SAN CARLOS, Calif. — Shares of **Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc.** (NASDAQ: IOVA) climbed sharply in early March 2026 trading, fueled by renewed analyst optimism and ongoing commercial progress for its flagship tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, **Amtagvi** (lifileucel). The biotech company’s stock, which has hovered in the low single digits for much of the year, gained traction after multiple price target increases and positive commentary on its revenue trajectory.

As of March 7, 2026, IOVA closed at approximately $5.13, up from recent lows around $4.58, with intraday highs reaching $5.16 in heavy volume sessions. The stock has seen notable volatility, trading in a 52-week range from $1.64 to $5.16, reflecting broader biotech sector pressures but also bursts of enthusiasm tied to clinical and commercial milestones.

The latest catalyst came from UBS, which raised its price target on IOVA from $2 to $4, citing strong fourth-quarter revenue growth for Amtagvi despite a challenging market environment. Other firms followed suit: Baird increased its target to $4 from $3, Barclays to $11 from $10, and Citizens upgraded the stock to Outperform from Market Perform. These adjustments highlight growing confidence in Iovance’s ability to scale its pioneering TIL platform beyond advanced melanoma.

Amtagvi, the first FDA-approved TIL therapy, received accelerated approval in February 2024 for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma previously treated with other therapies. The personalized cell therapy, manufactured from a patient’s own tumor tissue, has driven rapid revenue ramp-up in its first full commercial year.

Iovance reported preliminary full-year 2025 product revenue of approximately $264 million, within its guided range of $250 million to $300 million. This marked a 61% increase from 2024’s $164.1 million, largely propelled by Amtagvi’s U.S. sales of about $220 million and global Proleukin (aldesleukin) contributions of roughly $44 million. Fourth-quarter product revenue hit $86.8 million, up about 30% sequentially, with gross margins improving to around 50% as manufacturing efficiencies took hold.

Management emphasized accelerating demand through an expanding network of authorized treatment centers (ATCs), faster production turnaround times (32 days or less), and supportive real-world data demonstrating durable responses in advanced melanoma. In a February 2026 earnings update, executives described 2026 as poised for “remarkable” revenue growth, with detailed U.S. product guidance forthcoming soon. Long-term goals include gross margins approaching 70% through full internalization of lifileucel manufacturing.

Pipeline advancements further bolster the bullish case. On February 24, 2026, Iovance announced positive early results from the first clinical trial of lifileucel in soft tissue sarcomas, specifically undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS). The study showed a 50% confirmed objective response rate, prompting plans for a registrational trial. The data, presented at scientific meetings, sparked a 25%+ single-day stock surge earlier in the year.

In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), lifileucel earned FDA Fast Track designation for second-line advanced non-squamous NSCLC, supported by interim data showing a 26% objective response rate and durable benefit compared to standard docetaxel. Management targets a supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) and potential accelerated approval/launch in the second half of 2027, eyeing a multibillion-dollar U.S. peak sales opportunity in lung cancer—potentially seven times larger than melanoma.

Additional trials explore frontline melanoma combinations (TILVANCE-301), second-line NSCLC (IOV-LUN-202), endometrial cancer (IOV-END-201), and next-generation engineered TIL therapies like IOV-5001, with an IND submission planned for the first half of 2026. International regulatory progress includes priority reviews in Australia and recommendations in Switzerland, with decisions expected in early 2026.

Financially, Iovance ended 2025 with about $303 million in cash, providing runway into the third quarter of 2027. Full-year costs and expenses totaled around $667 million, resulting in a net loss of $391 million, or $1.09 per share—improvements over prior periods but underscoring the cash-intensive nature of commercial-scale cell therapy.

Analysts maintain a mixed but increasingly positive consensus, with average price targets around $9–$10 implying substantial upside from current levels. High-risk elements persist: competition in solid tumors, manufacturing complexities, and the need for consistent revenue scaling amid biotech funding challenges. Yet, Iovance’s leadership in TIL therapy positions it as a potential platform player if label expansions materialize.

