Shares of Bajaj Finance extended their decline for the second consecutive session on Friday and have declined nearly 18% in March so far as the war between Iran and Israel-US spooked investors. This comes as experts highlight the prolonged geopolitical conflict’s possible macroeconomic impact on India.The war between Iran and Israel-US is about to enter its fourth week, which has rattled markets, with Dalal Street being no exception. A significant portion of investors’ wealth has been wiped off since the beginning of the war, as rallying oil prices and the gas crisis weighed.

If the Middle East conflict continues to push up energy prices and disrupt supplies, India could face pressure on the rupee, higher inflation and a widening current account deficit, Moody’s Ratings had said. “Costly energy imports would weaken the rupee, raise inflation, worsen the current account balance and complicate monetary policy as well as fiscal management if they lead to expanded subsidies to help offset the economic shock,” it added.

“But a prolonged disruption in navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, beyond our baseline of a few weeks, would likely trigger sustained supply shortages; prices averaging higher than USD 100 per barrel for Brent, the main international benchmark crude; higher inflation; tighter financial conditions; and slower global growth,” it further said. Rising inflation expectations will lead to concerns over the RBI having lower margin to ease monetary policy.

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“India is a resilient country with strong fundamentals. While we have war raging on, Indians understand the challenges and are willing to work with the government. There will be a shortfall in economic activity in the short run, but we will make up for it in the coming months,” said Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal during a fireside chat with CNBC-TV18 earlier this month.

Notably, some ships have been able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, easing oil prices slightly today. Yet, worries over the continuing war are keeping investors on edge.
The recent decline in Bajaj Finance’s share price comes amid an overall drop in financial services and banking stocks. Bajaj Finance shares have declined more than 20% in the past one month, wiping off more than Rs 1 lakh crore from its market capitalisation since the beginning of the war in early March to fall to nearly Rs 5 lakh crore.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Oscar-winning actress is set to star as the female lead in the upcoming “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” marking her entry into one of cinema’s most iconic fantasy franchises after previously turning down a role in Peter Jackson’s original trilogy.

The announcement, reported March 11 by industry outlets including Deadline and Variety, comes as Winslet continues a prolific phase in her career. Directed by Andy Serkis, who reprises his motion-capture role as Gollum, the film is scheduled to begin principal photography in New Zealand from May through October 2026, with a planned release date of Dec. 17, 2027.

Sources close to the production described Winslet’s role as the female lead, though specific character details remain under wraps. Jackson, who helmed the groundbreaking 2001-2003 trilogy, has been involved in development alongside Serkis, and reports indicate efforts to secure Winslet spanned much of 2025.

Winslet’s casting follows her recent work in James Cameron’s “Avatar” sequel “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” which wrapped prior to this announcement. Her addition to the Middle-earth saga has generated significant excitement among fans, given her history of powerful, transformative performances in period dramas, biopics and intense character studies.

The news caps a year of bold career moves for the 50-year-old British actress. In late 2025, Winslet made her feature directorial debut with the intimate family drama “Goodbye June,” which she also produced and starred in. Written by her son Joe Anders when he was 19, the film explores themes of loss, grief and family bonds, drawing from personal experiences including the death of Anders’ grandmother.

Released in select theaters in December 2025 and streaming on Netflix shortly after, “Goodbye June” features a stellar ensemble including Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, Amy Adams, Andrea Riseborough and Timothy Spall. Winslet has described the project as a deeply personal milestone, undertaken in her 50th year as a deliberate step toward creative control.

In interviews promoting the film, Winslet spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of directing. She emphasized creating a set environment rooted in “integrity, grace and kindness,” drawing on lessons from her decades as an actor. She convinced Mirren to join by persuading her to break one of her personal rules, though details of that conversation remain private.

Winslet also reflected on the emotional toll of past roles. In a January 2026 appearance on the “Lessons from Our Mothers” podcast and other outlets, she revealed needing “proper help” after portraying detective Mare Sheehan in the 2021 HBO limited series “Mare of Easttown.” The critically acclaimed performance earned her widespread praise, but Winslet admitted the role left her “a bit mad,” prompting her to seek support to process the intensity.

The actress has been vocal about broader industry issues. In recent interviews, she criticized the “terrifying and devastating” prevalence of plastic surgery and the pressure on women in Hollywood, including the rise of weight-loss drugs. She has long advocated for body positivity, drawing from early career experiences where she faced harsh commentary about her appearance.

