The markets traded under sustained pressure through the week and ended on a distinctly negative note. After attempting a modest recovery early on, the Nifty faced persistent selling at higher levels and drifted lower as the week progressed. The index oscillated within a defined range of 25,771.45 on the higher side and 25,141.30 on the lower side. Volatility cooled off , with the India VIX declining 4.60% to 13.70 on a weekly basis. The Nifty closed the week with a net loss of 392.60 points (-1.54%).

The broader technical structure remains corrective within a larger uptrend. On the weekly chart, Nifty continues to hover just above its 50-week moving average (25,047), while staying well above the 100-week (24,422) and 200-week (21,571) averages, preserving the long-term bullish structure.

However, the index is trading below the 20- week average (25,756) and near the lower Bollinger Band (25,065), indicating shortterm weakness. The price action over the past several weeks resembles a mild descending consolidation within a broader rising structure, suggesting a loss of upside momentum. A sustained move above 25,800 would be required to negate the present short-term weakness and open the door for a directional upmove. On the downside, a decisive violation of the 25,000–24,950 zone could trigger incremental corrective pressure toward lower supports.With Tuesday, March 03, being a trading holiday on account of Holi, the truncated week may begin on a cautious note amid prevailing softness. Immediate resistance levels are seen at 25,350 and 25,550. Key supports are placed at 25,050 and 24,700.

The weekly RSI stands at 46.27; it remains neutral but tilted lower and does not show any visible bullish or bearish divergence against price. The weekly MACD remains below its signal line but is in positive territory. The index has formed a relatively widebodied bearish candle on the weekly chart, reflecting distribution at higher levels.
From a pattern perspective, the Nifty appears to be undergoing a time-wise consolidation after a prolonged upmove. The index is testing the confluence of the lower Bollinger Band and the 50-week moving average, a zone that could offer intermediate support. Failure to hold this band could lead to a deeper retracement toward the 100- week average. The broader higher-top–higher-bottom structure remains intact on the long-term chart, but near-term price behavior suggests a pause with corrective bias but not any structural damage on the technical front at present.
In the coming truncated week, a cautious and selective approach would be prudent. Traders should avoid aggressive fresh longs until the index reclaims levels above 25,800 with strength. At the same time, any breach of 25,000 must be monitored closely for follow-through weakness. Protecting existing gains, maintaining tight stop-losses, and focusing on stock-specific opportunities with relative strength will be essential. The most effective approach for the week would be to stay measured, nimble, and responsive to key levels rather than anticipating a directional move prematurely.
In our look at Relative Rotation Graphs®, we compared various sectors against the CNX500 (NIFTY 500 Index), representing over 95% of the free-float market cap of allthe listed stocks.

Relative Rotation Graphs (RRG) show that the Nifty Energy Index and the Infrastructure Index have rolled inside the leading quadrant. Along with this, the Nifty Financial Services, PSE, Nifty Bank, PSU Bank, and the Nifty Metal Index are also inside the leading quadrant. This group is expected to collectively outperform the broader Nifty 500 index.

The Nifty Services Sector Index has rolled inside the weakening quadrant. The Midcap 100, Auto, and IT Indices are also within this quadrant. These groups may see individual stock-specific moves; however, relative performance may slow.

While the Nifty Realty Index continues to languish inside the lagging quadrant, the FMCG Index is showing mild improvement in its relative momentum against the broader market while staying inside the lagging quadrant.

The Nifty Pharma Index has rolled back inside the improving quadrant. The Nifty Media Index is also inside the improving quadrant.

Important Note: RRG™ charts show the relative strength and momentum of a group of stocks. In the above Chart, they show relative performance against NIFTY500 Index (Broader Markets) and should not be used directly as buy or sell signals.

(The author Milan Vaishnav CMT, MSTA is Consulting Technical Analyst)

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

Sudip Bandyopadhyay highlighted that India’s stock markets are currently in a consolidation phase, providing attractive bottom-up investment opportunities.

According to Bandyopadhyay, the sharp market correction seen over recent months is a natural adjustment after the late 2024 highs, and fundamentals are gradually catching up with valuations.

In an exclusive interview with ET Now, he noted that corporate performance is improving, Q4 results are expected to outperform Q3, and foreign institutional investor (FII) inflows have begun to pick up, indicating a positive trajectory for Indian capital markets.

On sectoral opportunities, Bandyopadhyay expressed strong conviction in the chemicals and agrochemicals space, especially specialty chemicals, which have been underperforming for the past two years.

