Business
Index Slides Over 500 Points as Middle East Conflict Escalates and Oil Surges
The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 500 points on March 2, 2026, extending recent losses as escalating military conflict in the Middle East — including U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran followed by Iranian retaliation — drove a sharp risk-off move across global markets. Oil prices spiked dramatically on fears of supply disruptions, while safe-haven assets like gold rallied.
The blue-chip index closed down 521.28 points, or 1.05%, at 48,977.92, its lowest finish in recent sessions after opening lower and extending declines throughout the day. Intraday lows saw the Dow shed over 500 points at points, with reports of settlements near 48,570 in early trading before partial recovery. Volume reached around 811 million shares on the prior close, reflecting heightened activity amid volatility.

The broader S&P 500 fell 0.43% to 6,878.88, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.92% to 22,668.21. All three major indexes recorded their second consecutive day of declines, with February already marking a challenging month for equities amid AI sector pressures, inflation concerns and foreign selling.
The primary catalyst remained the intensifying U.S.-Israel-Iran confrontation. Joint strikes over the weekend reportedly targeted key Iranian figures and infrastructure, prompting vows of forceful retaliation from Tehran. Explosions were reported in Gulf cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, raising fears of broader regional involvement and potential disruptions to critical oil shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Crude oil prices reacted sharply. West Texas Intermediate futures climbed around 8% to near $73 per barrel, while Brent crude surged as much as 13% intraday before settling below $80, reflecting supply interruption worries. Energy stocks outperformed, with gains in majors like Exxon Mobil and Chevron benefiting from higher crude values, though broader selling limited upside.
Defense contractors also saw strength as investors positioned for prolonged tensions. Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman shares rose amid expectations of increased military spending.
Gold futures jumped as a traditional safe haven, with the precious metal benefiting from uncertainty. The U.S. dollar strengthened modestly against major currencies, while Treasury yields edged higher despite haven demand, as inflation risks from elevated energy costs outweighed flight-to-quality flows.
Analysts described the sell-off as a classic geopolitical reaction, with prolonged conflict threatening global trade, energy security and inflationary pressures at a time when the Federal Reserve has signaled caution on rate cuts. Some pointed to the market’s vulnerability after a strong run in prior months, where AI enthusiasm had driven gains despite macro headwinds.
The Dow’s performance reflected mixed sector dynamics. While energy and health care sectors posted gains of around 1.7% and 1.8%, technology and financials lagged, down 2.2% and 2% respectively in related benchmarks. Eighteen of the 30 Dow components closed higher on the prior session, but the index’s price-weighted nature amplified losses in higher-priced names.
Looking ahead, markets remain on edge as the conflict enters its early stages. President Donald Trump indicated operations could continue for weeks, heightening concerns about sustained disruptions. Investors will monitor developments closely, including any Iranian responses that could further impact tanker traffic or regional stability.
Despite the immediate pressure, some strategists noted historical resilience in March for equities, with average gains in the month. Fundstrat’s Tom Lee highlighted potential for a rebound if tensions de-escalate or if AI-driven growth reasserts itself.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) spiked to multi-month highs near 23-24, underscoring elevated fear. European and Asian markets closed lower in sympathy, with energy-sensitive indices hit hardest.
As trading wrapped, attention shifted to upcoming economic data and any diplomatic signals that could temper the sell-off. For now, the Dow’s retreat underscores how quickly geopolitical shocks can override fundamentals, testing investor nerves amid an already uncertain macro backdrop.
Business
Nifty has a bit of momentum, but faces resistance at 24,300-24,700
ROHAN SHAH
TECHNICAL ANALYST, ASIT C MEHTA INVESTMENT
Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty staged a strong comeback this month after a prolonged four-month decline, supported by easing geopolitical tensions and lower crude prices. The index has approached a resistance band of 24,300–24,700, which aligns with multiple technical studies. However, sustained strength above this zone is essential for the continuation of the upward momentum, potentially paving the way toward 25,500. Inability to hold above this zone may trigger profit booking, dragging the index lower towards 23,500–23,200. Trading Strategy: Buy Nifty futures above 24,700 for an upside target of 25,500, maintaining a stop-loss below 24,250.
TOP STOCK BETS
Jubilant FoodWorks
Buy at CMP Rs 459 | Stop-loss Rs 420 | Target Rs 525
The stock shows early reversal signs, backed by one-year high volumes and a high-wave candle near a demand zone, indicating selling exhaustion. The Rs 420–440 zone is key support; RSI shows bullish divergence.
