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Amazon Stock Dips Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Heavy AI Capex Outlook, But Analysts See Long-Term Upside

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The tech sector led record gains in the S&P 500 index. Pictured: a man with umbrella walks past the New York Stock Exchange.

Amazon Inc. shares retreated in early March trading as broader market risk-off sentiment from escalating Middle East conflict pressured tech names, compounding investor caution over the company’s massive $200 billion capital expenditure plan for 2026 focused on AI infrastructure and cloud expansion.

For the full year 2024, Amazon's net income jumped to $59.2 billion from $30.4 billion in 2023
Amazon
AFP

The e-commerce and cloud computing giant’s stock (NASDAQ: AMZN) traded around $206-207 in mid-morning sessions on March 3, 2026, down about 1.5-2% from the prior close of $210.00 on Feb. 27. Pre-market activity showed levels near $205-206, reflecting a pullback from recent ranges of $203-211. The stock has hovered 18-20% below its 52-week high of $258.60 reached in November 2025, with a low of $161.38 earlier in the year. Year-to-date performance remains positive but tempered by February’s volatility, including a nine-day losing streak in mid-February that erased over $450 billion in market value before a brief rebound.

Amazon’s latest earnings, released Feb. 5, 2026, for the fourth quarter of 2025, delivered strong results but sparked mixed reactions. Full-year 2025 net sales reached approximately $717 billion, surpassing Walmart’s $713 billion for the first time in annual revenue and marking a milestone in retail dominance. Fourth-quarter revenue hit record levels, with AWS contributing $35.6 billion — up 24% year-over-year — its fastest growth in 13 quarters, driven by surging demand for AI workloads.

Operating income expanded significantly, with AWS delivering $12.5 billion in the quarter. CEO Andy Jassy highlighted AWS’s “top-to-bottom AI stack” as a key differentiator, enabling customers to run AI alongside existing applications and data. Advertising revenue also accelerated, supporting profitability across segments.

The outlook, however, weighed on sentiment. Amazon guided for about $200 billion in 2026 capital expenditures — far exceeding consensus estimates around $146 billion — primarily for data centers, custom chips like Trainium, networking and AI infrastructure. Jassy described the spending as fueling “seminal opportunities” in AI, robotics, chips and low-Earth orbit satellites, with expectations of strong long-term returns on invested capital.

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Guidance for the first quarter of 2026 projected net sales between $173.5 billion and $178.5 billion (11-15% growth) and operating income of $16.5-21.5 billion, incorporating higher costs from projects like Amazon Leo and international pricing investments.

A major boost came from a landmark Feb. 27 announcement: Amazon’s $50 billion investment in OpenAI as part of the startup’s $110 billion funding round, valuing OpenAI at $840 billion. The deal expands an existing AWS agreement by $100 billion over eight years, with OpenAI committing to 2 gigawatts of Trainium capacity (including next-gen Trainium4 in 2027) and gaining exclusive third-party distribution for its Frontier enterprise agent platform. OpenAI will also help develop customized AI models for Amazon’s consumer businesses.

Analysts view the partnership as positioning AWS strongly in the AI race, potentially adding $17 billion annually in revenue (about 11% of expected 2026 AWS totals) and accelerating cloud adoption. UBS projects AWS growth surging to 38% in 2026 from 19% in 2025, with mid-30% momentum possibly extending into 2027.

Despite the positives, shares have faced pressure from elevated spending concerns, potential delays in ROI from AI buildouts and broader tech sector dynamics. Free cash flow projections turned negative for 2026 in some estimates due to capex intensity, though management stresses long-term value.

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Market capitalization stands near $2.2-2.3 trillion, with a forward P/E around 29 — near a 10-year low and seen as attractive by bulls. Analysts maintain a consensus “Buy” rating, with average price targets around $280-282, implying 30-35% upside from recent levels.

Amazon continues diversifying: retail innovations in India via seller fee cuts, quick commerce investments and robotics advancements. North America operating margins improved to 9% in Q4 2025, while international segments showed progress.

As geopolitical risks and macro uncertainties persist, Amazon’s blend of e-commerce scale, AWS dominance and aggressive AI positioning keeps it central to tech narratives. Upcoming data on AI adoption, capex execution and Q1 results (expected late April) will guide near-term trajectory.