Winslet’s journey in the spotlight began with her breakout in 1994’s “Heavenly Creatures,” followed by global fame as Rose DeWitt Bukater in 1997’s “Titanic.” Despite the film’s massive success, she has spoken about the invasive media scrutiny that followed, describing it as “appalling” in a December 2025 BBC interview. She coped by focusing on personal grounding — “a good meal and a good poo,” as she quipped — and prioritizing family.

Beyond acting and directing, Winslet has ventured into producing and narration. She narrated the Prime Video documentary “Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision,” premiering in February 2026, praising King Charles III for uniting diverse communities. She also appeared in promotional discussions for festive projects, nodding to her enduring association with “The Holiday” (2006), whose iconic cottage continues to captivate fans.

As Winslet prepares to head to New Zealand for “The Hunt for Gollum,” the project represents a full-circle moment. Having declined involvement in the original “Lord of the Rings” films, her decision to join now underscores her ongoing evolution as an artist unafraid of epic-scale storytelling.

Industry observers anticipate the film will draw on the visual and narrative legacy of Jackson’s trilogy while introducing new elements centered on Gollum’s pursuit. Serkis, known for his groundbreaking performance work, brings a unique perspective as director.

For Winslet, the role adds another layer to a career defined by versatility — from the emotional depths of “The Reader” (for which she won the 2008 best actress Oscar) to the quiet strength of “Lee” (2023), where she portrayed war photographer Lee Miller and took on producing duties.

As production looms, Winslet’s fans and the fantasy community await further details on her character and how she will inhabit the world of Middle-earth. With her recent directorial success and outspoken advocacy, the actress continues to redefine what it means to thrive in Hollywood on her own terms.

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Another client of the firm, Gerardo Vece, from Buckinghamshire, told the BBC: “I have oil and gas investments which are leveraged and designed to be held for less than one day, so they are very volatile right now, and I can’t trade them online or over the phone or even access my account.”

BRISBANE, Australia — Former Brisbane Lions captain and three-time premiership hero Jonathan Brown is recovering from surgery to remove a low-grade brain tumour, the AFL great announced Friday in a heartfelt social media post that has drawn an outpouring of support from the football community.

The 44-year-old Brown, widely regarded as one of the Brisbane Lions’ all-time greats, underwent the procedure on Wednesday after a routine scan revealed a shadow on his brain that turned out to be the tumour. He described the outcome as positive and said he plans to share more details once he has recuperated, but for now is focusing on rest and recovery.

“After undergoing a routine scan, I was recently made aware of a shadow on my brain that turned out to be a low-grade brain tumour,” Brown wrote on Instagram alongside a photo from his hospital bed, showing him embracing his wife Kylie with a bandage visible on his head. “I underwent surgery Wednesday with a positive outcome.

“I understand a surgery of this nature creates interest and once I have recuperated, I will share my experience but for now I need to take some time to rest and recover.”

The news sent shockwaves through the AFL world, where Brown remains a beloved figure both for his on-field dominance and his post-retirement work as a respected television commentator on Fox Footy. Colleagues and former teammates quickly rallied with messages of support.

During Friday night’s Fox Footy broadcast, co-host Garry Lyon delivered a touching tribute, saying, “We send you our love, big fella. Take it easy, rest up, recuperate and we look forward to seeing your ugly mug back on here in the not too distant future.” Lyon described Brown as “one of the genuine good blokes of footy,” echoing the sentiment shared across social media and fan forums.

Brown’s career with the Brisbane Lions spanned from 2000 to 2014, during which he played 246 games, kicked 594 goals and captained the club. He was a key member of the Lions’ historic three-peat premiership sides in 2001, 2002 and 2003 under coach Leigh Matthews. Known for his powerful marking, accurate goal-kicking and leadership, Brown earned All-Australian honours four times and finished second in the Brownlow Medal in 2007.

His retirement in 2014 came after a series of concussions, a reminder of the physical toll the game can take. Brown has since become a prominent voice in media, offering insightful analysis while maintaining close ties to the Lions and the broader AFL community.

The discovery of the tumour during a routine medical check-up highlights the unpredictable nature of health issues that can affect even the fittest former athletes. Low-grade brain tumours, while serious, are often slower-growing and more treatable than higher-grade varieties, with surgery frequently offering a strong prognosis when caught early.

Brown’s announcement comes at a time when the AFL continues to grapple with player welfare concerns, including concussion management and long-term health impacts. His experience may prompt further discussion about regular health screenings for retired players.

The Brisbane Lions issued a statement expressing their support. “The entire Lions family is behind Browny during this time,” the club said. “He’s been an inspiration on and off the field, and we’re confident he’ll approach his recovery with the same determination that made him a champion.”

