Indian stock markets are hemorrhaging wealth at an alarming pace, with Dalal Street investors losing Rs 19 lakh crore in market capitalisation in just five trading days as escalating US-Iran tensions send shockwaves through global markets amid warnings that crude oil prices can surge above $100 per barrel.

The Sensex has plunged 3,330 points in the brutal selloff, raising questions about whether this is merely a correction or the start of a full-blown bear market.

The carnage has been broad-based and merciless. PSU banks, tourism and airline stocks, real estate, banking and auto sectors have led the decline as escalating Middle Eastern tensions disrupted key oil and gas supplies, driving crude prices higher and threatening India’s fragile twin deficits. Defence stocks emerged as the only major winners, with Mazagon Dock, Solar Industries and Paras Defence surging amid the war.

“Persistent FII outflows, totaling over Rs 23,000 crore this week, reflect a broader de-risking strategy as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a surge in Brent crude toward $86 weigh heavily on emerging market sentiment,” said Vinit Bolinjkar, Head of Research at Ventura Securities.

The pain runs deeper than headline indices suggest. Around 80% of listed stocks with a market capitalization of at least Rs 1,000 crore have already fallen 20% from their all-time highs, technically a bear market in the broader market even as the Nifty is down only 7% from its peak.

Also Read | Iran war shock for Nifty bulls: How to tweak your portfolio for peace of mind

Technical indicators are flashing red across the board. The market is trading well below short-term and medium-term averages and is forming a lower top on daily charts. A bearish candle on weekly charts is also indicating further weakness from current levels.
Bolinjkar warned that the short-term outlook remains cautious due to rupee volatility and inflationary crude spikes. He expects high volatility to persist, favoring domestically-insulated sectors like capital goods and consumer durables, while globally-exposed pockets may face continued headwinds until macro-uncertainty subsides.
However, he noted that the structural narrative remains intact due to the “DII cushion”, domestic institutions bolstered by unwavering SIP inflows have absorbed selling pressure and prevented a deeper breakdown below the critical 24,300 Nifty support level.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments, painted an equally grim picture. “A sustained rise in oil prices could weigh on investor sentiment and adversely affect India’s twin deficits, inflation trajectory, and the RBI’s monetary stance. An uptick in U.S. 10-year bond yield and a stronger dollar have prompted FIIs to adopt a risk-off approach toward domestic equities,” he said, though he noted that “selective value-buying opportunities are expected to emerge, offering long-term investors attractive entry points.”

The question on every investor’s mind: is this the beginning of a prolonged downturn or a buying opportunity?

Also Read | 80% of Indian stocks are in bear market. Is it time to be greedy or fearful?

Fund managers are divided. Vinay Paharia, CIO at PGIM India Mutual Fund, acknowledged the crosscurrents. “At this juncture, we are seeing a mix of positives and a slew of uncertainties,” he said, pointing to healthy GDP prints, prospective trade deals, low interest rates and indirect tax cuts as positives, while flagging “global geopolitical uncertainty and its consequent impact on trade routes, rising crude and possibly other commodity prices, and AI-related disruption across sectors.”

Paharia warned that “many of the geopolitics-related impacts could be transitory in nature, while AI-related impacts are more long-term and would necessitate changes in business models, faster pivots, and greater agility by impacted companies and not all may be able to adapt.” He urged investors to “look through short-term volatility and focus on areas of self-sustaining growth.”

ArunaGiri N, Founder CEO & Fund Manager at TrustLine Holdings, struck a more opportunistic tone. “Historically, such phases are painful, but they are also when long-term opportunity quietly begins to build,” he said. “At the same time, it may be unwise to expect an immediate recovery. It may linger for a while. The prudent thing to do in such a sell-off is to grab the opportunities when the valuation is attractive instead of trying to time the bottom.”

ASK Investment Managers maintained that while rising trade and geopolitical uncertainty is expected to keep markets volatile, the investment case for India remains strong. “The relative macro stability, improving trade competitiveness and earnings recovery put India on a strong footing.”

The asset manager recommended a decisive tilt toward large caps, where valuations are relatively attractive and earnings visibility remains strong, complemented by selective exposure to micro-caps for investors with a long-term horizon of 5–7 years, given their illiquidity and higher risk. The firm stressed that “disciplined stock selection—focused on high-quality businesses and a concentrated approach—will be the key driver of outperformance as markets become increasingly selective and dispersion in returns widens.”