Upcoming investor visibility includes presentations at the TD Cowen 46th Annual Healthcare Conference on March 2 and the Barclays 28th Annual Global Healthcare Conference on March 11, where leadership will likely discuss growth drivers and 2026 guidance.

As Iovance transitions from launch-year execution to multi-indication expansion, the stock’s performance hinges on Amtagvi’s sustained momentum and pipeline catalysts. Investors watch closely for first-quarter 2026 results, expected in May, which could provide clearer visibility into the year’s trajectory.

With its innovative approach to solid tumor immunotherapy and accelerating commercial story, Iovance Biotherapeutics remains a high-conviction name in the biotech space amid 2026’s evolving oncology landscape.

Many investors begin thinking seriously about mutual fund investments later in their careers as they look to grow their savings and prepare for retirement. While starting early offers the advantage of a longer investment horizon, financial experts say it is never too late to begin investing. Even investors in their 50s can build a disciplined portfolio through systematic investments if they align their strategy with their risk appetite and financial goals.

This was highlighted in a recent investor query from Dhiraj Kumar, a 50-year-old professional, an investor and a viewer of The Money Show on ET Now, who wants to start investing Rs 40,000 per month in mutual funds. He described himself as someone who is not familiar with handling market risk and prefers a portfolio with moderate risk.

Also Read | Women hold just 25% of mutual fund folios, start investing 5 years later than men: Report

Responding to the query, Pankaj Mathpal, CEO of Optima Money Managers, said that while understanding market risk is important, mutual funds are managed by professional fund managers who actively manage investments and attempt to control risk within the scheme’s mandate.

“As he does not know how to manage market risk, that is very, very important. But the most important thing is that when you invest in a mutual fund, you have to understand that fund managers are also doing that job for you. They are trying to manage the risk but, at the same time, selection of funds should be proper and schemes you select should be suitable as per your financial goals,” Mathpal said.

According to Mathpal, investors should focus on selecting the right mix of funds based on their financial goals and investment horizon. In this case, the investor did not specify a target corpus or a specific financial goal. However, given his age, Mathpal assumed that he could be investing for at least five years or possibly longer.
For someone new to equity-linked investments and looking for moderate risk, he suggested beginning with a combination of hybrid and diversified equity funds.
“To start with, some hybrid funds like multi-asset allocation or dynamic asset allocation funds, flexi cap fund and an index fund can be a good starting point for him,” the expert said.
Mathpal recommended starting with schemes such as ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund, WhiteOak Capital Multi Asset Allocation Fund, HDFC Flexi Cap Fund, and SBI Nifty Index Fund. These funds represent different investment styles, including dynamic asset allocation, multi-asset exposure, actively managed diversified equity and passive index investing.

Also Read | Women’s Day 2026: India’s leading 3 female portfolio managers. Check how they navigate market cycles

Hybrid funds such as balanced advantage or multi-asset allocation funds can help moderate risk by spreading investments across different asset classes like equities, debt and commodities. Flexi-cap funds offer diversification by allowing fund managers to invest across large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap companies depending on market opportunities. Meanwhile, index funds provide low-cost exposure to broader markets by tracking benchmark indices.

Mathpal also highlighted an important behavioural aspect for new investors: patience. With markets expected to remain volatile at times, he advised investors not to track their portfolios too frequently.

Instead, investors should remain disciplined with their investments and review their portfolios periodically rather than reacting to short-term market movements. “Once you start investing, have patience, keep investing and once in a year you can review your portfolio, but your goal should be long term,” he said.

For investors starting later in life, consistency and realistic expectations become even more important. A structured SIP approach, a diversified portfolio and regular but not excessive monitoring can help investors gradually build wealth over time while managing market volatility.

One should always consider their risk appetite, investment horizon and goals before making any investment decision.

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

If you have any mutual fund queries, message on ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in alongwith your age, risk profile, and twitter handle

Kalshi is facing a $54 million class action lawsuit after traders accused the prediction market of invoking a “death carveout” clause to avoid paying bets tied to the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, according to reporting from Reuters.