Investors weighing the heavy spending against accelerating cloud/AI momentum see Amazon as a high-conviction long-term play, even amid short-term volatility.

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200MP Sensor May Be Getting an Upgrade Next Year

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An early rumor is claiming that Samsung has plans to upgrade next year’s Galaxy S27’s main 200MP sensor, with this camera improvement helping enhance the output of the upcoming flagship model.

Samsung Galaxy S27 Early Rumor: 200MP Sensor Upgrade

There is already an early rumor surrounding the Galaxy S27, Samsung’s flagship smartphone that is slated to arrive next year. The rumor comes from a known Weibo leaker called Digital Chat Station, who claims that Samsung’s upcoming imaging sensor called “ISOCELL HPA” will deliver a significant upgrade to the existing 200MP sensor, which its flagships have long used.

The change will come in the form of a size bump, where it will see it reach up to 1/1.12″ and add support for Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC). However, the 200-megapixel camera resolution would reportedly remain the same for the device.

According to 9to5Google’s report, LOFIC is capable of capturing a wider dynamic range compared to traditional sensors, and this is done through a separate capacitor within each pixel. It is capable of increasing both the highlight and lowlight performance within the images.

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What to Expect from Next Year’s Galaxy S27?

Digital Chat Station also hinted that the Galaxy S27 may also use Samsung’s next ISOCELL sensor, but did not explicitly discuss it. That said, 9to5Google said that another prominent leaker called Ice Universe has added more detail to the original leak.

The leaker claims that Samsung wants to use a modified HPA variant called the HP6, and this comes with a smaller 1/1.3″ sensor with similar performance. The same sensor is present on the recently unveiled Xiaomi 17 Ultra smartphone, which was revealed during the MWC 2026.

The rumor comes too early as the Samsung Galaxy S26 is yet to be released and is in its preorder period, but it has already provided hints to what the S27 might bring.

That said, take this information with a grain of salt.

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Originally published on Tech Times

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Intapp, Inc. (INTA) Presents at Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference 2026 Transcript

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Melissa Knox
Morgan Stanley

All right. Let’s get started. Good to see everyone. Thank you for joining us. I’m Melissa Knox. I run the global software investment banking business here at Morgan Stanley, and I am excited to be here with John Hall and David Morton, CEO and CFO of Intapp.

Intapp, vertical software company focused on selling to banks, financial institutions, consultants, law firms, vertical software company, specialized workflows highly proprietary data, AI platform, really big customers and a really amazing story. So we want to spend this time talking about the company, talking about the defensibility that they’ve built into the platform and the offensive strategy that you have for really capturing these workflows, this market with an AI-first solution, all right?

So we’re coming off of a really exciting Investor Day last week in New York where you came up with some new product announcements around the Celeste platform. I want to talk about that. I want to talk about the target that we put out there for $1 billion in revenue by FY ’29. Accelerating growth, accelerating margin and a lot of new metrics around the cloud business. We’ll hit on all of that.

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Understanding Digital MP3 Platforms and Their Role in Everyday Listening

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SoundCloud is a vibrant platform where music lovers and creators connect. This makes it a great space for artists to share their sound and reach an audience eager for fresh tunes. That’s why it’s crucial for every artist to consider growing their music career on SoundCloud.

Music has changed dramatically over the past two decades. What once required shelves of CDs or a stack of downloaded files now fits easily in a pocket.

At the center of this shift is the MP3 format, which made it possible to store, share, and listen to music in a compact digital form. Alongside the format itself, online platforms have emerged to help people search, access, and download audio files quickly.

One name that often comes up in conversations about mobile-friendly music access is Tubidy. Many users search for terms like tubidy mp3 when looking for simple ways to find audio content that works smoothly across devices. But beyond a single site, it’s worth understanding the broader role that MP3 platforms play in digital media consumption.

Why the MP3 Format Still Matters

Even with the rise of streaming services, MP3 remains relevant. The format compresses audio files so they take up less storage space while maintaining reasonable sound quality. This balance between size and clarity is what made MP3 the standard for digital music sharing in the early 2000s, and it continues to serve a purpose today.

There are a few key reasons why MP3 files are still widely used:

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  • Device compatibility – Nearly every smartphone, tablet, laptop, and basic music player supports MP3 playback.
  • Offline listening – Once downloaded, MP3 files can be played without an internet connection.
  • Storage efficiency – Compared to uncompressed formats, MP3 files require significantly less space.
  • Easy sharing – Smaller file sizes make transfers quicker and more manageable.

