NIFTY 100

The benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty fell sharply on Monday as higher crude ​oil prices stoked inflation worries.

At around 9:30 am, the Sensex was up 2,261.74 points or 2.87 percent at 76,657.16, while the broader Nifty was at 23,765.50, down 684.95 points or 2.8 percent.

Key factors behind market decline

1) Higher Crude: Markets crashed amid fears that the surging crude may push up import costs in the world's third-largest oil importer. Oil prices surged about ​26% in early trade to their highest ​since July 2022.

2) India Vix rises: The fear gauge or the volatility index rose more than 21 percent to 24.18 level.

(Copy will be updated shortly)

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers.

Ownership, Material Conflicts of Interest and Disciplinary History

MCD is a wholly owned subsidiary of Network 18 Media & Investments Ltd ("Network18"), in which Independent Media Trust (IMT) holds 56.89% stake. Reliance Industries Limited ("RIL") is the sole beneficiary of IMT. Network18 and RIL and their subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates can be considered as associates of MCD.

Details of Associate

Receipt of Compensation

Third-Party Compensation

Employment History

Market-Making Activities

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Bloodbath on D-Street: Sensex down 2,300 pts, Nifty below 23,750; crude oil surge among key factors behind market crash

The benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty fell sharply on Monday as higher crude ​oil prices stoked inflation worries.

At around 9:30 am, the Sensex was up 2,261.74 points or 2.87 percent at 76,657.16, while the broader Nifty was at 23,765.50, down 684.95 points or 2.8 percent.

Key factors behind market decline

1) Higher Crude: Markets crashed amid fears that the surging crude may push up import costs in the world's third-largest oil importer. Oil prices surged about ​26% in early trade to their highest ​since July 2022.

2) India Vix rises: The fear gauge or the volatility index rose more than 21 percent to 24.18 level.

(Copy will be updated shortly)

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Monday Mayhem in markets| Brent surges 18%, Global markets slide 2-8% | Nifty Set for Gap Down Open

Sensex and Nifty likely to open lower amid global market declines, Crude oil tops $100/barrel, affecting stocks and currencies, FIIs sold ₹6,000+ crore; DIIs bought ₹6,971+ crore

* Sensex and Nifty likely to open lower amid global market declines
* Crude oil tops $100/barrel, affecting stocks and currencies
* FIIs sold ₹6,000+ crore; DIIs bought ₹6,971+ crore

Sensex and Nifty are expected to open lower on March 9, tracking GIFT Nifty losses. Global markets fell as oil surged past $100/barrel amid Middle East tensions. FIIs continued selling, while DIIs bought shares. Gold and silver prices also declined.

shorts/business/first-tick-top-global-cues-to-watch-in-today-s-trade-112

Indian equity benchmarks, the Sensex and Nifty, are likely to see a gap-down opening on March 9, tracking losses in GIFT Nifty, which was trading lower at around 23,844 in early indications.

Track the latest updates on GIFT Nifty right here on Moneycontrol.

Indian benchmark indices failed to sustain the previous session’s momentum and slipped more than 1 percent on March 6, with the Nifty settling at 24,450 amid selling pressure across the sectors, especially in financial and realty stocks.

At close, the Sensex was down 1,097 points or 1.37 percent at 78,918.90, and the Nifty was down 315.45 points or 1.27 percent at 24,450.45.

Here is how financial markets across the globe fared overnight:

GIFT Nifty (Slips)

The GIFT Nifty was trading lower at around 23,844, indicating a weak start for the day.

Asian Equities (Decline)

Asian markets were trading lower in the early Monday trade, with the Kospi plunging nearly 8%, leading a broader regional sell-off as oil prices breached $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 tumbled 6.4%, falling below the 52,000 mark for the first time since Feb. 6, while the Topix was down 5%.



US Equities (Slip)

Wall Street's three main indexes closed down ​on Friday amid a sudden setback in the U.S. labor market and a 12% spike in U.S. oil ‌prices due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95% ​to 47,501.55 points, posting its steepest weekly percentage drop since early April 2025.

The S&amp;amp;P 500 lost 1.33% to 6,740 points and saw ​its worst week since mid-October. The Russell 2000 recorded its sharpest weekly fall since early August.

The Nasdaq Composite slipped 1.59% to 22,387.68.



Dollar Index (Up)

The dollar took another leg higher on Monday, jumping to a three-month peak on the euro as oil surged past $100 a barrel, stocks slid, and investors headed for safety as the protracted war in the Middle East threatened to disrupt global energy supplies.



US Bond Yield (Rises)

The yield on 10-year US Treasuries rose more than 4 basis points to 4.18 percent, and 2-year US Treasuries rose nearly 4 basis points 3.71%.



Asian Currencies (Down)

Except China Renminbi, all other Asian currencies were trading lower in the early trade on Monday. However, on a month-to-date basis, the Thai Baht lost the most, followed by the South Korean Won, Singapore Dollar, Japanese Yen, Philippines Peso.