Kalshi was sued in federal court Thursday over contracts that asked whether Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would leave office before March 1, 2026, according to a class action complaint.

Khamenei, 85, was killed Saturday in U.S.-Israeli strikes that left hundreds dead, including top Iranian officials. The strikes occurred under Operation Epic Fury.

The lawsuit says customers were drawn to what it calls the “Khamenei Market” because of the shifting geopolitical situation with Iran’s leadership. It alleges that, after Khamenei was killed, Kalshi invoked a “death carveout” provision to avoid paying customers what they were owed.

JUDGE BLOCKS META FROM INTRODUCING ‘EXAGGERATED’ CLAIMS IN SOCIAL MEDIA TRIAL

“With an American naval armada amassed on Iran’s doorstep and military conflict not merely foreseeable but widely anticipated, consumers understood that the most likely — and in many cases the only realistic — mechanism by which an 85-year-old autocratic leader would ‘leave office’ was through his death,” the lawsuit states.

“Defendants understood this as well.”

The complaint argues the contract language was “clear, unambiguous and binary” and accuses Kalshi of “deceptive” and “predatory” conduct.

APPLE IMPLEMENTING AGE VERIFICATION TOOL TO ENSURE USERS ARE 18 AND UP FOR SOME APPS

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

The company’s CEO, Tarek Mansour, on Saturday defended the “death carveout,” saying it “keeps the rules simple.” He also said Kalshi would reimburse all fees from the Khamenei market.

Prediction markets have exploded in popularity since the 2024 U.S. election, when their real-time probabilities proved more accurate than polling in forecasting Donald Trump’s victory, according to Reuters.

Platforms like Kalshi offer tradable yes-or-no contracts tied to real-world events ranging from politics and sports to the economy. Contracts typically cost between zero and 100 cents and pay out if a specified outcome is confirmed.

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Kalshi did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

Reuters contributed to this reporting.

The share of equity mutual funds in the portfolio of women investors have surged from 10% to 32% in the last five years, according to report “Expanding Horizons: Changing Wealth Management Behaviours of Indian Women – Qualitative Analysis of Investor Evolution Across Age and Affluence” by Equirus Wealth.

The report further highlights that fixed deposits have seen their share in portfolios drop from 45% to 20% over five years. Alternatives (PMS/AIF) have grown from a negligible 3% to 7%.

Also Read | Is six mutual funds too many for monthly SIP of Rs 8,500? Here’s what experts suggest

Five years ago, the dominant pattern among Indian women investors was familiar: fixed deposits, gold, and property—the classic ‘safety-first’ portfolio. Today, the same cohort has migrated toward allocation-led, goal-mapped portfolios that include equity mutual funds, structured debt products, AIFs, PMS, and in some cases, global equities and private markets, the report further said.

While AI tools are entering the investment ecosystem, adoption among women investors remains measured.

The study finds that 35–50% of women investors either do not use AI tools or use them selectively, primarily for learning, monitoring and research insights. Importantly, final portfolio decisions continue to rely on human judgement and advisor guidance rather than automated recommendations.
This suggests that AI is emerging as an information and analytics layer within the investment process rather than a substitute for human decision-making.
The report further said that investors are increasingly adopting “bucket thinking” — organising portfolios around life goals such as safety, growth, liquidity and legacy rather than individual products — shifting the focus from “Which product should I buy?” to “What role should this asset play in my portfolio?”, with portfolio discipline increasingly guided by allocation frameworks and rules rather than market reactions.
Also Read | Sensex slips over 7% this year. Should mutual fund investors continue SIPs or hit pause?

Women investors are showing increasing maturity during market cycles. As of now, 75–90% of investors hold or review their investments during market corrections rather than exiting in panic. At the same time, around 55% selectively add capital during market dips, reflecting growing conviction and a longer-term approach to investing.

Women investors are also developing a more nuanced understanding of investment risk. Five years ago, risk was largely interpreted as loss of principal. Today it increasingly includes inflation erosion, failure to meet financial goals, portfolio drawdowns and recovery time, as well as governance risks within family wealth structures and this shift reflects growing financial awareness and investment sophistication across investor segments.

