in defensive sectors. Analysts noted that volatility could persist as investors closely monitor geopolitical developments and global commodity prices.

Also Read: Sensex rises 620 points, Nifty up at 19,845 as oil retreat

Categories
Corporate

Sensex rises 620 points, Nifty up at 19,845 as oil retreat

Equity markets recovered on Wednesday as investor sentiment improved following a pullback in crude oil prices and stabilising global markets. The BSE Sensex jumped 620 points to close near 65,980, while the NSE Nifty50 added 185 points, ending the day at 19,845.

After two days of sharp declines linked to heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, markets opened in positive territory and maintained momentum throughout the session. Analysts said easing fears of supply disruption in the Gulf, combined with softer crude oil prices, helped boost risk appetite among both domestic and foreign investors.

Heavyweight energy stocks led the gains, with Reliance Industries Ltd climbing over 3% and ONGC rising nearly 2.5% as lower oil prices reduced cost pressures and improved profit expectations. Infrastructure stocks, including JSW Infrastructure and Larsen & Toubro, also saw strong buying on optimism about government spending and upcoming project awards.

Banking shares contributed to the rally, with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank gaining as traders anticipated stable credit growth and robust asset quality. Mid‑cap and small‑cap indices outperformed the broader market, indicating broad-based participation in the rebound.

On the downside, IT heavyweights like HCL Technologies, Infosys, and TCS slipped 1–1.5% amid profit-taking after recent rallies, and defensive sectors saw muted buying. Investors rotated funds from defensive to cyclical sectors, reflecting improved risk sentiment.

Globally, U.S. and European markets showed early gains, and Asian indices traded higher after a volatile start, boosting investor confidence in India. Analysts said that while volatility may continue depending on geopolitical developments, domestic macroeconomic fundamentals and corporate earnings remain supportive for equities.

Trading volumes were healthy, with strong participation from both retail and institutional investors. Market participants advised caution, noting that while the rebound is encouraging, any sudden escalation in Middle East tensions could trigger renewed volatility.

Also Read: South Korean stocks fall 12% in historic sell‑off

Categories
Corporate

South Korean stocks fall 12% in historic sell‑off

South Korea’s stock market suffered a historic sell-off on 4 March 2026, with the Kospi index plunging over 12 %, marking its largest single-day drop ever. The slide came as investors reacted to escalating tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel, which have raised concerns about global energy supply and economic stability.

The Kosdaq index, representing smaller tech and growth companies, fell about 14 %, indicating a broad-based market decline. Major firms such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Motor recorded significant losses, driving overall market sentiment downward. Rising oil prices amid the conflict added to investor anxiety, prompting both foreign and domestic investors to sell equities rapidly.

Trading was highly volatile, with the Korea Exchange temporarily halting operations after circuit breakers were triggered due to the sharp losses. The Korean won weakened, reflecting increased risk aversion and broader financial stress. Analysts noted that the sudden drop underscores the vulnerability of markets to geopolitical tensions, particularly for countries like South Korea, which depend heavily on imported energy.

Authorities, including the Bank of Korea and the Financial Services Commission, are monitoring the situation closely and have indicated readiness to intervene if volatility continues. Experts warn that further corrections are likely until tensions in the Middle East ease and global oil prices stabilize.

Investors worldwide are watching developments closely, as South Korea plays a critical role in global technology supply chains. The crash demonstrates how international conflicts can have far-reaching impacts on stock markets, currencies, and investor confidence.

As the market attempts to stabilize, traders and policymakers remain cautious. The sell-off serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of global geopolitics and financial markets, showing how regional conflicts can quickly affect economic stability across continents.

Also Read: ‘X’ launches paid partnership label for creators

Categories
Corporate

Dynamatic Technologies joins Hutchinson to boost India’s aerospace manufacturing

Dynamatic Technologies, a leading Indian engineering firm, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Hutchinson Aerospace, a global aerospace parts supplier, to strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The partnership is designed to enhance production of critical components for aircraft and support India’s push to become a key player in the global aerospace supply chain.

Under the agreement, the two companies will work together on design, development, testing, and production of high-precision aerospace components. These parts will serve both civil and defence aviation sectors, meeting stringent global standards required by major aircraft manufacturers worldwide.

According to company sources, the collaboration will leverage Dynamatic’s manufacturing expertise and Hutchinson’s global technology base. Dynamatic has longstanding experience in machining and assembly of aero parts, while Hutchinson brings advanced engineering skills and deep aerospace market knowledge. This complementary mix is expected to accelerate technology transfer and quality enhancement of critical products.

The partnership also aims to expand local production in India under the government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative, which encourages domestic firms to reduce dependence on imports and build competitive capabilities locally. With rising demand for aircraft parts in both commercial and military aviation, India’s aerospace sector is poised for growth, and collaborations such as this are seen as key enablers.

Officials from both companies say the agreement will also focus on workforce training and capability building, enabling Indian engineers to work with cutting-edge manufacturing processes and technologies. This is expected to have broader benefits for the country’s engineering ecosystem over time.

The Dynamatic-Hutchinson tie-up adds momentum to this trend by demonstrating how Indian firms can collaborate effectively with global players to deliver high-quality aerospace products.

Also Read: Rupee slumps to record low of ₹92.18 against dollar

Categories
Corporate

Sensex falls 1,650 and Nifty 470 points, Indian markets drop 2%

Stock markets opened sharply lower on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel. The BSE Sensex dropped around 1,650 points, while the NSE Nifty50 fell about 470 points, marking one of the steepest declines in recent months.