Crude (Jumps)

Crude oil surged above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022 due to escalating hostilities in the
Middle East and worsening strains on oil shipping, sending stocks and Treasuries lower.



Gold (Down)

Gold and Silver prices were down 2 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively, in the early trade on Monday.



Fund Flow Action

On March 6, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold equities worth over Rs 6,000 crore, extending their selling streak to the sixth consecutive session. In contrast, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought shares worth more than Rs 6,971 crore.



Hope you're all set for today's trade. We wish you a profitable day ahead.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

First Tick: Top global cues to watch in today’s trade

Nifty closing below 24,300 would turn this market into a sell on rallies, Weekly close below 24,300 could push Nifty to 23,000, Bullish on Sun Pharma, ABB in correction

* Nifty closing below 24,300 would turn this market into a sell on rallies
* Weekly close below 24,300 could push Nifty to 23,000
* Bullish on Sun Pharma, ABB in correction

shorts/business/chartist-talk-nifty-risks-fall-to-23-000-on-weekly-close-below-24-300-rahul-ghose-bullish-on-sun-pharma-abb

* Nifty closing below 24,300 would turn this market into a sell on rallies
* Weekly close below 24,300 could push Nifty to 23,000
* Bullish on Sun Pharma, ABB in correction

Technically, the Nifty 50 has given all the bearish indications. A close below 24,300 would be the final confirmation for bears as it would breach key support, and the next levels for Nifty would be 23,000/21,500, said Rahul Ghose, the Founder and CEO of Octanom Tech and Hedged, in an interview with Moneycontrol.

According to him, a close below 24,300 would turn this market into a sell on rallies, from buy on dips from a trading perspective. Only a substantial visible improvement in the geopolitical situation would change this outlook, he said.

He bets on <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/pharmaceuticals/sunpharmaceuticalindustries/SPI">Sun Pharmaceutical Industries</a> and <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/infrastructure-general/abbindia/ABB">ABB India</a> in the current market fall. "Sun Pharma looks strong on a monthly time frame with a potential channel breakout above Rs 1,837, while ABB is showing a breakout from a rectangular channel range with potential for further upside in the near term.

Given the subdued market environment, what is your trading strategy for next week?

The current geopolitical situation looks fragile, and it is not showing signs of getting any better. As far as Indian markets are considered, technically Crude oil prices are showing signs of a sharp upmove. India, being a heavy importer of crude, if prices stay elevated, it will start showing up in the current account, inflation expectations, and by extension, equity valuations.

Even though the US has given India a 30-day window to import crude from Russia, no one knows if the situation will be under control within 30 days, which means the market will keep reacting to every incremental headline until there is clearer visibility on supply normalisation. Technically, the Nifty 50 has given all the bearish indications.

A close below 24,300 would be the final confirmation for bears as it would breach key support. The next levels for Nifty would be 23,000/21,500. A close below 24,300 would turn this market into a sell on rallies, from buy on dips from a trading perspective. Only a substantial visible improvement in the geopolitical situation would change this outlook.

I would stay tactically bearish-to-neutral with a “sell-on-rise, buy-only-at-extremes” approach rather than deploying directional bets aggressively on day one. The idea is to respect the current risk-off setup but not chase gaps, given the amount of geopolitical risk already priced into the last leg of the fall and the sharp spike in crude.

Broad plan:
• Keep gross exposure light, focus on intraday/2–3-day swings rather than positional leverage.
• Sell out-of-the-money Call spreads on Nifty/Bank Nifty near resistance, hedge with limited Put exposure around key supports.
• Deploy fresh cash equity in a staggered fashion in 3–4 tranches, not all at once, into selected high-conviction names only.

Do you think the Nifty 50 is likely to decisively break 24,300 or the current week's low next week, given that the bears currently have the upper hand?

Medium-term trend is intact, but short-term momentum and risk sentiment clearly favour the bears after the recent geopolitical flare-up and the surge in Brent crude oil prices.

With all the key averages (50/100/200) broken, momentum indicators turning bearish, a series of bearish candlestick formations breach of the current week's low looks most likely. As mentioned earlier, a weekly close below 24,300 would turn this into a sell-on-rally market. Only a strong engulfing bull/hammer-like candle with volume surge, near key support levels, would change this view. That probability looks less likely, looking at the current geopolitical context.

What are the key levels to watch for the Nifty 50, and how are FIIs positioned?

Support zone – 24,300-24,00. Huge Put positions built up at 24,000 would mean a temporary bounce can be expected from those levels. Resistance levels would be 24,800, followed by 25,000. A huge call built up at 25,000 would make it difficult for markets to close above that level easily.