“One area which I have been very bullish has been chemicals, agrochemicals, speciality chemicals. This was a completely bombed out sector and for last two years they have disappointed investors. But now the green shoots are clearly visible,” he said.

He cited the “China plus one” strategy, ongoing trade agreements with the US and EU, and growing exports as key tailwinds. UPL, a leading agrochemical company, was highlighted as a strong buy following its business restructuring, offering a focused growth path and attractive valuations. Aarti Industries, with its ongoing expansion plans, was also recommended as part of a long-term portfolio strategy.
The expert also pointed to opportunities in the capex and defense sectors. He emphasized companies like Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Bharat Forge, which are expanding their defense businesses alongside their traditional operations. Rising order wins, strong international business margins, and ongoing capital expenditure make these companies attractive from a long-term perspective.Bandyopadhyay expressed caution on the solar panel sector, particularly Waaree and US-exposed players, noting that while current contracts may remain unaffected, future business faces uncertainty due to recent duty structures. As such, he advised against buying into this space until clarity emerges.

On energy-related public sector units (PSUs), Bandyopadhyay reaffirmed his positive stance.

“We believe there is a long-term positive as far as Indian energy space is concerned. What is happening is this sector has not given good return over the last one, one-and-a-half years and investors are a little frustrated,” he said.

He praised NTPC for its strong operational efficiencies, green energy integration, and forward-backward linkages. Power financiers such as PFC, and medium- to long-term options like IREDA, also present compelling opportunities given the upcoming surge in power capacity and credit demand.

Retail and telecom sectors were not overlooked. Value retail companies operating in tier III and IV locations, with strong footfall growth and expanding profitability, offer attractive long-term growth prospects. In telecom, Bharti Airtel remains fundamentally strong despite recent NBFC-related stock weakness, and Bandyopadhyay reiterated a buy recommendation, emphasizing robust core business metrics and market share gains.

President Donald Trump directed all U.S. federal agencies on February 27, 2026, to immediately cease using artificial intelligence technology developed by Anthropic, escalating a high-profile dispute with the San Francisco-based startup over safeguards on its Claude AI model for military applications.

In a Truth Social post, Trump accused Anthropic of attempting to “strong-arm” the Department of Defense — which he referred to as the Department of War — by imposing restrictions on how its technology could be deployed. “The Leftwing nut jobs at Anthropic have made a DISASTROUS MISTAKE trying to STRONG-ARM the Department of War, and force them to obey their Terms of Service instead of our Constitution,” Trump wrote. “Therefore, I am directing EVERY Federal Agency in the United States Government to IMMEDIATELY CEASE all use of Anthropic’s technology. We don’t need it, we don’t want it, and will not do business with them again!”

Trump specified a six-month phase-out period for agencies, including the Pentagon, where Anthropic’s tools are already integrated into systems. He threatened further action if the company did not cooperate during the transition, including potential civil and criminal consequences.

The directive followed a Pentagon-imposed deadline that expired Friday evening for Anthropic to lift guardrails limiting Claude’s use in fully autonomous weapons or mass surveillance of U.S. citizens. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei had publicly refused to remove the safeguards, arguing they were essential to prevent misuse that could undermine democratic values.

Shortly after Trump’s announcement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth designated Anthropic a “supply-chain risk to national security.” The label, typically applied to foreign adversaries, bars military contractors and suppliers from doing business with the company. The move effectively blacklists Anthropic from future federal defense work and could force vendors to certify non-use of its models.

The General Services Administration, which manages federal procurement, quickly complied by removing Anthropic from its USAi.gov platform and Multiple Award Schedule. GSA Administrator Edward C. announced the agency “stands with the President in rejecting attempts to politicize work dedicated to America’s national security.”

The clash highlights deep tensions between the Trump administration’s push for unrestricted military AI adoption and Silicon Valley’s efforts to impose ethical constraints. Anthropic, founded in 2021 by former OpenAI executives including Amodei, has positioned itself as a safety-focused alternative in the AI race, emphasizing constitutional AI principles to align models with human values.

Federal agencies had increasingly adopted Claude for tasks ranging from intelligence analysis to administrative automation, drawn to its strong performance in reasoning and coding. The ban could disrupt ongoing projects, particularly in defense and intelligence, where unwinding integrations may prove complex and costly.

In a swift counterdevelopment, OpenAI announced late Friday that it had reached an agreement with the Pentagon to supply its AI technology for classified systems. The deal positions OpenAI as a key alternative provider, potentially accelerating its military footprint amid the vacuum left by Anthropic’s exclusion.