As geopolitical tensions simmer and oil prices threaten to spike further, Indian markets appear to be entering what Bolinjkar calls a phase of “rational consolidation”, a period where the DII cushion may prevent capitulation, but where volatility and sector rotation will separate winners from losers. Whether this consolidation morphs into a deeper bear market depends largely on factors beyond India’s control: the trajectory of the Iran conflict, crude oil’s next move, and global risk appetite.

For now, the bulls are nursing heavy wounds, and the bears are circling.

Apple’s March 2026 Mac refresh has intensified the debate for laptop buyers: the freshly announced M5 MacBook Pro lineup versus the still-capable M4 MacBook Air. With the M5-powered MacBook Air also debuting alongside upgraded Pro models featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, consumers face clear choices depending on needs, budget and workload.

The new announcements, detailed in Apple’s March 3 press releases, bring significant boosts in AI performance, storage baselines and connectivity. The M5 MacBook Pro (14- and 16-inch) targets professionals demanding sustained power, while the M4 MacBook Air—now often discounted as retailers clear inventory—remains a strong everyday option. Here’s a head-to-head breakdown to help decide which MacBook suits you best in March 2026.

Design and Portability

Both lines retain Apple’s signature thin, lightweight aluminum builds. The M4 MacBook Air (13.6-inch and 15.3-inch) weighs 2.7 pounds (13-inch) or 3.3 pounds (15-inch), making it ultra-portable for travel, students and commuters. Its fanless design ensures silent operation, ideal for quiet environments like libraries or coffee shops.

The M5 MacBook Pro (14-inch starting at 3.4 pounds, 16-inch at 4.7-4.8 pounds) adds active cooling fans for prolonged high-performance tasks without throttling. It includes a superior Liquid Retina XDR display (up to 1600 nits peak HDR brightness, mini-LED backlighting) versus the Air’s standard Liquid Retina (500 nits). Pro models offer nano-texture glass options to reduce glare, plus more ports: Thunderbolt 5 (faster than the Air’s Thunderbolt 4), HDMI, SDXC card slot and three Thunderbolt ports on higher configs versus the Air’s two.

For pure mobility, the Air wins; for workstation versatility, the Pro excels.

Performance and Chips

The M4 MacBook Air (still current in many configs) uses a 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency), up to 10-core GPU, 16GB unified memory base and strong Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence tasks. It handles everyday work—browsing, office apps, light photo/video editing, coding—effortlessly, with real-world battery life of 14-18 hours.

The M5 MacBook Pro introduces base M5 (in lower configs) or M5 Pro/M5 Max variants. The M5 chip delivers up to 20-30% faster multi-core CPU, significantly improved GPU (with Neural Accelerators per core) and 4x AI performance over M4 equivalents. M5 Pro/Max push further: up to 18-core CPU, massive memory bandwidth (up to 614GB/s on Max), and up to 128GB unified memory. Benchmarks show M5 models 50-200% faster in GPU-heavy tasks like 3D rendering or AI model training compared to M4.

The M5 Pro/Max sustain peak performance longer thanks to cooling, while the fanless Air may throttle under extended heavy loads. For casual to moderate use (web, streaming, productivity), the M4 Air suffices; for video editing, 3D work, machine learning or pro apps, the M5 Pro shines.

Display, Audio and Battery

The Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR offers superior contrast, color accuracy (P3 wide color, 1,000 nits sustained) and ProMotion (up to 120Hz refresh) for smoother scrolling and editing. The Air’s Liquid Retina is excellent but lacks HDR depth and high refresh.

Audio favors the Pro: six-speaker system with force-canceling woofers versus the Air’s four-speaker setup. Both deliver immersive Spatial Audio.

Battery life remains stellar: up to 24 hours on M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro (real-world 18-22 hours heavy use), versus 18 hours rated on Air (often 14-16 hours tested). Both support fast charging.

Storage, Connectivity and AI

A major win for 2026 models: doubled base storage. The M5 MacBook Air starts at 512GB (up from M4’s 256GB), configurable to 4TB. M5 Pro MacBook Pro begins at 1TB, M5 Max at 2TB.

Connectivity upgrades include Apple’s N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 on new models, improving speed and reliability over the Air’s Wi-Fi 6E.

Apple Intelligence features—enhanced writing tools, image generation, on-device AI—are faster on M5 (up to 4x vs M4), benefiting local LLM processing.

Pricing and Value in March 2026

• M4 MacBook Air (clearance deals): 13-inch often $749-$899 (from $999 MSRP), 15-inch around $1,099-$1,199. Excellent value for most users.
• M5 MacBook Air (new): 13-inch $1,099, 15-inch $1,299—with 512GB base.
• M5 MacBook Pro: 14-inch base (M5) around $1,599-$1,699; M5 Pro 14-inch $2,199; 16-inch M5 Pro $2,699; M5 Max higher ($3,599+).

