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Global financial markets remain on edge as geopolitical tensions continue to unfold, leaving investors uncertain about the near-term direction of equities and the global economy. The absence of clarity over how the conflict may evolve has resulted in sharp swings across markets, with investors reacting to headlines and shifting geopolitical signals.

Santosh Rao from Manhattan Venture Partners said the volatility currently visible in global markets is a natural reaction to the uncertain environment. “The market being jittery is the right reaction. We just do not know where it is going. The rhetoric is bouncing around here and there,” Rao said in an interaction with ET Now. He added that the situation could continue for some time as both sides appear unwilling to de-escalate quickly. “Trump always has a habit of being bombastic and then he pulls it back. Iranians are pretty set on having their way. So, this is going to go on for a while,” he said.

The ongoing tensions are also raising concerns about broader economic consequences, particularly the risk of inflation and supply disruptions. Rao noted that the conflict comes at a time when the global economy is already dealing with multiple challenges. “This is the last thing the world needs right now. It has inflationary impact. It has the fear impact,” he said, explaining that markets tend to discount future risks well in advance.

A key concern for investors is the potential disruption of crude oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy shipments. Any prolonged disruption could push oil prices higher and place pressure on economies across the world, including emerging markets like India. “It is going to be very dangerous, very bad. It is not going to be good for the economies,” Rao said, warning that the conflict could have lasting economic repercussions. He also cautioned that even if hostilities were to end soon, the psychological impact on markets and businesses could persist. “A bomb here, a bomb there… that puts a chilling effect on the economy and sentiment,” he said.

Given the uncertainty, Rao advised investors to remain cautious rather than rushing to buy stocks during market weakness. “For bottom fishers, okay, you can get in… but at this point we do not know where the bottom is,” he said, adding that it may be wiser for investors to stay patient and closely monitor developments.

At the same time, he pointed out that history suggests markets often recover after major geopolitical shocks. Referring to past trends, Rao said markets tend to rebound once the initial wave of fear subsides. “History is some guide. One, three and six months after a big event like this the market tends to be higher,” he said, noting that strong business fundamentals often help equities regain ground over time.
Energy markets remain another key variable in the current environment. Oil prices have surged amid fears of supply disruptions, but Rao believes prices could eventually stabilise as stakeholders work to restore normal flows. “There is definitely going to be some disruption and some price disruption,” he said, adding that crude could spike further if tensions persist.However, he also noted that economic realities may eventually encourage a return to normalcy. “Everybody needs oil. Iran also needs the oil money,” Rao said, emphasising that energy trade remains vital for all parties involved.

For now, investors remain focused on geopolitical developments and their potential economic impact. Until greater clarity emerges, markets are likely to remain volatile as participants weigh short-term risks against the possibility of recovery once tensions begin to ease.

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Despite a brief rebound in equities, market experts believe investors should remain cautious as global uncertainties continue to weigh on sentiment. The recent uptick in markets may have offered some relief, but analysts say it is premature to conclude that the turbulence triggered by geopolitical developments has fully subsided.

Responding to a query on whether markets have already absorbed the impact of the West Asia tensions, Dharmesh Kant from Cholamandalam Securities said the pressure on equities had begun even before the latest geopolitical flare-up.

“I do not think the poison is out of the system. I mean, there are two parts to it. Before this West Asia crisis happened or the Anthropic event happened, the market was already under pressure, there was selling happening despite Q3 numbers being good in anticipation that numbers are likely to be better. So, the point what I am trying to make is whether 12% to 15% kind of an earnings growth is good enough for two times of PE multiple on the indices which is undergoing a resetting kind of a last one-and-a-half year is suggestive of that,” he said in an interview with ET Now.

According to Kant, the geopolitical developments have merely accelerated an already ongoing correction. He pointed out that the current situation in West Asia could remain prolonged, which may keep markets volatile.