For people who travel frequently, live in areas with limited internet access, or simply prefer owning their music files, MP3 remains practical and reliable.

The Rise of Online MP3 Search Platforms

As internet speeds improved and mobile browsing became common, online platforms began offering searchable databases of audio content. Instead of transferring songs from a computer, users could find and download files directly from a mobile device.

Search terms like tubidy mp3 reflect this shift in behavior. Users are no longer just looking for music. They are looking for convenience. They want quick access, simple navigation, and formats that work without extra software.

These platforms typically offer:

  • A search bar for locating songs, audio clips, or videos
  • Multiple format options, including MP3
  • Mobile-friendly layouts
  • Quick download processes

The appeal often lies in simplicity rather than complexity, allowing users to find and enjoy audio without unnecessary steps.

The Importance of Accessibility

One of the most significant contributions of MP3 download platforms is accessibility. Not everyone has access to paid streaming subscriptions or unlimited mobile data. In many regions, downloading a file once and playing it repeatedly offline is far more practical than streaming it multiple times.

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Accessibility includes:

  • Low data consumption – Download once instead of streaming repeatedly.
  • Broader device support – Older phones can still handle MP3 playback.
  • Flexible usage – Files can be transferred to USB drives, shared between devices, or backed up.

This flexibility matters in everyday life. A student preparing a presentation might download background music. A language learner may save audio lessons for practice during a commute. A fitness enthusiast might create a custom workout playlist without relying on an active internet connection.

In each case, the MP3 format supports independence from constant connectivity.

Convenience and User Behavior

Modern users expect speed. They do not want complicated sign-ups, large software downloads, or confusing menus. The popularity of terms like tubidy mp3 highlights a desire for straightforward tools that get to the point.

Convenience includes:

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  • Fast search results
  • Minimal loading times
  • Direct downloads
  • Simple file management

When platforms reduce friction, users are more likely to return. The goal is not complexity but ease. People want to type a song name, select a format, and move on with their day.

Legal and Ethical Awareness

While discussing MP3 download platforms, it is important to acknowledge legal and ethical considerations. Copyright laws protect creators, and not all content online is free to distribute. Responsible users take the time to understand whether the audio they download is legally available.

There are many forms of audio content that are legally shared online, including:

  • Public domain music
  • Independent artist releases
  • Creative Commons licensed tracks
  • Podcasts and spoken-word content

Awareness helps ensure that creators are respected and supported.

Storage Control and Personal Libraries

Streaming platforms offer convenience, but they also depend on continued subscriptions and internet access. Downloaded MP3 files provide a sense of ownership and control. Users can organize folders, rename files, and build a personal archive without worrying about changing subscription terms.

This control becomes especially valuable when:

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  • Internet access is unreliable
  • Content is removed from streaming libraries
  • Users prefer curated personal collections

For some people, maintaining a local library is simply more reassuring than relying on remote servers.

The Ongoing Relevance of MP3 Platforms

Technology evolves quickly, but practical tools tend to endure. MP3 platforms continue to serve users who prioritize portability, flexibility, and offline access. While streaming dominates headlines, downloading remains part of everyday digital habits.

Search phrases like tubidy mp3 reflect a larger trend. People are not necessarily looking for the newest innovation. Often, they are looking for something that works without hassle.

At its core, the MP3 ecosystem supports three basic needs:

  1. Access to audio content
  2. Freedom from constant connectivity
  3. Control over personal media files

Those needs are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

Final Thoughts

The digital music landscape is diverse. Streaming services, cloud libraries, and download platforms all serve different audiences. MP3 technology continues to hold value because it balances quality, portability, and independence.

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Online platforms that support MP3 searches and downloads meet users where they are. Whether someone is building a personal music archive, saving educational audio, or preparing playlists for offline use, the format remains practical.

In a world that often pushes constant connectivity, MP3 downloads offer a quieter kind of convenience. They allow people to listen on their own terms, without interruptions, buffering, or monthly commitments. That simple freedom is part of why MP3 platforms continue to matter today.

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Bank chief's big watch on inflation cost of Iran action

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Bank chief's big watch on inflation cost of Iran action

It’s unclear if financial conditions can bring inflation under control or whether conflict in Iran will make it worse, the Reserve Bank governor says.