Maruti Suzuki India
Buy at CMP Rs 13,453 | Stop-loss Rs 12,500 | Target Rs 15,500
The stock has witnessed a strong rebound after confirming a bullish ABCD harmonic pattern. The formation of a cup-and-handle pattern alongside improving volumes signals accumulation. RSI holding above its breakout level suggests a positive bias.
AgenciesAJIT MISHRA
SVP – RESEARCH, RELIGARE BROKING
Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty is now approaching key moving averages (100 and 200 DEMA) in the 24,600– 24,800 zone. Sustained strength above this band could open room for further upside towards 25,200. In case of profit booking or consolidation, the 23,700–24,000 zone is likely to provide strong support.
Trading Strategies: For the short term, traders may consider a “buy on dip” approach in the 24,150–24,250 range, with a stop-loss at 23,900 and potential targets of 24,800 and 25,200. Among sectoral themes, the Nifty Energy Index has witnessed a fresh breakout after spending more than one-anda-half years in a consolidation phase. Participants can consider playing this theme through an ETF, i.e., Mirae Asset Nifty Energy ETF. It is currently trading at Rs 39.11, and one can accumulate it in the Rs 37–40 zone with a stoploss at Rs 34 for a positional target of Rs 52.
TOP STOCK BETS
Federal Bank Buy. CMP Rs 293 | Stop-loss Rs 278 | Target Rs 325
Federal Bank is in a steady uptrend with higher highs and lows post-base formation. A strong breakout near the 200-DMA signals a sentiment shift; price holds above key averages, with RSI supporting continuation.
JSW Energy
Buy. CMP Rs 538 | Stop-loss Rs 504 | Target Rs 598
JSW Energy is in a stage-2 uptrend, consolidating after a strong rally. The range-bound move near the 200-DMA suggests a healthy pause, with price now attempting an upward breakout supported by improving momentum.
RAJESH PALVIYA
HEAD OF TECHNICAL AND DERIVATIVES, AXIS SECURITIES
Where is Nifty headed this week?
Nifty is fast approaching 24,415—the upper boundary of the bearish gap etched on March 9. A conviction close above 24,500, however, could open the floodgates. The next logical pit stops are 24,762— the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the Feb March decline—and the psychologically significant 25,000 mark. A slip below the 24,000–23,900 support band would be a warning shot, potentially dragging the index back to retest its weekly low of 23,555. Traders on the long side would do well to respect this floor. The overall outlook remains positive, as the weekly RSI continues to stay above its reference line. This indicates that positive momentum is still intact and not yet exhausted.
Trading Strategies: The recommended strategy for Nifty options for the April 28, 2026, expiry is a call spread, ideal for a moderately bullish market outlook. The trader buys one lot of the 24,400-strike Call option at a premium of Rs 260–240 and simultaneously sells one lot of the 24,700-strike Call option at a premium of Rs 130–150. This strategy limits both risk and reward, creating a defined range for outcomes. The break-even point is at 24,530, with a maximum potential loss of Rs 8,450 and a maximum profit of Rs 11,050.
TOP STOCK BETS
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
Buy at Rs 2,618, CMP Rs 2,620| Stop-loss Rs 2,550 | Target Rs 2,800-2,850
A breakout above Rs 2,430 signals a shift to a primary uptrend, with RSI strength confirming bullish momentum. Resistance lies at Rs 2,800–2,850; sustained strength could extend gains to Rs 3,000–3,050.
Polycab India
Buy at Rs 8,184, CMP Rs 8,188.50 | Stop-loss Rs 7,900 | Target Rs 8,600-8,900
An uptrend supported by a rising trendline and a doublebottom near Rs 6,650 underpins strength. Resistance at Rs 8,700; a breakout could target Rs 9,000+. Maintain Rs 7,600 as a stop-loss; below this, risks a breakdown.
Business
AMD: $600 Bullseye (NASDAQ:AMD) | Seeking Alpha
Stone Fox Capital is an RIA from Oklahoma. Mark Holder is a CPA with degrees in Accounting and Finance. He is also Series 65 licensed and has 30 years of investing experience, including 15 years as a portfolio manager. Mark leads the investing group Out Fox The Street where he shares stock picks and deep research to help readers uncover potential multibaggers while managing portfolio risk via diversification. Features include various model portfolios, stock picks with identifiable catalysts, daily updates, real-time alerts, and access to community chat and direct chat with Mark for questions. Learn more.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. 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.
The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article should be taken as a solicitation to purchase or sell securities. Before buying or selling any stock, you should do your own research and reach your own conclusion or consult a financial advisor. Investing includes risks, including loss of principal.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
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