Tributes poured in from across the league. Former teammates, rival players and fans flooded social media with messages wishing him a speedy recovery. Many highlighted Brown’s humility and warmth, qualities that have endeared him to generations of supporters.

James Brayshaw, another Fox Footy personality, added his voice to the chorus of well-wishes, calling Brown a “true legend” whose resilience would carry him through this challenge.

Brown’s family has remained by his side throughout the process. Kylie Brown, his wife of many years, appeared in the hospital photo, underscoring the personal support network bolstering his recovery.

As Brown begins the rehabilitation phase, medical experts note that recovery from brain tumour surgery can vary depending on factors such as the tumour’s location, the extent of the procedure and individual health. Patients often require time to regain strength, manage potential side effects and resume normal activities.

The former forward’s decision to go public reflects his straightforward approach, a trait that defined his playing days. By sharing the news, he aims to reduce speculation while emphasizing privacy during his initial healing period.

The AFL community has a long history of rallying around its own in times of adversity. From past instances of players facing serious illnesses to recent welfare initiatives, the sport prides itself on solidarity.

Brown’s case serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility, even for those who once seemed invincible on the field. His positive outlook and the early success of the surgery offer hope to others facing similar battles.

As he rests and recuperates, the football world waits patiently for his return to commentary or whatever path he chooses next. For now, the focus remains on his health and the love pouring in from every corner of the game.

Jonathan “Browny” Brown, the big-hearted Lion who delivered so much joy to fans, now asks only for time and space — a request the entire code is happy to honour.

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A sharp rise in UK government borrowing has intensified concerns that ministers will have limited capacity to shield households from a looming surge in energy bills, as geopolitical tensions push inflation risks higher.

Official figures show public sector net borrowing reached £14.3 billion in February, the second-highest level for the month since records began and significantly above economists’ expectations of £8.8 billion. The figure was also £2.2 billion higher than the same period last year, underlining mounting fiscal pressure even before the escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

The data, released by the Office for National Statistics, reflects a widening gap between government spending and tax income. While receipts increased, they were outweighed by higher expenditure and the timing of debt interest payments, highlighting the growing burden of servicing the UK’s national debt.

The deterioration in the public finances comes at a critical moment. Since the outbreak of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, global energy markets have been thrown into volatility, pushing up oil and gas prices and raising fears of a renewed inflationary shock.

Economists warn that this combination of higher borrowing and rising debt costs significantly constrains the government’s ability to repeat the kind of large-scale energy support packages deployed during the 2022 cost-of-living crisis.

Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said there was little room for manoeuvre. “We doubt there is scope for a large-scale fiscal support package like that seen in 2022, even in more extreme scenarios,” she said, adding that any assistance offered would likely be more limited due to the UK’s “worse fiscal position”.

That view was echoed by Charlie Bean, former deputy governor of the Bank of England, who said the government no longer has the same financial flexibility it enjoyed during previous energy shocks.

Financial markets have already begun to react. Government borrowing costs have risen sharply in recent weeks as investors factor in the prospect of higher inflation driven by surging energy prices. This has increased the cost of servicing the UK’s debt pile, with around one in every ten pounds of public spending now going towards interest payments.

Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said the latest borrowing figures would make uncomfortable reading for the Treasury. “With the chancellor under pressure to act swiftly to protect households from the impact of the latest energy price shock, today’s numbers won’t make great reading,” she said.

The scale of the challenge is compounded by forecasts that household energy bills could rise by more than £300 from July, according to consultancy Cornwall Insight, although the final figure remains subject to market movements.

While borrowing over the broader financial year remains lower than previously forecast, the February spike highlights the volatility in the UK’s fiscal position. Analysts noted that part of the increase reflects technical factors, including the timing of debt interest payments, but the underlying trend remains concerning.

Lindsay James, investment strategist at Quilter, said hopes that the government was regaining control of the public finances had been short-lived. “There were glimmers of hope that borrowing was being reined in after January’s record surplus, but the latest data has put a swift end to that picture,” she said.

The UK’s debt burden remains elevated at 93.1 per cent of GDP, close to levels last seen in the early 1960s, limiting the government’s ability to deploy further fiscal stimulus without risking market confidence.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray insisted the government had the “right economic plan” and was prepared for a more volatile global environment. However, political pressure is mounting, with critics arguing that rising borrowing and debt costs are narrowing the policy options available.