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More than 5,000 tourists stranded in Phuket as over 30 flights are canceled

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Phuket Tourism Groups Call on Hotels to Support Stranded Travelers Amid Middle East Crisis

Numerous tourists have been left stranded in Bangkok, Phuket, and Samui as a result of extensive flight cancellations, especially from long-haul markets dependent on Middle Eastern transit hubs.

This disruption has caused significant inconvenience for travelers, many of whom are struggling to find alternative routes or accommodations. Local authorities and airlines are working to address the situation, but the sheer volume of affected passengers has overwhelmed available resources. Tourism-dependent businesses in these regions are also feeling the impact, as cancellations ripple through the hospitality and service sectors.

Key Points

  • Scale of disruption: Over 5,000 tourists are stranded in Phuket alone, with more than 30 flights canceled. Samui and Koh Phangan also face extended stays for over 1,000 visitors.
  • Tourism industry response: Thai tourism associations and operators are coordinating with hotels and authorities to provide accommodation, waive rescheduling/cancellation fees, and offer discounted room rates.
  • Government measures: The Tourism Council of Thailand and the Ministry of Tourism are surveying stranded travelers and assisting with visa issues. Evacuation flights for Thai citizens in the Middle East have also been ordered.
  • Economic concerns: Cancellations from Middle Eastern transit hubs account for about 50% of Thailand’s long-haul trips. If the conflict continues, travel sentiment may weaken through the Songkran festival.
  • Long-term outlook: Rising fuel costs could push airfares higher, but Thailand may position itself as a safe haven for long-stay tourists and investors.

In short, the upheaval has disrupted inbound tourism flows, but Thailand’s public and private sectors are working to mitigate the immediate impact and sustain confidence in the country as a safe destination. bangkokpost.com

✈️ Scope of Disruption

  • Total impact: 2,655 flight cancellations and 2,508 delays across Asia and the Middle East.
  • Countries affected: Thailand, India, China, Singapore, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, and the Philippines.
  • Major hubs hit: Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, Amman, Jeddah, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangkok, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Manila.

🛫 Airports Most Affected

  • Dubai International: 1,106 cancellations (highest).
  • Guangzhou Baiyun: 864 delays (highest).
  • Beijing Capital: 318 delays.
  • Singapore Changi: 264 delays.
  • Bangkok Suvarnabhumi: 218 delays.
  • Delhi: 144 delays (highest in India).

🏢 Airlines Most Impacted

  • Emirates: 464 cancellations in Dubai, plus disruptions in Singapore, Guangzhou, Beijing, and India.
  • Qatar Airways: Cancellations in Bangkok, Singapore, Manila, and India.
  • Etihad Airways: Multiple cancellations across hubs.
  • China Southern Airlines: 381 delays in Guangzhou.
  • Air China: 215 delays in Beijing.
  • IndiGo & Air India: Dozens of cancellations and delays in Mumbai and Delhi.
  • Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Thai Airways, PAL Express, Philippine Airlines: Significant delays but fewer cancellations.

📊 Regional Patterns

  • Gulf hubs (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi): Cancellation-heavy disruptions.
  • Chinese hubs (Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai): Delay-heavy congestion.
  • Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Singapore, Manila): Delay-dominant disruptions with fewer outright cancellations.

👥 Passenger Guidance

  • Check airline apps or websites for real-time updates.
  • Contact customer service for rebooking.
  • Keep boarding passes and receipts for compensation claims.
  • Allow extra time for airport processing.
  • Confirm onward connections before departure.

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What can you learn from an MBA?

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Executive Elevation: What can you learn from an MBA?

For professionals already operating in the world of business, the question is rarely what an MBA is and more pointedly, what an MBA can actually teach me that experience hasn’t already.

Mid- to senior-level managers, founders, and technical specialists often reach a threshold. They’re capable operators. They understand the role they play. They deliver results. Yet progression to enterprise-level influence, shaping strategy, steering transformation, and leading across disciplines demands a broader and more integrated capability set.

An MBA is designed to push the boundaries of what a qualification is, away from being a collection of business subjects. At its best, it is a structured reset of how you think, decide, and lead.