The report also said that women investors increasingly evaluate advisors based on transparency, proactive strategy, financial education and governance support, rather than simply product access and as a result, the advisor relationship is evolving from product distribution toward strategic partnership in portfolio construction and wealth governance.

Also Read | 62% women plan to invest in crypto in next 6–12 months; Bitcoin remains top entry asset: CoinSwitch

“Indian women investors are becoming more informed, confident and strategic in shaping their financial futures. Over the past five years we have seen a clear shift from buying individual financial products to building structured portfolios anchored around asset allocation and long-term goals,” said Ankur Punj MD- Business Head, Equirus Wealth.

Technology, including AI, is beginning to play a role in the learning and research process,” Punj further said.

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

If you have any mutual fund queries, message on ET Mutual Funds on Facebook/Twitter. We will get it answered by our panel of experts. Do share your questions on ETMFqueries@timesinternet.in alongwith your age, risk profile, and twitter handle

As March 2026 unfolds, **Eminem** fans worldwide are abuzz with anticipation, convinced the rap icon is poised for a major move this year. Despite no confirmed announcements from the Detroit native or his Shady Records team, speculation swirls around potential new music, a limited tour, and even a sequel to his seminal 2002 film “8 Mile.”

The 53-year-old Marshall Mathers—real name Eminem—has maintained a relatively low profile since the July 2024 release of his 12th studio album, *The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)*. That project, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 281,000 equivalent album units, marked a conceptual farewell to his Slim Shady alter ego and featured the viral single “Houdini.” It earned widespread acclaim for its sharp lyricism and production, solidifying Eminem’s status as one of hip-hop’s most enduring figures.

As of early March 2026, no new studio album has been officially teased or scheduled. Fan sites and forums, including Reddit’s r/Eminem community, host active threads debating timelines, with many predicting a 13th album sometime in 2026. Discussions point to Eminem’s pattern of shorter gaps between releases in certain eras, though recent intervals have stretched longer. Some speculate themes could include commentary on contemporary culture, technology figures like Elon Musk, or reflections on legacy and retirement.

Tour rumors persist despite the absence of confirmed dates. Multiple unverified social media posts and fan pages claim a 2026 world tour—some dubbing it a “farewell” or “One Last Ride”—with purported stops in London, New York, Tokyo, and Berlin. Others suggest nearly 40 shows across North America and Europe starting in summer or fall. Reliable sources, however, confirm no full-scale tour has been announced. Eminem’s live appearances remain selective: he headlined rare private events, including a January 2026 surprise performance at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena for Rocket Mortgage employees, where he delivered a medley of career-spanning hits including “Houdini.” Such one-offs fuel hope for festival slots or limited runs later in the year.

Adding to the intrigue, reports circulated in early 2026 about Eminem developing a continuation to “8 Mile.” The original film, which grossed over $242 million worldwide and earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Lose Yourself”), chronicled a fictionalized version of his early Detroit battles. Fan accounts and entertainment pages described production “in motion” with Eminem exerting creative control to maintain authenticity. While unconfirmed by official channels, the prospect of revisiting Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith Jr.’s world excites longtime supporters, potentially blending hip-hop cinema with modern storytelling.

Catalog-focused activity keeps Eminem relevant. In February 2026, limited-edition “Shady LPs” merchandise launched on eminem.com, celebrating anniversary milestones and his enduring brand. The 15th anniversary of *Recovery* (2010) prompted special apparel and jewelry drops. Streaming numbers remain strong: tracks like “Lose Yourself,” “Without Me,” and newer cuts from *The Death of Slim Shady* dominate playlists, with Eminem consistently ranking among Spotify’s most-streamed rappers.

Collaborative whispers add layers. In late 2025, 50 Cent hinted at recruiting Eminem for the soundtrack of the upcoming *Street Fighter* reboot film, slated for October 2026 release. The pair’s history—spanning G-Unit affiliations and shared Aftermath roots—makes the idea plausible, though no concrete updates have emerged.