“Having that at the backdrop of the entire scenario, these news flows just fasten up, hurry up the selling pressure which is there in the market. So West Asia is still very early stage. Iran over 20-25 years they have a tendency to prolong the war and they do not give in easily, Iraq-Iran war is a testimony of that. So, this is going to aggravate and extend further,” he said.

He warned that the conflict could lead to supply-driven inflation pressures, adding another layer of uncertainty for global markets.
“So, the headwinds in the form of supply-led inflation is likely to be there. How it is to be negotiated is again ad hoc kind of a mechanism and we will be reacting to day-to-day news in the market. So, the selling may slow down. I mean, the capitulation may not be there from here on, but the likely rise in the market is not expected,” Kant noted.Given this backdrop, he said his investment approach remains cautious with a selective focus on sectors that could benefit from domestic economic activity.

“So, we are very cautious on the market, only few sectors which we will be buying on declines and those are like banking is one space where we still feel there is a lot of scope out there, banking, infra, building materials, metals, and automobiles to a certain extent. Other than that just stay on the sidelines and watch how things unfold,” he added.

On the defence sector, Kant maintained a positive long-term outlook, even though stock price momentum has been uneven in the past year.

“See, what happens for defence companies is like we have been bullish on this sector for last two years, though last one year has not been good on the stock price front, but the momentum as far as the order inflows was there is still there. I mean, there is a continuity of order intake coming in and the run rate of execution of say 12% to 15% that is a feasible run rate which is doable for defence companies, they have been doing that,” he said.

However, he explained that companies involved in large defence manufacturing projects naturally have longer execution timelines.

“Except BEL because it is more of a day-to-day supply kind of a company, so their execution is much faster, but say Mazagon Dock or Cochin Shipyard or for example HAL they are building ships and aircrafts, combat helicopters which takes time. It is not that in one or two quarter the delivery can be there,” he added.

Kant emphasised that the structural opportunity in the defence sector remains intact, supported by strong order books and increasing localisation of manufacturing.

“So, long-term we are very bullish on that. I mean, the order book itself is 4.5x to 5x of the bill ratio and the margins have been improving because more of the input is being now manufactured in India. So, the make in India concept, almost 60% of the components going two years down the line will be manufactured in India. So that is a thematic structural play,” he said.

He suggested that investors should accumulate quality defence names during corrections rather than chasing rallies.

“So, the strategy is wherever there is a decline because of any adverse reporting by few brokerages or anything like that or one or two bad quarters you should buy there, do not buy it on the rally, and the top pick still remains BEL and HAL and Mazagon Dock. So, these are three counters where we think if you are holder for two to three years very good prospects out there and it is a solid counter because these orders will get executed and the numbers on the P&L will be there for you to see,” Kant said.

When asked about portfolio positioning amid shifting global trade dynamics, Kant said his strategy has always been tilted towards domestic demand rather than export-driven opportunities.

“We were always domestic facing. We have never tilted our portfolio based on FTAs being signed because it has been signed. It is one year more is there for things, the fine print to come out and how it is being negotiated and Europe is a very tough country to trade with because there are so many environmental norms and other human rights norms are there to adhere to that,” he explained.

He added that compliance challenges and evolving global tariff structures make export-oriented bets uncertain in the near term.

“And now since tariff of US is again subject to every day change, every three or four days it has been changing so 25%, 15%, 10%, now again they are saying 15% and then five months down the line it will go up. So, this is one theme which you should totally ignore and avoid,” he said.

Instead, Kant believes investors should focus on sectors closely tied to India’s domestic growth story.

“But the safest is inward facing domestic economy and there we think the infra space will continue to do well. The cement will continue to do well. Metals, the domestic manufacturers will be having a business at their hand. At the same time because banking is a proxy to all, it will be garnering business,” he said.

However, he advised caution on non-banking financial companies due to the possibility of interest rates staying higher for longer.