Expanding from Functional Expertise to Enterprise Vision

One of the most significant shifts MBA graduates experience is moving from functional experience to an enterprise-wide perspective. Many professionals begin their careers as specialists in finance, operations, engineering, marketing, HR, or technology. Over time, they become highly competent within that lane. But executive leadership requires something different: the ability to see how every function connects to value creation.

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An MBA curriculum is designed to bridge these silos. Participants begin to see how capital allocation influences innovation, how supply chain decisions affect brand positioning, and how culture impacts financial performance.

For experienced professionals who cannot step away from their roles, many now choose to study an MBA online, integrating executive-level learning into real-time leadership challenges. The immediate application of theory to practice accelerates the shift from manager of a function to architect of an organisation. This systems-first thinking is often the first major elevation.

Strategic Thinking at Scale

Strategy is frequently misunderstood as planning. In reality, it is disciplined choice-making under uncertainty. MBA programs place heavy emphasis on competitive positioning, resource allocation, market dynamics, and long-term value creation. Through case analysis, simulations, and applied projects, participants learn to interrogate where the organisation should compete, what capabilities truly differentiate it, how scarce capital should be deployed, and which risks are worth taking.

Research consistently shows that strategic thinking ranks among the most valued capabilities employers seek in MBA graduates. In an environment defined by volatility, digital disruption, and geopolitical complexity, this capability can help set you apart. Especially for executives, the MBA sharpens the ability to move beyond quarterly pressures and toward a durable competitive advantage.

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Financial Fluency for Non-Financial Leaders

Even seasoned leaders can underestimate the extent to which financial literacy underpins executive credibility. An MBA deepens understanding of financial statement analysis, capital budgeting, valuation methodologies, mergers and acquisitions, risk modelling, and investment appraisal. The goal is not to turn every participant into a CFO but to ensure every executive can interrogate financial data, assess investment proposals, and understand the implications of strategic decisions on enterprise value.

For founders and business owners, this often becomes transformative. Financial frameworks move from abstract accounting constructs to strategic tools. Leaders become more confident in negotiations, capital raising discussions, and board-level conversations about change.

Leading Through Ambiguity and Change

Modern business leadership is defined less by stability and more by navigation. For this reason, modern MBA programs increasingly focus on change management, adaptive leadership, and organisational behaviour. Participants examine why transformations fail, how culture shapes execution, and how to influence without formal authority.

Through structured reflection and peer challenge, candidates confront their own leadership blind spots. Feedback loops, often uncomfortable but invaluable, accelerate personal growth. The outcome is better management and more resilient, self-aware leadership.

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Data Literacy and Analytical Decision-Making

In boardrooms and executive teams, intuition must now coexist with evidence. MBA programs embed analytics, data visualisation, and decision science into core curricula. Leaders learn to interpret datasets critically, understand statistical significance, challenge flawed assumptions, and translate data into a strategic narrative.

This is particularly relevant as artificial intelligence and automation reshape industries. Senior leaders must understand operational implications as well as governance, ethics, and competitive positioning related to technology. The ability to combine data-driven insight with human judgment is increasingly a defining executive competency.

Communication and Influence at the Executive Level

Technical expertise may secure promotion, but executive presence sustains it. MBA programs devote significant attention to communication. Beyond presentation skills, this includes persuasive framing, negotiation, and stakeholder management.

Through group work, consulting projects, and simulations, participants refine their ability to build compelling business cases, navigate board dynamics, manage cross-functional conflict, influence investors and partners, and inspire high-performing teams. For experienced professionals, this sharpening of interpersonal capability often yields immediate career impact.

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A Broader Professional Network

One of the most underestimated learnings of an MBA is relational. Cohorts typically include professionals from multiple industries, geographies, and functions. Exposure to different operating models and leadership styles expands perspective beyond one’s own sector.

These industry-relevant relationships frequently translate into partnerships, board appointments, referrals, and investment opportunities. For readers operating in established business ecosystems, network density can become a strategic asset in its own right.

Career Acceleration and Economic Outcomes

While learning and leadership development are central, economic impact cannot be ignored. Global recruiter surveys consistently indicate that MBA graduates remain among the most sought-after talent pools for senior roles. C-suite pathways, consulting, private equity, program leadership, and operational directorships are common trajectories. Salary uplifts vary by industry and geography, but longitudinal alumni studies frequently report significant post-MBA increases.

For many executives, the qualification acts as both a capability enhancement and a signalling mechanism, demonstrating commitment to continuous development and readiness for broader responsibility.

