The country’s largest non-agricultural commodity exchange, the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) will also open at 9 am while the largest agricultural bourse, the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) will resume trading at 10 am.

Meanwhile, the currency market will remain shut today.

The equity markets were closed on March 3 for Holi and will be closed on two other occasions in this month. They will be closed on Thursday, March 26 for Shri Ram Navami and on Tuesday, March 31 for Shri Mahavir Jayanti.

Indian benchmark indices ended with sharp gains on Tuesday, recording their third successive positive closing. Action in auto, IT and consumer stocks lifted the mood with strong support from financials. The broader Nifty surged 196.65 points, or 0.83%, to close at 23,777.80, while the 30-share Sensex gained 567.99 points, or 0.83%, to settle at 76,704.13.

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The fear index India VIX fell 5.5% in the previous session to settle at 18.72.
2026 holiday list
In the holiday calendar released last year, the exchanges had initially announced 15 trading holidays but later added January 15 as an additional holiday on account of the Mumbai BMC elections. After this, the domestic markets were closed on January 26 on account of a Republic Day.
The next holiday will fall on Friday, April 3 which will be a Good Friday. Markets will also be shut on Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14, Maharashtra Day on May 1 and Bakri Id on May 28.

The second half of the year includes Muharram on June 26, Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. Dussehra falls on October 20, followed by Diwali Balipratipada on November 10 and Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 24. The final trading holiday of the year will be Christmas on December 25.

The small surprise in the circular is that there is no mention of holiday for Diwali as it is falling on a weekend (Sunday). The Muhurat Trading will be conducted on Sunday, November 08, 2026 and the timings of Muhurat Trading will be notified subsequently.

The exchanges may alter any of the above holidays, for which a separate circular shall be issued in advance.

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just over three months away, kicking off June 11 across 16 venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico, early predictions and betting markets point to Spain as the frontrunner to lift the trophy in the expanded 48-team tournament’s final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.

As of mid-March 2026, Spain holds steady as the betting favorite across major sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel and prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi. Odds list Spain at +400 to +450 (implying roughly 18-20% probability), buoyed by their dominant UEFA qualifying campaign, recent European Championship success and a deep, balanced squad featuring young talents like Lamine Yamal alongside veterans.

England follows closely at +550 to +600, benefiting from a strong core led by Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Phil Foden, though questions linger about their ability to translate domestic talent into international silverware. France sits third at +650 to +750, with Kylian Mbappé’s form and defensive solidity keeping them in contention despite recent inconsistencies. Brazil and defending champion Argentina round out the top tier at +750 to +800, with Brazil’s attacking flair and Argentina’s Lionel Messi-led experience (potentially his final tournament) making them perennial threats.

Portugal (+1100), Germany (+1200 to +1400) and the Netherlands (+1600 to +2000) follow as strong challengers. Norway (+2200 to +2500) garners attention as a potential dark horse, powered by Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess and Martin Ødegaard’s creativity. Belgium (+3000) and Italy (around +3300, pending playoff qualification) remain in the mix but face steeper paths.

The expanded format — 48 teams across 12 groups of four, with the top two and eight best third-placed teams advancing to a round of 32 — increases unpredictability. Group-stage upsets could propel underdogs deeper, with more matches (104 total) allowing for momentum shifts.

Host nations Mexico, the United States and Canada benefit from home advantage and automatic qualification. The U.S. (+5000 to +6500) draws optimism as co-hosts, with a talented young core including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and emerging stars. Mexico (+7000) and Canada face tougher paths but could leverage crowd support in familiar time zones.

Qualifying nears completion, with 42 of 48 spots filled. March playoffs decide the final European berths: Italy vs. Northern Ireland, Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ukraine vs. Sweden and others. Italy remains a popular pick to qualify at around +3300 overall odds if they advance.

Dark horses include Morocco (+6000), fresh off a 2022 semifinal run, Colombia (+3300 to +4000) with dynamic attacking play, Ecuador (+6600 to +8000) and Senegal (+10000). Norway’s Haaland factor and Japan’s technical discipline make them popular long-shot bets.