The M4 Air offers the best bang-for-buck for students, casual creators and professionals handling light workloads. Discounts make it compelling before full M5 Air stock arrives.

The M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro justifies the premium for demanding users—video pros, developers, AI researchers—needing sustained power, better display and ports.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose M4 MacBook Air if: You’re budget-focused, prioritize portability/silence, handle everyday tasks (school, office, browsing, light creative), want a large screen option affordably.
• Choose M5 MacBook Pro if: You need pro-level performance (video/3D editing, coding heavy compiles, AI/ML), want the best display/audio/ports, plan long sessions without throttling, or future-proof for intensive workflows.

Both run macOS Tahoe seamlessly with Apple Intelligence. For most people in 2026, the M4 Air (especially discounted) delivers outstanding value. Power users investing in longevity lean toward the M5 Pro lineup.

Check Apple’s site, authorized resellers or carriers for current deals—pre-orders for new models start March 4, with availability March 11. Test in-store if possible; the choice boils down to workload versus wallet.

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Geopolitical tensions, especially involving Iran, raise energy costs and disrupt shipping, unevenly impacting ASEAN economies based on energy dependence, exports, and flexibility; Indonesia benefits from domestic demand, while Vietnam’s exports increase vulnerability.

🌍 Geopolitical Context

• Rising tensions involving Iran are driving up energy costs and disrupting shipping routes.
• These disruptions affect ASEAN economies differently depending on their energy dependence, export reliance, and fiscal resilience.

⚡ Energy & Supply Chain Impact

• Immediate effects include:
  • Higher crude oil prices
  • Increased maritime insurance premiums
  • Delays along key shipping routes between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe
• These factors increase volatility and force companies to reassess risks and adjust strategies.

📊 ASEAN Economic Vulnerabilities

• Energy-importing nations: face inflation and fiscal strain.
• Export-driven economies: suffer from longer transit times and cash flow challenges.
• Financial hubs: experience capital flow fluctuations differently than manufacturing or resource-dependent economies.

Impact of Iran Tensions on Southeast Asia

The escalation involving Iran introduces a new risk factor for companies considering investment or expansion in Southeast Asia. Immediate effects include rising crude oil prices, increased maritime insurance premiums, and disruptions along key shipping routes linking the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. These factors heighten overall costs and introduce volatility into supply chains, requiring renewed project risk assessments and strategic adjustments.

Diverse Vulnerabilities Across ASEAN Economies

ASEAN countries vary significantly in energy dependence, export focus, fiscal health, and currency management. Energy-importing nations face inflation and fiscal strain, while export-centric economies endure longer transit times and cash flow challenges. Financial hubs handle capital flow fluctuations differently from manufacturing or resource-dependent economies, emphasizing the importance of tailored risk mitigation strategies within the region.

Uneven Transmission of Geopolitical Shocks

Different ASEAN economies respond differently to geopolitical shocks. Indonesia benefits from a large domestic market, with household consumption driving over half of its GDP, offering resilience against external energy shocks. Conversely, Vietnam’s highly export-dependent economy is vulnerable to disruptions in maritime logistics, affecting its manufacturing and trade flows. Understanding these diverse responses helps investors better navigate regional risks.

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Read the original article : How the Iran Conflict Should Change Energy, Supply Chain, and Market Entry Planning in ASEAN

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The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran is rattling businesses worldwide, driving up energy prices, squeezing supplies of critical raw materials and raising questions about the reliability of trade routes critical to the flow of goods from food to car parts.

The widening conflict has choked major air and sea transport corridors through the Middle East. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for one-fifth of the world’s oil, slowed to a near-halt as Iran retaliated with drone strikes against U.S. and Israeli attacks. Busy air transit routes in the Gulf have gone dark.

Soaring oil and gas prices have pushed up costs for companies, threatening their margins, and raised the spectre for policymakers and investors of a ‌fresh bout of inflation.

“If these ⁠effects last ⁠longer, everyone will start to feel them,” Young Liu, chairman of Foxconn, the world’s largest electronics maker and a key partner to Nvidia, said on Friday.