The sell-off was broad-based. Financials, automobile, and consumer goods stocks, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Maruti Suzuki, and Tata Motors, led the losses. Meanwhile, some IT and pharmaceutical stocks, such as TCS, Infosys, and Sun Pharma, managed to post modest gains, providing limited support to the indices.

Global cues added to the pressure on Indian markets. Asian indices, including Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s Kospi, traded lower, while US futures showed declines overnight. The Indian rupee weakened against the dollar, reflecting elevated risk aversion among investors.

Rising crude oil prices remain a key concern, as fears of a prolonged Middle East conflict could disrupt supplies. India, as a major oil importer, faces higher import costs, which may increase inflationary pressures and dampen investor sentiment.

Analysts expect volatility to continue in the near term until geopolitical tensions ease. A senior executive at a leading global bank warned that it could take “a couple of weeks” for markets to fully absorb the economic impact of the Iran‑Israel conflict.

Also Read: Sunil Bharti Mittal wins GSMA lifetime award

Categories
Corporate

Polymarket bets on Iran strike hit $529mn, raise insider fears

The prediction market platform Polymarket has witnessed an extraordinary surge in trading related to the timing of US military action against Iran, with a total of $529 million exchanged on contracts predicting whether airstrikes would occur by specific dates. The spike in activity comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, as traders speculated on potential military developments and their outcomes.

Analysts monitoring blockchain data noticed that six newly created accounts placed unusually large bets predicting a strike by February 28. These accounts reportedly earned a combined $1–$1.2 million just hours before the attacks occurred. The precision and timing of these trades have raised suspicions that the traders may have had access to non-public information regarding military plans, sparking concerns about possible insider trading in a market typically designed for speculative betting.

Experts have highlighted that while prediction markets are meant to aggregate public expectations and provide insights into likely outcomes, incidents like this expose potential ethical and regulatory gaps. The extraordinary profits made by new accounts raise questions about fairness and market integrity, especially in markets connected to real-world events with geopolitical sensitivity.

Supporters of such markets argue that they can provide valuable signals about public sentiment and expectations. Meanwhile, Polymarket, which operates in a largely decentralized and unregulated environment, has come under scrutiny for its role in facilitating high-value bets that appear closely linked to sensitive developments.

US officials are reportedly reviewing the situation to determine whether confidential intelligence may have influenced trading activity.

Also Read: Dollar rises as Iran conflict pushes oil prices

Categories
Corporate

Amazon India cuts seller referral fees to boost growth

Amazon India has announced a reduction in the referral fees it charges sellers on its platform as part of a strategy to strengthen its retail business and encourage more merchants to sell online.

Referral fees are charges that Amazon collects from sellers for each item they sell on the marketplace. By lowering these fees across selected product categories, Amazon is making it cheaper for small and large sellers alike to do business on its platform.

Under the new structure, referral fees will be reduced for a range of categories including apparel, footwear, home goods and other consumer products. In some cases, fees have been cut by several percentage points. Amazon says the change will help sellers improve their profit margins and reinvest more into pricing, selection and customer service. The adjusted fee system is expected to take effect from March 2026 and will be reviewed periodically.

In a statement, Amazon pointed out that the Indian e-commerce market is highly competitive, with several players vying for market share. By lowering fees, Amazon aims to attract more sellers and deepen its product offerings, particularly in categories that are important for everyday shopping. This move is also part of Amazon’s broader plan to grow its retail sales and strengthen customer loyalty in India, where online shopping has been rapidly expanding.

Market analysts say that cutting referral fees could benefit thousands of existing sellers and encourage new ones to join the platform. Lower costs could help sellers offer better prices to customers, potentially driving higher sales volumes for Amazon overall. However, the impact on Amazon’s profitability remains to be seen, as reduced fee income could weigh on short-term earnings.

The decision comes at a time when global e-commerce growth is slowing compared with the rapid expansion seen during the pandemic years. In India, while online retail continues to grow, margins are tight and competition from other marketplaces and social commerce players is intense. Amazon’s fee cuts are seen as a strategic move to reinforce its position and build long-term seller partnerships.

Sellers on the platform have generally welcomed the changes, saying that lower fees will help them scale their business and remain competitive on price. Some sellers also noted that simplification of fee structures could reduce accounting complexity.

Also Read: Shree Ram Twistex shares slump up to 35% on debut

Categories
Corporate

Shree Ram Twistex shares slump up to 35% on debut

Shares of Shree Ram Twistex made a poor debut on the stock market, falling sharply on their first day of trading. The stock listed at a steep discount of nearly 35 per cent compared to its IPO price, leaving many investors disappointed.

The company had fixed its IPO price at ₹104 per share. However, when the shares began trading on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), they opened at around ₹68. On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the stock listed close to ₹70. This means investors who bought shares in the IPO immediately saw a sharp drop in the value of their investment.

What surprised many was that the IPO had received strong demand. The issue was subscribed more than 43 times during the bidding period, with healthy participation from retail investors as well as institutional buyers. Usually, such strong interest leads to a good listing, but that did not happen in this case.

Market experts say that listing performance depends not only on subscription numbers but also on overall market conditions and investor sentiment on the day of trading. Broader market weakness and cautious investor mood may have affected the stock’s debut.

Shree Ram Twistex manufactures cotton yarn used in products such as denim, garments, towels and home textiles. The company raised around ₹110 crore through the IPO. It plans to use the funds for business expansion, setting up renewable energy capacity and meeting working capital needs.

Also Read: AWS cloud outage hits UAE and Bahrain after Iranian strikes