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The Psychological Identity Shift into Becoming a Leader

Perhaps the most subtle but powerful learning is internal. An MBA often marks a psychological shift from a high-performing manager to an enterprise leader. The structured exposure to strategy, finance, innovation, and organisational complexity builds confidence to engage at the board level and beyond.

Participants frequently report greater clarity in career direction, a stronger professional identity, and an increased appetite for calculated risk, which all contribute to the ability to deliver congruent leadership. Executive elevation can be about title or remuneration, but it also involves expanding one’s capacity to influence outcomes at scale.

Key Takeaways

In an era of micro-credentials, online certificates, and rapid skill cycles, some question whether the MBA remains relevant. The answer lies in integration. Short courses can sharpen individual tools. An MBA integrates them into a coherent leadership framework. It connects finance to strategy, analytics to innovation, and performance culture to help you stay within the range of jobs that will be in demand for a long time.

An MBA challenges assumptions accumulated through experience and reframes them within contemporary global contexts. For business professionals already immersed in the commercial world, the MBA is, therefore, less about entry and more about expansion. It does not replace experience. It refines it.

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Capstone Copper Corp. (CS:CA) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Operator

Good afternoon, and welcome to the Capstone Copper Q4 2025 Results Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] This call is being recorded on Monday, March 2026. I would now like to turn the conference over to Daniel Sampieri. Please go ahead.

Daniel Sampieri
Vice President of Investor Relations

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Thank you, operator, and thank you, everyone, for joining us today to discuss our fourth quarter results. Please note that the news release and regulatory filings are available on our website and on SEDAR+. If you are logged into the webcast, we will advance the slides of today’s presentation, which are also available in the Investors section of our website. I’m joined today by our President and CEO, Cashel Meagher; our SVP and Chief Operating Officer; Jim Whittaker, our SVP and Chief Financial Officer, Raman Randhawa; and our SVP Risk, ESG and General Counsel, Wendy King.

During the Q&A session at the end of the call, we will also be joined by our Head of Technical Services, Peter Amelunxen, who is available for questions.

Please note that comments made on the call today

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Rs 6.35 lakh crore wiped out as oil spike and war fears grip markets

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Rs 6.35 lakh crore wiped out as oil spike and war fears grip markets
Mumbai: Indian stocks and the rupee slumped while precious metals soared Monday, with investors cutting back on risk in the face of the full-blown conflict between US-Israel and Iran. The sell-off eroded BSE-listed companies’ market value by Rs 6.35 lakh crore.

Oil jumped nearly 8% as concerns over supply disruptions in West Asia – the world’s top energy hub – drove up prices, underscoring India’s vulnerability as a net importer.

NSE’s Nifty fell 312.95 points, or 1.2%, to close at 24,865.70. BSE’s Sensex declined 1048.34 points or 1.3% to end at 80,238.85.

“The markets are reacting to the unprecedented geopolitical events in the Gulf,” said Nilesh Shah, MD, Kotak Asset Management.

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“The Street is concerned about price as well as availability of oil and safety of our nine million plus citizens in West Asia and the flow of remittance,” said Shah.

Screenshot 2026-03-03 055924Agencies

Import Bill may Rise
Brent crude stood near $79 a barrel on Monday after opening above $81 earlier in the day, with the clash shutting the Strait of Hormuz – a key transit route off Iran’s coast used to transport oil and gas. One of Saudi Arabia’s Aramco refineries temporarily halted operations on Monday following an attack by an Iranian drone. If the war continues for longer, oil forecasters are not ruling out Brent at $100.

“Rising West Asia tail risks raise the probability of a $100/bbl oil scenario, arguing for caution on risk assets and patience before buying any near-term dips,” said Barclays in a client note on Monday.

According to media reports, US President Donald Trump expects the conflict to last for about four weeks. The probability of a prolonged conflict comes in the wake of existing concerns over the fallout of AI-related disruptions and unpredictability in the US tariff policy on risk asset valuations in the emerging markets.

Higher crude prices increase India’s import bills, putting pressure on rupee. They simultaneously increase risk of imported inflation, potentially narrowing the policy space for India’s rate-setting panel.

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Foreign portfolio investors net sold shares worth ₹3,295.64 crore on March’s first trading day after turning buyers worth ₹19,782 crore in February.