Eminem’s cultural footprint extends beyond music. Recent mentions in hip-hop discourse include praise from underground rappers like Diabolic, who credited Eminem’s battle prowess in destroying Machine Gun Kelly. Meanwhile, emerging UK artists like Fakemink invoke Eminem comparisons, highlighting his influence on new generations.

Legal and business matters occasionally surface. A 2025 lawsuit over music licensing on Instagram and Facebook—seeking $110 million in damages—drew attention, with Meta dismissing claims as “fanciful.” Such issues rarely derail Eminem’s momentum.

Fans track every hint: producer cameos, social media silences, and anniversary alignments. Sites like eminem.news aggregate updates, from photographer interviews to unrelated hip-hop commentary, while YouTube overflows with fan-made remixes imagining 2026 tracks titled “Better America,” “Marshall Law,” or “Fatal Rhythm.” These unofficial creations reflect sustained demand for new material.

Eminem’s selective approach—avoiding oversaturation—builds mystique. After *The Death of Slim Shady*’s success, any 2026 announcement would generate massive attention. Whether a surprise drop, select tour dates, or film news materializes, the rapper’s ability to command headlines without constant output remains unmatched.

For now, the wait continues. Eminem’s team stays quiet, letting speculation build. As one fan forum poll suggested, many believe something significant arrives in 2026—be it music, live shows, or cinematic return. Until official word drops, the Slim Shady legacy endures, fueling endless anticipation in hip-hop’s ever-evolving landscape.

Ford Motor Company ranks as the “most American” brand in the country, earning top marks from Democrats and Republicans alike while leading across every major income bracket, according to a new survey.

The Morning Consult survey of over 11,000 U.S. adults, conducted in February and titled “America at 250: What the Nation Believes,” found the iconic automaker holds the No. 1 spot regardless of political affiliation or earnings.

Among Republicans, 21% named Ford the most American brand, well ahead of Coca-Cola at 13%, McDonald’s at 11% and Harley-Davidson at 9%.

Democrats also put Ford at the top, with 16% selecting the automaker. McDonald’s followed at 14%, Coca-Cola at 12% and Walmart at 10%.

FORD RECALLS MORE THAN 615,000 VEHICLES OVER WIPER, DRIVESHAFT DEFECTS

Ford’s strength also extended to income levels, according to the survey.

Among Americans earning less than $50,000 annually, 17% chose Ford compared with 14% for McDonald’s and 11% each for Coca-Cola and Walmart.

In the $50,000 to $100,000 range, Ford again ranked first at 17%, narrowly edging Coca-Cola at 16%. McDonald’s followed at 14%, with Levi’s placing fourth at 7%.

For those earning $100,000 or more, Ford widened its lead to 19%, followed by Coca-Cola at 15%, Apple at 10% and McDonald’s at 9%.

FORD NAMED NO. 1 MOST ICONIC AMERICAN COMPANY IN NATIONWIDE SURVEY: ‘MAKING PEOPLE’S LIVES BETTER’

In a statement to FOX Business, Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford said the company’s standing reflects its long-standing role in shaping the U.S. economy.

“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, I’m proud that Ford has helped strengthen this country — not just by building great vehicles, but by expanding opportunity and improving people’s lives,” Bill Ford told FOX Business in an email.

He pointed to the company’s 1903 founding by Henry Ford, whose assembly line innovations and introduction of the $5-a-day wage expanded economic opportunity for American workers.

FORD RECALLS OVER 4.3 MILLION VEHICLES DUE TO SOFTWARE ISSUE

Bill Ford also cited the company’s role in supporting the nation during World War I and World War II and its ability to endure economic downturns.

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“That resilience and willingness to get up and keep swinging reflects the very best of America,” Bill Ford said. 

“As we look to the next 250 years, I believe the future is incredibly bright, but it hinges on us coming together as a nation. We must heal our divisions and keep pushing forward, just as we always have. Ford will be there, serving the nation and helping to build a stronger future.”

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.