“The only thing which we now think should be avoided to a certain extent is the NBFC space because interest rate down cycle is likely to be paused at least for this year in light of what is happening and inflation may pick up going forward. So, there will be some cost of funds being hiked up for the NBFC space, not for the banking space because they are largely deposit-led liability side, so they would be better off,” Kant added.

Overall, he remains constructive on sectors linked to India’s structural growth themes.

“So, the very basic structural economy facing sectors is what we are bullish on. Automobiles you still buy on declines,” he said.

Tyriq Withers takes center stage opposite Maika Monroe in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel “Reminders of Him,” set to open in theaters nationwide this Friday, March 13, 2026.

The romantic drama, directed by Vanessa Caswill from a screenplay co-written by Hoover and Lauren Levine, explores themes of redemption, motherhood, forgiveness and second chances. It follows Kenna Rowan (Monroe), a young mother released from prison after a tragic accident, as she fights to reconnect with her young daughter Diem, who has been raised by her late boyfriend’s parents.

Facing rejection from Diem’s grandparents, Kenna finds an unlikely ally in Ledger Ward, a former NFL player turned local bar owner portrayed by Withers. Ledger, who shared a deep bond with Kenna’s deceased boyfriend Scotty, grapples with his own grief while developing a complicated relationship with Kenna that challenges loyalties and forces everyone to confront painful truths.

Withers, known for his breakout role in the Hulu series “Tell Me Lies” and recent appearances in “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and the psychological thriller “Him,” brings emotional depth to Ledger. The actor described the role as “deeply personal” in social media posts, alluding to the loss of his brother in 2021. Hoover herself praised Withers’ casting on Instagram, noting his ability to convey quiet strength and vulnerability suited the character’s arc.

The film marks a significant step in Withers’ rising career trajectory. After gaining attention for nuanced performances in television and independent features, his turn as Ledger positions him as a leading man in a major studio release from Universal Pictures. Early screenings have drawn praise for the chemistry between Withers and Monroe, with one featurette highlighting their on-set rapport as key to the story’s emotional core.

The ensemble cast adds further star power. Rudy Pankow (“Outer Banks”) plays Scotty Landry in flashbacks, while Lauren Graham (“Gilmore Girls”) and Bradley Whitford portray Diem’s protective grandparents, Grace and Patrick. Country music star Lainey Wilson makes her film debut as Kenna’s supportive friend and coworker Amy, bringing authenticity to the small-town Wyoming setting.

Hoover’s 2022 novel became a global sensation, topping bestseller lists with its raw portrayal of grief and healing. The book’s success follows the massive box-office run of “It Ends with Us” in 2024, starring Blake Lively, which grossed over $340 million worldwide and sparked renewed interest in Hoover adaptations. “Reminders of Him” continues that momentum, appealing to the dedicated “BookTok” community that has propelled Hoover’s works to mainstream success.

The official trailer, released in late 2025, amassed millions of views across platforms, teasing poignant moments of heartbreak and hope. Lines like “You can’t rewrite the past, but you can start again” capture the film’s central message, while visuals showcase the stark Wyoming landscapes contrasting intimate, emotional confrontations.

Production wrapped in 2025 after filming in authentic small-town locations to mirror the novel’s setting. Caswill, known for her work on British television dramas, brings a grounded, character-driven approach to the material, emphasizing quiet performances over melodrama.

Advance ticket sales have been strong, particularly in markets with large female audiences drawn to Hoover’s storytelling. Theaters report robust pre-sales for opening weekend, with many chains offering special screenings and book tie-ins. Fandango and other platforms list widespread showtimes starting Friday, with formats including standard, IMAX and premium large formats in select locations.

Critics who attended early previews have noted the film’s emotional weight, with Withers’ portrayal of Ledger earning particular acclaim for balancing tenderness and conflict. The movie carries a PG-13 rating for thematic elements including grief, substance references and mature situations, running 1 hour and 54 minutes.