Anthropic has not issued a formal response to the order as of February 28, but sources close to the company indicated it would challenge the designation legally, arguing the restrictions were narrowly tailored to prevent harmful applications while complying with existing laws. Industry observers noted the unprecedented nature of blacklisting a U.S.-based AI firm over usage terms.

Silicon Valley reactions split along ideological lines. Some leaders rallied behind Anthropic, praising its principled stance on AI safety. Others criticized the move as government overreach that could chill innovation and deter companies from pursuing defense contracts. Posts on X and other platforms reflected broader debate over balancing national security with ethical AI governance.

The administration framed the action as essential to ensuring the U.S. military retains full operational flexibility. Trump emphasized that no private company should dictate how the armed forces employ lawful tools. Supporters, including some Republican lawmakers, echoed the sentiment, viewing Anthropic’s safeguards as potential impediments in strategic competition with adversaries like China.

Critics, including civil liberties groups and some Democrats, expressed concern that removing guardrails could enable unchecked surveillance or autonomous lethal systems. They urged congressional oversight of the designation process and called for transparent guidelines on military AI use.

The order arrives amid broader Trump administration efforts to reshape federal technology policy, including accelerated AI adoption for government efficiency while prioritizing American dominance in the field. It also reflects ongoing friction with tech firms perceived as aligned with progressive values.

Anthropic’s valuation, once exceeding $60 billion, faces uncertainty with the loss of federal business, though the company maintains strong commercial and enterprise customers. Shares in related AI firms showed mixed movements in after-hours trading, with some analysts predicting a shift toward providers more amenable to defense needs.

As agencies begin the phase-out, questions linger about timelines, replacement costs and potential litigation. The episode underscores the growing intersection of AI ethics, national security and executive power in an era of rapid technological advancement.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced Friday that his company reached an agreement with the Department of War to deploy its artificial intelligence models on its classified network, just hours after President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to phase out rival Anthropic.

Altman said in a post on X that he had been in talks with the Pentagon, which “displayed a deep respect for safety and a desire to partner to achieve the best possible outcome.”

“AI safety and wide distribution of benefits are the core of our mission,” he said. “Two of our most important safety principles are prohibitions on domestic mass surveillance and human responsibility for the use of force, including for autonomous weapon systems. The DoW agrees with these principles, reflects them in law and policy, and we put them into our agreement.”

The deal came after Trump directed every federal agency to stop using Anthropic technology, escalating a standoff over how artificial intelligence should be used in military operations.

OPENAI’S $110B FUNDING ROUND DRAWS INVESTMENT FROM AMAZON, NVIDIA, SOFTBANK

In a Truth Social post, Trump said agencies, including the Department of War, would have a six-month phase-out period.

“Anthropic better get their act together, and be helpful during this phase out period, or I will use the Full Power of the Presidency to make them comply, with major civil and criminal consequences to follow,” he wrote.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth later said he was directing the department to designate Anthropic a “supply-chain risk to National Security.”

“Effective immediately, no contractor, supplier, or partner that does business with the United States military may conduct any commercial activity with Anthropic,” he added. “Anthropic will continue to provide the Department of War its services for a period of no more than six months to allow for a seamless transition to a better and more patriotic service.”

JACK DORSEY CUTS NEARLY HALF OF BLOCK WORKFORCE AMID MAJOR AI OVERHAUL

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei had refused earlier demands from the Department of War to allow its AI to be used for “all lawful purposes,” citing concerns about “mass domestic surveillance” and “fully autonomous weapons.”

Anthropic told Fox News Digital on Friday that Hegseth’s designation of the company as a supply chain risk “follows months of negotiations that reached an impasse over two exceptions we requested to the lawful use of our AI model, Claude: the mass domestic surveillance of Americans and fully autonomous weapons.”

NVIDIA CEO SAYS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BOOM IS JUST GETTING STARTED: ‘AI IS GOING TO BE EVERYWHERE’

“We have not yet received direct communication from the Department of War or the White House on the status of our negotiations,” the company said.

Anthropic added that it “tried in good faith to reach an agreement with the Department of War,” supporting all lawful national security uses of AI except the two requested exceptions, which it said “have not affected a single government mission to date.”

The company also called the supply chain risk designation an “unprecedented action — one historically reserved for US adversaries, never before publicly applied to an American company.”

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Altman said OpenAI would deploy additional safeguards to ensure its models “behave as they should,” and that the company would operate only on cloud networks.