A KNOCK-ON EFFECT ON EVERY COMPANY

Even before last Saturday’s strikes, companies were struggling with U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war, after hefty U.S. import tariffs drove up costs, upended supply chains and hurt consumer confidence. A spike in gas pump prices is another blow to U.S. consumers: a gallon of regular gasoline cost an average $3.32 nationwide on Friday, up from $2.98 a week ago. Brent crude futures have spiked to $90 per barrel but remain below levels of 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.
“Any time you see an increase in oil price or gas price, it’s got a knock-on effect further down on every company, on every industry,” Simon Hunt, CEO of Italian drinks maker Campari , told Reuters after the firm’s results this week.

PAIN IN EUROPE STILL RECOVERING FROM 2022 CRISIS

In Europe, still recovering from 2022’s energy crisis, the pain is acute for energy-intensive industries like chemicals.

The IW German Economic Institute said on Thursday ⁠that oil at $100 ‌per barrel could cost Germany’s economy 0.3% of GDP this year and 0.6% next year – a loss of economic output amounting to around 40 billion euros ($46 billion) over two years.

Campari’s Hunt said the firm has some long-term contracts in place to protect against big energy price increases. Reckitt Benckiser CFO Shannon Eisenhardt told analysts the consumer goods firm has hedged ⁠about 55% of its oil and gas price exposure for 2026.

But Uniden, which represents energy-intensive French industries including chemicals, autos and agriculture, warned some companies were already cutting back.

“The impact on gas prices in Europe has been immediate, with an 80% increase in the spot price and considerable uncertainty about its future,” it said in a statement. “Some production has therefore been halted or slowed down.”

Airline stocks have also been hammered. European budget carrier Wizz Air, which is hedged, warned that the war would dent its net profit for fiscal year 2026 by about 50 million euros ($58 million).

ALUMINIUM, HELIUM AND SULPHUR

The disruption to sea freight affected specialised industrial inputs like sulphur and led major aluminium producers to invoke force majeure clauses. Shippers and insurers have hiked some prices dramatically in response to the conflict.

Qatari smelter Qatalum began shutting down operations this week, while Aluminium Bahrain said it had halted shipments and declared force majeure because it could not move metal through the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf region accounts for about 8% of global aluminium supply.

Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange jumped sharply on the news, while physical premiums ‌in Europe and the United States climbed to multi-year highs.

South Korean officials warned that a prolonged conflict could disrupt supplies of key semiconductor manufacturing materials sourced from the Middle East, including helium, which is essential for chip production and has no viable substitute.

Drone strikes that damaged some of Amazon’s data centres in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain raised questions about technology supply chains and Big Tech’s pace of expansion in the region.

RECESSION ⁠PLAYBOOK

A prolonged energy shock could call for the “recession playbook”, Morgan Stanley warned, while Goldman Sachs analysts said a temporary surge in oil prices to $100 per barrel could slow global growth by 0.4 of a percentage point.

Much depends on the length of the conflict, highly uncertain even if many feel that Trump doesn’t want a protracted and costly war ahead of November’s U.S. midterm elections.

“You don’t really want this to last for too long,” said Emmanuel Cau, Head of European Equity Strategy at Barclays. “If it is a few weeks or months, of course you’re going to have earnings expectations starting to be cut.”

British auto distributor Inchcape said the conflict could delay some Japan-Europe shipments by weeks, while online travel agent Loveholidays is preparing to delay its London IPO because of market turmoil and travel chaos.

Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE, Germany’s biggest power producer, said that energy was “once again dominating headlines all over the world”.

“Gas and oil prices are volatile, key shipping routes face geopolitical pressure, and policymakers are concerned about supply risks,” Krebber said.

“The renewed uncertainty is a reminder of an uncomfortable reality: the next energy crisis isn’t an if – it’s a when, and a question of how prepared we are.”

($1 = 0.8638 euros)

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Cristiano Ronaldo faces a brief but concerning spell on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury during **Al-Nassr**’s Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Fayha on Saturday, March 1, 2026. The 41-year-old Portuguese forward limped off in the 81st minute of the 3-1 win, clutching his right hamstring, prompting immediate medical evaluation and rehabilitation.

Al-Nassr issued an official statement on Tuesday, March 3, confirming the diagnosis: “Cristiano Ronaldo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after the last game against Al Fayha. He started a rehabilitation program and will be under evaluation day by day.” The club has not provided a fixed return date, emphasizing daily assessments to monitor progress and determine his comeback timeline.

Reports from reliable sources, including transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, indicate the injury could sideline Ronaldo for **two to four weeks**. Romano noted on social media that “Cristiano Ronaldo could be OUT for up to four weeks with muscle injury,” with additional tests pending. The forward is reportedly targeting a swift return, though the severity—described in some outlets as a hamstring tendon issue or more serious than initial muscle fatigue—has prompted specialist care. Recent updates suggest Ronaldo has traveled to Madrid for advanced rehabilitation, as confirmed by Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus, who described the setback as “more serious than expected.”

