After the market sell-off, fund managers are broadly aligned on one message: share valuations are no longer stretched, but it’s still not the time to make aggressive bets. The decline in equities has narrowed India’s valuation premium, removed excess froth in overheated segments and brought large-cap stocks back to more comfortable levels, according to chief investment officers of six mutual funds. They remain sceptical about the prospects of mid-cap and small-cap stocks.

Most managers are advising investors to stay invested but stagger their entries, using systematic or phased allocation strategies rather than chasing a quick rebound.

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In the Nifty500 pack, nine stocks’ closing prices crossed above their 200 DMA (Daily Moving Averages) on April 6, 2026, according to stockedge.com’s technical scan data. The 200-day daily moving average (DMA) is used by traders as a key indicator for determining the overall trend in a particular stock. As long as the stock is priced above the 200-day SMA on the daily timeframe, it is generally considered to be in an overall uptrend. Take a look:

Oil prices continued to climb on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his stance on Iran, warning of tougher action if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments.

Trump warned that Iran would face serious consequences if it missed his 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday deadline to reopen the strait, saying the country “could be taken out” if it failed to comply. He went further, stating that the U.S. could destroy all of Iran’s bridges and power plants “within four hours” if no agreement is reached.

Crude oil price on April 7

Brent crude futures gained 57 cents, or 0.5%, to $110.34 per barrel as of 1202 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.26, or 1.1%, to $113.67 per barrel.At the same time, he claimed that Iranians were prepared to endure hardship for their freedom, referring to intercepted communications that allegedly urged the U.S. to “please keep bombing.”

Iran, responding to a U.S. proposal conveyed through mediator Pakistan, rejected the idea of a ceasefire. It insisted that only a permanent end to the war would be acceptable and resisted pressure to restore access to the strait.
Iranian forces shut the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. and Israeli attacks began on February 28, disrupting a passage that typically accounts for around 20% of global oil flows.
Supply risks were further heightened after Russia said Ukrainian drones struck the Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s terminal on the Black Sea on Monday. The facility, which handles about 1.5% of global oil supply, reportedly suffered damage to loading and storage infrastructure.
Meanwhile, OPEC+ agreed on Sunday to increase oil output quotas by 206,000 barrels per day in May. However, the actual impact may be limited, as several members are unable to raise production due to export constraints caused by the strait closure.

What’s next?

Crude oil is holding at elevated levels, reflecting sustained strength driven by supply disruption fears, while natural gas remains largely range-bound with mild volatility, indicating a balanced demand-supply scenario.

International brokerage Macquarie has said that even if tensions ease in the near term, oil prices are likely to find support in the $85–$90 range, with a gradual move back toward $110 until normal flows through the Strait of Hormuz resume. The note added that if disruptions persist through April, Brent could still climb to $150 per barrel.

Looking ahead, crude prices could move higher from current levels. According to Kayanat Chainwala of Kotak Securities, oil may rise to $120 per barrel in the near term and potentially touch $150 if the conflict continues.

Nuvama Institutional Equities echoes the same view. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles around 20 million barrels per day, could push crude prices to the $110–150 per barrel range.

Experts say if ongoing tensions persist, the outlook for crude oil remains volatile and tilted upward. Continued conflict in the Middle East, especially disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, would keep supply chains constrained, pushing Brent and WTI prices higher and sustaining inflationary pressures worldwide.

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

Advancing payment innovations and enhancing regional connectivity in Thailand and ASEAN, with a focus on future trade financing solutions and fostering collaboration through forthcoming conferences.

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Key Points

• Payments Innovation: Focus on advancements in payment systems aimed at enhancing trade and financial transactions in Thailand and the broader ASEAN region.
• Regional Connectivity: Emphasis on building strong connections and collaborations among ASEAN nations to boost regional trade effectiveness and efficiency.
• Future Financing Solutions: Introduction of innovative financing services by TFG designed to support and facilitate the growth of trade in tomorrow’s market.

Payment Innovations in Thailand’s ASEAN Landscape

Thailand is emerging as a leader in payment innovations within the ASEAN region, leveraging technology to enhance transactional efficiency. The country’s initiatives place emphasis on digital payment systems that cater to both consumers and businesses, ensuring that financial inclusion is at the forefront of these developments. By enhancing transactional mechanisms, Thai fintech companies are fostering a more interconnected economy, enabling seamless transactions across borders within ASEAN. This not only boosts local businesses but also facilitates international trade, paving the way for dynamic economic growth in the region.

Enhancing Regional Connectivity

The drive for enhanced regional connectivity is central to the payment innovations being observed in Thailand. Efforts are being made to create interoperable payment systems that allow for easy fund transfers between countries in Southeast Asia. Such advancements are critical in addressing barriers to trade and commerce, promoting a fluid exchange of goods and services. By focusing on collaboration among ASEAN nations, Thailand aims to unify various financial networks, thereby promoting economic cooperation and stability across the region. This creates a robust framework for businesses to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Future Directions and Challenges

Despite the exciting prospects of payment innovations, challenges remain in ensuring security and regulatory compliance across different jurisdictions. As Thailand leads the charge in modernizing payment systems, the necessity for robust cybersecurity protocols becomes paramount to safeguard users’ information. Additionally, aligning national regulations with ASEAN’s broader goals requires meticulous planning and cooperation. As these innovations mature, the focus will also need to shift towards sustaining growth through continuous investment in technology and talent. Ensuring that the regional payment ecosystem remains secure and efficient will be vital for long-term success in ASEAN.

Source : Payments innovation and regional connectivity from Thailand and across ASEAN

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