“We are asking the DoW to offer these same terms to all AI companies, which in our opinion we think everyone should be willing to accept,” Altman continued. “We have expressed our strong desire to see things de-escalate away from legal and governmental actions and towards reasonable agreements.”

FOX Business’ Brie Stimson contributed to this report.

Bitcoin tumbled below $64,000 on February 28, 2026, extending a sharp weekend sell-off triggered by reports of joint U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran. The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell as much as 5% in early trading, reaching lows near $63,000 before paring some losses, amid a broader flight from risk assets.

As of late February 28 in Asia (early morning UTC), Bitcoin traded around $63,800 to $64,000, down approximately 4% over the past 24 hours according to aggregated data from CoinMarketCap, CoinDesk and Binance. The 24-hour trading volume surged to more than $41 billion, reflecting heightened volatility and liquidations across leveraged positions.

The decline erased much of a brief mid-week rebound that had pushed Bitcoin toward $70,000 earlier in the week. From its all-time high of $126,198 reached in October 2025, the token now sits roughly 49% lower, with year-to-date losses exceeding 20% in calendar 2026.

Analysts attributed the latest drop directly to geopolitical developments. Explosions reported in Tehran and retaliatory Iranian missile launches toward Israel and Gulf states heightened fears of a wider Middle East conflict. Bitcoin, often viewed as a risk-on asset correlated with equities during periods of uncertainty, reacted swiftly alongside declines in U.S. stock futures and other cryptocurrencies like Ether, which fell over 6%.

“This is classic risk-off behavior,” said a senior trader at a major crypto exchange, speaking on condition of anonymity. “When headlines scream war, investors dump anything volatile — crypto gets hit hard first.” Roughly $128 billion evaporated from the total digital asset market cap in the immediate aftermath, per CoinGecko data.

The pullback comes after a turbulent February for Bitcoin. Prices had already weakened from January highs near $85,000 amid deleveraging in overextended positions and broader market caution. A mid-month dip below $63,000 earlier in February marked the lowest since early in the year before a partial recovery.

Despite the downturn, some observers highlighted resilience. Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted that spot Bitcoin ETF investors have shown “diamond hands,” with minimal outflows during the slump. Inflows into products like BlackRock’s IBIT and Fidelity’s FBTC remained steady or positive in recent weeks, suggesting long-term holders are absorbing selling pressure.

Institutional adoption continues to underpin the asset. Corporate treasuries, including MicroStrategy’s ongoing purchases, and growing sovereign interest have provided a floor. However, short-term sentiment remains bearish, with the Crypto Fear & Greed Index hovering in “fear” territory.

Technical levels are in focus. Bitcoin holds support near $62,000 to $63,000, a zone that has acted as a floor in prior corrections. A break below could target $60,000, while resistance sits around $66,000 to $68,000 from recent highs.

Broader crypto market dynamics amplified the move. Altcoins like Solana, XRP and Dogecoin fell 6% or more, with total market capitalization dipping below $2.3 trillion. Liquidations exceeded $500 million in the past day, mostly long positions, per Coinglass.

The geopolitical backdrop overshadowed other factors. Ongoing U.S. tariff discussions and Federal Reserve policy signals had already weighed on risk assets, but the Iran strikes accelerated the exodus. Oil prices spiked over 10%, boosting inflation concerns that could pressure growth-sensitive investments like crypto.

Looking ahead, market participants eye potential catalysts. A de-escalation in the Middle East could spark a relief rally, while prolonged conflict risks further downside. Prediction markets give low odds — around 10% — for Bitcoin reaching $150,000 in 2026, reflecting tempered expectations after the post-2025 euphoria.

Bitcoin’s circulating supply stands near 20 million coins, with the halving cycle from 2024 still influencing scarcity dynamics. Miners continue operations amid higher energy costs, though hash rate remains robust.

Retail and institutional traders alike monitor developments closely. On platforms like X and Reddit, discussions range from “buy the dip” calls to warnings of deeper corrections if global instability persists.

As of February 28, Bitcoin’s market capitalization hovers around $1.28 trillion, maintaining its position as the dominant cryptocurrency. The asset’s correlation with traditional markets has grown since ETF approvals, making it more susceptible to macroeconomic and geopolitical shocks.

While the weekend sell-off marks a painful setback, Bitcoin has historically recovered from sharp drawdowns tied to external events. Whether this episode proves a capitulation low or prelude to further weakness depends on how the Iran situation unfolds and broader risk appetite rebounds.