The tournament’s scale — spanning cities from Seattle to Miami, Toronto to Mexico City — poses logistical challenges but promises spectacle. MetLife Stadium hosts the final, with iconic venues like AT&T Stadium (Arlington), SoFi Stadium (Inglewood) and Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) staging key matches.

Predictions hinge on form, injuries and adaptation to North American conditions. Spain’s tactical cohesion under Luis de la Fuente gives them an edge, while England’s depth and France’s talent keep them close. Argentina’s experience and Brazil’s flair ensure drama.

As qualifying wraps and friendlies ramp up, the 2026 World Cup promises unprecedented scale and potential surprises in a truly global showcase.

LISBON, Portugal — Cristiano Ronaldo remains on course to represent Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite a recent hamstring injury that sidelined him from Al Nassr matches in early March, with recovery timelines pointing to a return in April and full fitness well before the tournament opens in June.

The 41-year-old forward suffered the injury during Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League win over Al Fayha on February 28, 2026, limping off in the 81st minute. Initial assessments labeled it muscular fatigue, but further tests revealed a more serious hamstring strain, prompting Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus to describe it as “more serious than expected.” Ronaldo traveled to Madrid for specialized rehabilitation with his personal physiotherapist, a common protocol for elite athletes managing chronic or acute issues.

As of mid-March 2026, updates indicate steady progress. Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus stated Ronaldo should return after the international break, with Saudi media outlet Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reporting he is expected back in Riyadh by late March, targeting a potential comeback in the league match against Al Najma on April 3. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano estimated a 2-to-4-week absence, aligning with a mild to moderate strain that typically heals within that window without long-term complications.

The injury raised brief concerns about Ronaldo’s availability for Portugal’s March friendlies against Mexico and the United States, tune-ups for World Cup preparations. However, sources close to the situation confirm the setback was short-term, designed to ensure he returns at full strength rather than risking aggravation. Ronaldo has missed about 13 competitive games this season due to various issues, a higher tally than his previous five-year average of just seven absences, highlighting the physical demands at his age.

Ronaldo has repeatedly affirmed the 2026 World Cup — co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico — will be his last major international tournament. In a November 2025 CNN interview, he stated, “Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old” and that it would be “the moment” to step away from the global stage. He reiterated expectations of retiring in one or two years, focusing on family and club football with Al Nassr, where he extended his contract to 2027.

Despite the age milestone, Ronaldo’s form remains elite. He leads Portugal’s all-time scoring charts with 143 international goals and continues prolific output for Al Nassr, scoring 21 goals in 22 league appearances this season before the injury. His physical regimen, access to top medical care and history of overcoming setbacks support optimism for participation. Roberto Martinez, Portugal’s coach, has yet to comment directly on the injury’s impact but maintains confidence in Ronaldo’s leadership and goal threat.

The expanded 48-team format offers more matches and potential pathways, though Portugal’s qualification path remains strong. Ronaldo’s presence would mark a record sixth World Cup appearance, chasing the one major title missing from his resume despite near-misses in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. Experts view him as a near-certainty for selection if fit, given his status as captain and all-time leading scorer.

Recent statements reinforce his commitment. Ronaldo expressed confidence in his sharpness and enjoyment of the game, telling interviewers he still feels quick and capable of scoring. His recovery in Madrid, incorporating advanced therapies, aims to mitigate risks at his age while preserving explosiveness.

As the World Cup nears, Ronaldo’s participation hinges on avoiding further setbacks. Current timelines position him to resume club duties in early April, allowing months to regain match rhythm and contribute to Portugal’s preparations. Fans and analysts watch closely, with the tournament offering a fitting stage for what Ronaldo has called his final major chapter.

Portugal’s friendlies and summer warm-ups will provide clarity, but signs point to Ronaldo defying age once more on the world’s biggest platform.