The timing raises questions for both club and country. Al-Nassr, competing in the Saudi Pro League and other competitions, will miss Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess and leadership in upcoming fixtures. The team faces potential absences for league games against Neom and Al-Khaleej, and any extended recovery could impact their title chase. Earlier in 2026, Ronaldo had already missed matches amid a brief reported dispute with the club, but he returned to training and action, starting 11 games since January.

For **Portugal**, the injury casts doubt on Ronaldo’s participation in upcoming international friendlies against Mexico on March 29 and the United States on April 1. These matches serve as key preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, starting June 11. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez may need to adjust plans if Ronaldo misses the final pre-tournament camp. However, medical experts and multiple reports stress the issue is not long-term, with Ronaldo expected to recover well before the World Cup. A two-to-four-week absence would position him to regain full fitness in April or May, allowing time to build match rhythm ahead of what could be his record sixth World Cup appearance.

Ronaldo, who turns 41 in February 2026, has maintained remarkable form in the Saudi Pro League despite his age. He has been a consistent starter for Al-Nassr under manager Jorge Jesus, contributing goals and assists while adapting to the demands of the league. The hamstring problem follows a season of heavy workload, including club duties and national team commitments. Earlier reports downplayed the initial discomfort as “muscle fatigue,” but further imaging revealed the true extent, leading to cautious management to avoid aggravation.

Fans and analysts express concern over the veteran’s durability, yet optimism prevails given Ronaldo’s history of resilience. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has overcome numerous injuries throughout his career, often returning stronger. Al-Nassr and Portugal medical teams prioritize a full recovery, with day-by-day evaluations guiding his progression from rehab to light training and eventual return.

The setback underscores the physical toll on elite athletes in their 40s, even legends like Ronaldo. As he focuses on rehabilitation—potentially in Madrid for specialized treatment—supporters worldwide await updates on his status. Al-Nassr continues to dismiss speculation about his future or departure, emphasizing his commitment amid the injury management.

Should recovery align with the two-to-four-week estimate, Ronaldo could miss a handful of club matches but remain on track for international duty later in the spring. His presence remains vital for Portugal’s World Cup ambitions and Al-Nassr’s pursuit of silverware. For now, the focus stays on careful healing to ensure the iconic forward is ready when it matters most.

As the situation develops, follow official club channels and Portugal announcements for the latest. Ronaldo’s determination, paired with top-tier medical support, suggests this is a temporary hurdle rather than a threat to his enduring legacy.

Mumbai: Bank customers losing up to Rs 50,000 in fraudulent electronic banking transactions could seek compensation even if the loss was due to their negligence, according to a Reserve Bank of India proposal. Under draft regulations issued by the central bank, such customers would be reimbursed 85% of the net loss or Rs 25,000, whichever is lower. The benefit could be availed of once during a customer’s lifetime.

Customers would have zero liability and be entitled to reversal of the transaction if the fraud occurred due to negligence of the bank or because of a third-party breach.

The regulator has proposed to place the burden of proving customer liability on banks in such cases. The directions would apply to electronic banking transactions undertaken from July 1, 2026, the draft regulations said.

According to the Reserve Bank of India, nearly 65% of fraud cases involve amounts below Rs 50,000.
Compensation would be provided if the loss was established as genuine under the bank’s internal policy. The victim must report the incident both to the bank and the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) within five days of the fraud.

After receiving a complaint, banks must examine it, determine liability and respond to the customer within 30 days.
The draft framework sets out a compensation-sharing mechanism. For losses below Rs 29,412, where the compensation would be 85%, the RBI would provide 65%, while the customer’s bank and the beneficiary bank would contribute 10% each, it said. For losses between Rs 29,412 and Rs 50,000, the RBI would contribute Rs 19,118, while the customer’s bank and the beneficiary bank would put in Rs 2,941 each. The proposed compensation mechanism would remain in force for one year from the effective date, after which it would be reviewed, the RBI said. The aim is to gradually increase the share borne by banks and reduce or eliminate the central bank’s contribution in such instances, it said. The regulator has invited comments from stakeholders on the draft until April 6, 2026.

Negligence by a bank includes failure to put in place required security systems, send transaction alerts, provide channels to report fraud or act promptly on customer complaints. Customer negligence includes sharing credentials such as PINs, passwords or OTPs, delaying the reporting of fraud.