As “Reminders of Him” arrives amid a wave of book-to-film adaptations, it underscores the enduring appeal of Hoover’s narratives about flawed characters seeking redemption. For Withers, the role represents a pivotal moment, showcasing his range from intense dramas to heartfelt romance.

Fans of the novel and newcomers alike are expected to flock to theaters this weekend, eager to see whether the adaptation captures the book’s poignant spirit. With strong cast performances and a timely message of forgiveness, “Reminders of Him” looks poised to resonate widely in its theatrical debut.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed more than 200 points Wednesday, March 4, 2026, snapping a three-session losing streak as Wall Street shook off earlier fears over escalating conflict in the Middle East and focused on resilient corporate earnings and stabilizing oil prices.

The blue-chip index closed at 48,739.41, up 238.14 points or 0.49%. The broader S&P 500 rose 0.78% to 6,869.50, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 1.29% to 22,807.48. Volume remained elevated, reflecting ongoing volatility tied to geopolitical developments.

The advance followed a turbulent stretch. On Tuesday, March 3, the Dow plunged as much as 1,278 points intraday before paring losses to close down 403.51 points, or 0.83%, at 48,501.27. That session marked the index’s third consecutive decline, driven by sharp spikes in oil prices after reports of intensified U.S.-Iran confrontations in the Persian Gulf. Brent crude futures surged briefly above $95 per barrel amid concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Investors appeared to take comfort from comments by President Donald Trump, who indicated the U.S. Navy would escort tankers if needed to ensure safe passage. The assurance helped moderate oil’s climb and eased broader fears of a prolonged energy crisis impacting the economy. By Wednesday’s close, crude had retreated from session highs, contributing to a risk-on mood that lifted equities.

“Markets are pricing in some containment rather than escalation,” one strategist noted in a client update. “While uncertainties remain, the absence of immediate supply shocks and solid underlying fundamentals are supporting a rebound.”

The Dow’s recovery was broad-based, with gains in energy, financials and industrials offsetting modest pullbacks in some defensive names. Chevron and Exxon Mobil contributed positively as oil steadied, while Boeing and Caterpillar benefited from hopes that trade disruptions would prove temporary. Tech components like Apple and Microsoft also participated in the upswing, aligning with Nasdaq’s stronger performance.

Year-to-date in 2026, the Dow has risen about 1.41% as of March 4, building on a strong close to 2025. The index hit a record high above 50,000 in February before retreating amid tariff concerns, AI sector rotations and geopolitical headlines. The 52-week range spans a low of 36,611.78 to a high of 50,512.79.

Broader market dynamics reflect a mix of resilience and caution. Corporate earnings season continues to deliver mostly positive surprises, with many companies beating expectations despite higher input costs from energy volatility. Economic data remains supportive, including steady consumer spending and labor market strength, though inflation pressures linger in services.

The conflict with Iran has introduced “tail risk” premiums, analysts say, with some warning of potential further downside if hostilities expand. Dow futures pointed lower in early after-hours trading Thursday, March 5, suggesting choppiness ahead, though premarket indications were mixed.

Analysts maintain a constructive outlook for equities longer term, citing corporate balance sheet strength, potential Federal Reserve policy flexibility and innovation-driven growth in sectors like technology and defense. However, high valuations leave little margin for error if geopolitical risks materialize or if oil sustains elevated levels.

The rebound underscores Wall Street’s ability to digest headline-driven volatility. Traders continue monitoring developments in the Middle East, oil market flows and upcoming economic releases, including employment data and inflation gauges that could influence Fed expectations.

As March progresses, attention shifts toward potential catalysts like quarterly reports from major Dow components and any diplomatic progress in the region. For now, Wednesday’s gains provide a measure of relief after recent pressure, with the index holding above key technical support levels near 48,000.

The performance highlights the interconnected nature of global markets in 2026, where energy security, policy signals and corporate resilience intersect to shape daily movements. Investors remain vigilant, balancing optimism about economic fundamentals against persistent external uncertainties.