Investors are advised to stay informed through reliable sources, as volatility remains elevated. The coming days will test Bitcoin’s resilience amid one of the most uncertain periods in recent memory.

Fans across the globe can breathe a sigh of relief: *Pokémon Winds* and *Pokémon Waves*, the highly anticipated 10th-generation mainline Pokémon games, will launch simultaneously worldwide in 2027 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, with no regional restrictions or country-specific delays, The Pokémon Company confirmed during its Pokémon Day presentation on February 27, 2026.

The announcement, part of the franchise’s 30th anniversary celebrations, dispelled early speculation about staggered rollouts or market exclusions common in some gaming titles. “Developed by Game Freak exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, these new titles feature an open world to explore,” the official press release stated, emphasizing a “global simultaneous release” without qualifiers. This means players in North America, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, Latin America, Australia and beyond — wherever the Switch 2 launches — can dive into the windswept islands and oceanic adventures on day one.

Nintendo’s consistent policy of broad accessibility for Pokémon titles ensures the games will be playable in over 100 countries through official digital and physical channels. Pre-orders are expected to open later in 2026 alongside Switch 2 details, with eShop availability confirming cross-region digital purchases. Unlike mobile spin-offs with geo-locks, mainline Pokémon games have historically launched universally, and executives reiterated this commitment.

The reveal trailer transported viewers to a stunning Southeast Asia-inspired region, blending terraced rice fields akin to the Philippines’ Banaue terraces, Indonesian mangroves and Malaysian cliffside villages. Dynamic weather — fierce winds, crashing waves and tropical storms — shapes exploration, battles and survival mechanics, building on *Scarlet* and *Violet*’s open-world foundation. New starters include Grass-type Browt (Overgrow), Fire-type Pombon (Blaze) and Water-type Gecqua (Torrent), with version-exclusive Pikachu variants adding flair.

A major inclusivity milestone: Brazilian Portuguese joins as an official language, debuting here and expanding reach to over 200 million Portuguese speakers in Brazil and Portugal. “Pokémon is committed to bringing fans even closer to the experience,” the company said, signaling future localization efforts.

Excitement peaked in Southeast Asia, the in-game region’s muse. Filipino fans claimed “Uy, Philippines!!” spotting Palawan-like beaches, while Indonesians hailed the archipelago vibes. Malaysians noted mangrove forests, fueling regional pride. Social media buzzed with #PokemonWindsWaves trending globally, amassing millions of views.

The Switch 2 exclusivity — no original Switch support — underscores Nintendo’s forward push, with the console eyed for a late 2026 debut in major markets like the U.S., Japan, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Analysts predict blockbuster sales, potentially eclipsing *Scarlet/Violet*’s 24 million units, given the franchise’s 480 million lifetime sales.

Leaked “Teraleak” documents from 2024 accurately foresaw the titles, procedural elements and 2027 window, validating fan theories. Game Freak’s Tokyo team leads development, with Nintendo publishing worldwide.

For players in restricted markets like China (via Tencent partnerships) or embargoed nations, gray imports or VPNs may enable access, though official support lags. Nintendo’s eShop requires region-matched accounts, but digital keys transcend borders.

The global rollout contrasts delayed launches in past eras, like *Gold/Silver*’s Japan-first strategy. Modern Pokémon prioritizes parity, boosting esports and competitive play.

As 2027 nears, expect demos, DLC teases and Switch 2 bundles. The Pokémon Company plans more 30th-anniversary reveals, including *Legends: Z-A*.

This universal availability cements Pokémon’s borderless appeal, uniting trainers from Tokyo to São Paulo in Gen 10’s watery wonders.

The United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran early Saturday, February 28, 2026, targeting leadership compounds, nuclear facilities and missile sites in a pre-emptive operation that President Donald Trump described as the onset of “major combat operations” aimed at dismantling Tehran’s regime and nuclear program. Explosions rocked Tehran and other Iranian cities, prompting retaliatory ballistic missile launches from Iran toward Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf, escalating fears of a broader regional war.