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Gold extends gains as Middle East war boosts safe-haven demand

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Gold extends gains as Middle East war boosts safe-haven demand
Gold prices rose for a fifth consecutive session on Tuesday, as investors sought safe-havens amid an escalating U.S. and Israeli air war against Iran, raising fears the conflict could spiral into a protracted regional war and deepen uncertainty.

FUNDAMENTALS

  • Spot gold was up 1% at $5,377.21 per ounce, as of 0122 GMT. In the previous session, bullion climbed to its highest point ‌in more than ⁠four ⁠weeks after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran over the weekend.
  • U.S. gold futures for April delivery were up 1.5% at $5,391.90.
  • The dollar hovered close to a more than five-week high reached on Monday, supported by firm demand and cautious market sentiment.
  • A stronger greenback typically makes dollar-denominated assets such as bullion more expensive for other currency holders. But in crisis conditions, gold trades more as ⁠a risk hedge ‌than as a currency alternative.
  • Iranian media reported that a senior official from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards said on Monday the Strait ⁠of Hormuz has been closed and warned that Iran would fire on any ship trying to pass through the strategic waterway.
  • This is Iran’s most explicit warning since telling ships it was closing the export route on Saturday, a move that threatens to choke a fifth of global oil flows and send crude prices sharply higher.
  • U.S. President Donald Trump said that he ordered the attack on Iran to thwart what he described ‌as imminent threats from Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, vowed to pursue the conflict for as long as necessary, while warned a “big wave” of further attacks was ⁠coming soon, without providing specific details.
  • The attack on Iran has pitched the Gulf into war, killed scores of civilians in Iran, Israel and Lebanon, thrown global air transport into chaos and shut down shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Spot silver rose 1.4% to $90.67 per ounce on Tuesday, after climbing to a more than four-week high in the previous session.
  • Spot platinum added 0.6% to $2,316.50 per ounce, while palladium gained 1.6% to $1,795.08.
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Yen, euro under pressure as Middle East conflict stokes energy concerns

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Yen, euro under pressure as Middle East conflict stokes energy concerns
TOKYO: The yen and euro were broadly lower on Tuesday as the widening Middle East conflict focused attention on countries dependent on energy imports and how central banks may respond to inflation pressures.

The dollar benefited from safe-haven demand as the U.S. and Israeli air war against Iran spilled out into neighboring countries. The euro steadied after sliding more than 1% as doubts swirled about when oil shipments from ‌the region will ⁠be restored.

Japanese ⁠Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama suggested that currency market intervention remains an option to defend the yen, and a speech by Bank of Japan Kazuo Ueda later in the day will be closely watched for signals on future rate hikes.

“Europe and Japan stand out within the major economies, in that they still have a great need to import energy,” Rodrigo Catril, a currency strategist at National Australia Bank, said on a podcast. “History will tell you that currencies such as the ⁠yen and the ‌euro would struggle to perform.”

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The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, traded at 98.49 after a 0.9% surge in the previous session. ⁠The euro edged up 0.07% to $1.1695.


The yen tacked on 0.09% to 157.2 per dollar after a 0.8% tumble in Monday’s session. Sterling was little changed at $1.3407.
Japan’s Katayama said on Tuesday that authorities have been in close contact with overseas financial officials and are closely monitoring financial markets with an “extremely strong sense of urgency.” Israel attacked Lebanon in response to strikes by Hezbollah, and Tehran kept up its missile and drone attacks on Gulf states. Qatar halted its production of liquefied natural gas on Monday, prompting precautionary ‌shutdowns of oil and gas facilities across the Middle East.

Europe and Japan are more exposed to higher energy costs than the U.S., which is a net energy exporter.

Concerns that higher inflation will delay ⁠the Federal Reserve’s next cut in interest rates also boosted the dollar.

A rate cut is no longer fully priced in until September, compared to previous expectations of July, based on pricing in the Fed funds futures market. Traders continue to price in two 25-basis-point cuts by year-end.

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The Swiss National Bank said it was more willing to intervene in foreign currency markets after the conflict in the Middle East pushed the Swiss franc to its highest level against the euro in more than a decade.

The Australian dollar strengthened 0.21% to $0.7106. The kiwi added 0.1% to $0.5946.

In cryptocurrencies, bitcoin fell 0.78% to $68,889.68 and ether declined 0.6% to $2,031.20.

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