For households and businesses already grappling with high living costs, the message is increasingly clear: any government intervention to offset rising energy bills is likely to be more targeted, more modest, and far less generous than in previous crises.

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SYDNEY — The Australian stock market extended its losing streak Friday, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index closing at 8,428.40, down 69.40 points or 0.82%, marking a fresh four-month low and its third consecutive weekly decline.

The close came after a volatile week dominated by escalating Middle East conflict, surging oil prices, tumbling commodity values and renewed fears of higher interest rates from major central banks. Since early March, when the index peaked near 9,200, the ASX 200 has shed more than 8%, wiping out year-to-date gains and erasing hundreds of billions in market value.

Trading opened lower and remained under pressure throughout the session, with the index dipping to an intraday low of 8,427.20 before a modest late-session stabilization. Volume was solid as investors repositioned amid heightened uncertainty.

The sell-off reflected broader global risk aversion triggered by Iran’s strikes on key energy infrastructure in Qatar and retaliatory actions involving Israel. Brent crude oil prices surged past US$110 a barrel earlier in the week before paring some gains, but the spike fueled inflation concerns and dimmed expectations for near-term rate cuts.

In Australia, the heavyweight materials sector — dominated by mining giants — bore the brunt of the pain, sliding around 1.5% on Friday. Iron ore, copper and aluminum prices weakened sharply, dragging BHP Group down 1.8% and Rio Tinto 2.9%. Gold miners suffered even steeper losses after bullion prices extended declines amid a stronger U.S. dollar and higher-for-longer rate outlook, with the gold sub-sector down nearly 10% for the week in some sessions.

Banking stocks, another key driver of the index, fell 1.1%. The big four lenders — Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB and ANZ — all finished in the red as bond yields rose on expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may need to hike rates further to combat imported inflation from energy costs.

Countering the gloom, energy stocks provided the session’s bright spot, rising 0.7% to multi-week highs. Shares of Viva Energy soared on exposure to refined product margins amid disrupted supply chains, while Woodside Energy and Santos benefited from the crude rally. Coal producers like Yancoal and New Hope also rallied as market participants eyed potential substitution demand for gas.

The broader market context included fresh domestic data showing unemployment edging up to 4.3% while jobs growth surprised to the upside. However, money markets fully priced in two additional RBA rate hikes this year, pushing the terminal rate outlook to around 4.6% — the highest in over a decade. Overseas, the U.S. Federal Reserve held rates steady but projected only one cut for the year while lifting its inflation forecast, reinforcing a hawkish global tone.

Analysts noted that the ASX 200’s retreat has brought it dangerously close to bear market territory in certain sub-sectors, particularly resources. The index’s 2.2% weekly drop marked the third straight loss, with cumulative declines since the Iran-related escalation wiping out an estimated A$280 billion in market capitalization across the bourse.

Market strategists pointed to the interplay of geopolitical risks and monetary policy as the primary drivers. “The combination of oil spiking on supply disruptions and central banks signaling caution on easing has created a perfect storm for risk assets,” one Sydney-based fund manager said. “Miners and growth stocks are feeling the heat, while defensive and energy plays are finding some refuge.”

Individual stock highlights included sharp falls in gold names like Northern Star Resources and Newmont, alongside junior miners such as Ora Banda Mining, which plunged more than 7%. On the upside, energy-related counters led gainers, with some coal stocks posting gains of 5-7%.

Looking ahead, investors will monitor developments in the Middle East, where diplomatic efforts — including U.S. calls for de-escalation and international support for securing key shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz — could influence oil trajectories. Domestically, upcoming RBA commentary and inflation data will be scrutinized for clues on policy direction.

Despite the recent turmoil, longer-term observers remain cautiously optimistic about Australia’s resource-heavy economy. The nation’s exposure to commodities positions it to benefit if global demand rebounds, though near-term volatility appears set to persist.

The ASX 200’s year-to-date performance now sits down around 3.3%, contrasting with the strong finish to 2025 when the index notched positive returns for the third consecutive year. Technical analysts note the breach of key support levels, with the next major floor potentially near 8,200-8,300.

As markets digest Friday’s close, attention shifts to next week’s corporate earnings tail-end and any geopolitical breakthroughs. For now, the Australian share market remains in correction mode, reflecting the broader challenge of navigating war-induced uncertainty alongside stubborn inflation pressures.

The session underscored the interconnectedness of global events and local equities, with energy security and central bank caution dominating the narrative. While energy stocks offered pockets of resilience, the overall tone was defensive as investors braced for prolonged volatility.