For live streaming coverage of the unfolding events, major news networks and online platforms are providing real-time updates, video feeds and expert analysis. ABC News offers a continuous special report on YouTube, featuring President Trump’s video announcement and on-the-ground reports from Tehran. CNN’s live blog and video stream includes footage of smoke rising over Tehran after the initial strikes, with correspondents reporting from Jerusalem and Washington. Al Jazeera’s live updates page streams eyewitness accounts and Iranian state media reactions, accessible globally via their website and app. NBC News provides a dedicated live blog with embedded video of missile intercepts over Israel. CBS News streams ongoing coverage, including Trump’s full statement dubbing the assault “Operation Epic Fury.” BBC News offers a live page with maps and timelines, streaming from London and the Middle East. Fox News features a live feed focusing on U.S. military involvement and potential regime change. For alternative perspectives, NDTV’s YouTube live stream covers Iranian retaliations and global reactions. DW’s live blog includes European viewpoints and UN responses. France 24 streams multilingual coverage with focus on Gulf state impacts. The Associated Press maintains a live updates page with wire reports and photos. The Wall Street Journal’s live coverage emphasizes economic ramifications, including oil price surges. Jerusalem Post provides Israel-centric streaming updates. On social media, Alex Jones hosts a live X stream discussing the strikes and potential World War III implications.

The strikes began around dawn Tehran time, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirming a “pre-emptive attack” after months of joint planning with the U.S. Targets included the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian in downtown Tehran, as well as missile silos and nuclear sites in Isfahan, Qom, Kermanshah and Karaj. Iranian state media reported explosions near an elementary school, claiming civilian casualties, though independent verification remains limited amid communication blackouts.

Trump, in a video posted to Truth Social, urged Iranians to overthrow their government, stating, “The hour of your freedom is at hand.” He emphasized destroying Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs, framing the operation as essential to U.S. security. A senior U.S. official told reporters the assault involved over 500 aircraft and was designed for multiple waves.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded with a “first wave” of drones and missiles, targeting Tel Aviv and northern Israel, where one civilian was injured by shrapnel. Strikes also hit U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, with one fatality reported in Abu Dhabi from debris. Iranian military spokesman Amir Hatami vowed a “decisive response.”

Airspaces across the region closed, disrupting flights. Airlines like IndiGo, Wizz Air and British Airways suspended routes to the Middle East. The UAE issued emergency alerts in Abu Dhabi, urging residents to shelter.

The attack follows a 12-day air war in June 2025 and stalled nuclear talks. Iran’s suppression of protests, killing thousands, drew international condemnation. Analysts warn of escalation, with Russia and China denouncing the strikes as “illegal.”

Oil prices surged 15%, stocks fell globally. UN Security Council convened an emergency session.

Humanitarian groups like Amnesty International called for civilian protections. Exiled Iranian crown prince urged protests.

As events evolve, live streams remain crucial for updates. YouTube searches for “US Israel attack Iran live” yield ongoing broadcasts from major outlets. Apps like Twitter (now X) host user-generated content, but verify sources.

The conflict’s trajectory remains uncertain, with potential for prolonged engagement.

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Gold and silver traders can expect some fireworks on Monday after Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran on Saturday with the help of the United States, pushing the Middle East into another bout of military confrontation.

The strike is expected to further diminish hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran’s long-running nuclear dispute with the West. The apparent strike happened near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Domestic gold and silver prices declined on Friday in a lackluster trade. While April gold futures settled at Rs 1,61,971 on the MCX in the previous session, falling by Rs 133 or 0.08%, the May Silver futures closed at Rs 2,81,990, declining by Rs 654 or 0.23%.

The situation was starkly different on the COMEX where yellow metal prices closed with an uptick of 2% at $5,296.40 an ounce recording a single-day jump of $102.20. Silver prices soared nearly 8% or $6.83 an ounce to settle at $93.82, registering a sharper rally.

Commodity and currency expert Anuj Gupta expects a gap-up opening for gold and silver on Monday when trading resumes. Both bullion metals are looking positive due to the escalating geopolitical tension in Iran, he said, adding that the safe haven demand is expected to rise.

“Gold may test $5,300 to $5,350 levels while silver may climb between $95 and $98,” he opined.
Gupta said the MCX gold futures have risen by 8.32% or Rs 12,451 per 10 gram in February while extending year-to-date gains to Rs 26,700 or 20%. As for silver contracts on the MCX, the prices have fallen nearly 3% or Rs 9,300 in February, though the white metal has seen a surge of Rs 46,900 or 20% in 2026, he added.

Gold, silver trading strategy: What to do on Monday?

Gupta recommends traders to seize the opportunity as he suggests a buy on both gold and silver.

— Buy MCX gold at Rs 1,60,000-1,61,000 with a stop loss of Rs 1,58,000 and target of Rs 1,65,000.

— Buy MCX silver at Rs 2,78,000/2,80,000 with a stop loss of Rs 2,73,000 and target of Rs 2,90,000.

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

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NOMD either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

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