On the FII side, the derivatives data show FIIs have been net sellers in index futures in recent sessions, with a negative bias in index futures and index options indicating more protective or speculative bearish positioning. The cash/F&amp;O mix is consistent with them using futures to hedge or express short-term caution rather than outright capitulation, which usually happens with large cash outflows plus extreme short futures positioning.

Based on the charts, do you see oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel next week?

Technically, Brent crude has broken out of a weekly Bollinger band squeeze with good volumes. The next strong resistance for Brent crude is around $110-120 a barrel in the short to medium term.

Do you expect a sharp downside in the Bank Nifty if the index breaks its 200-day EMA?

Yes, Bank Nifty looks precarious after its weekly close. It is showing signs of a rising wedge pattern breakdown, which is not a good sign for the bulls. If the banking index further breaks the psychological 200 DEMA, one can expect a further sharp downmove till the 54,300 levels.

Which two stocks would you like to buy in the current market fall?

<a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/pharmaceuticals/sunpharmaceuticalindustries/SPI">Sun Pharmaceutical Industries</a>

Sun Pharma looks strong on a monthly time frame with a potential channel breakout above Rs 1,837. Momentum indicators are steady and favouring an up move. Further, during the geopolitical turmoil as we are observing now, defensives like pharma are likely to outperform as they are largely immune to geopolitical risk.

<a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/infrastructure-general/abbindia/ABB">ABB India</a>

This is a tactical play on the current geopolitical situation. ABB is an active player in the defense sector, providing specialized technologies for aerospace, marine, and land-based applications. The stock is showing signs of a breakout from a rectangular channel range with potential for further upside in the near term.

Have you observed a double-bottom formation in <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/engineering/jupiterwagons/CEB">Jupiter Wagons</a> Limited, followed by a rally?

Recent price action shows a sharp bounce. The stock closed near Rs 254.8 on the prior day and spiked to around Rs 305 intraday on March 6, with a low near Rs 251.3. That structure is consistent with a double-bottom/accumulation attempt around the Rs 250–255 zone, followed by a strong rally day with a wide range and good intraday momentum.

For trading, as long as Rs 250–252 holds on a closing basis, I would treat this as a valid double-bottom zone and use dips towards Rs 260–265 to accumulate with a tight stop below that band.

Upside in the immediate week is possible, but after a 10%+ swing in a day, I would not chase gap-ups; rather, I’d wait for a 3–5% intraday pullback to enter

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Chartist Talk: Nifty risks fall to 23,000 on weekly close below 24,300; Rahul Ghose bullish on Sun Pharma, ABB

Technically, the Nifty 50 has given all the bearish indications. A close below 24,300 would be the final confirmation for bears as it would breach key support, and the next levels for Nifty would be 23,000/21,500, said Rahul Ghose, the Founder and CEO of Octanom Tech and Hedged, in an interview with Moneycontrol.

According to him, a close below 24,300 would turn this market into a sell on rallies, from buy on dips from a trading perspective. Only a substantial visible improvement in the geopolitical situation would change this outlook, he said.

He bets on Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and ABB India in the current market fall. &quot;Sun Pharma looks strong on a monthly time frame with a potential channel breakout above Rs 1,837, while ABB is showing a breakout from a rectangular channel range with potential for further upside in the near term.

Given the subdued market environment, what is your trading strategy for next week?

The current geopolitical situation looks fragile, and it is not showing signs of getting any better. As far as Indian markets are considered, technically Crude oil prices are showing signs of a sharp upmove. India, being a heavy importer of crude, if prices stay elevated, it will start showing up in the current account, inflation expectations, and by extension, equity valuations.

Even though the US has given India a 30-day window to import crude from Russia, no one knows if the situation will be under control within 30 days, which means the market will keep reacting to every incremental headline until there is clearer visibility on supply normalisation. Technically, the Nifty 50 has given all the bearish indications.

A close below 24,300 would be the final confirmation for bears as it would breach key support. The next levels for Nifty would be 23,000/21,500. A close below 24,300 would turn this market into a sell on rallies, from buy on dips from a trading perspective. Only a substantial visible improvement in the geopolitical situation would change this outlook.

I would stay tactically bearish-to-neutral with a “sell-on-rise, buy-only-at-extremes” approach rather than deploying directional bets aggressively on day one. The idea is to respect the current risk-off setup but not chase gaps, given the amount of geopolitical risk already priced into the last leg of the fall and the sharp spike in crude.

Broad plan:
• Keep gross exposure light, focus on intraday/2–3-day swings rather than positional leverage.
• Sell out-of-the-money Call spreads on Nifty/Bank Nifty near resistance, hedge with limited Put exposure around key supports.
• Deploy fresh cash equity in a staggered fashion in 3–4 tranches, not all at once, into selected high-conviction names only.

Do you think the Nifty 50 is likely to decisively break 24,300 or the current week's low next week, given that the bears currently have the upper hand?

Medium-term trend is intact, but short-term momentum and risk sentiment clearly favour the bears after the recent geopolitical flare-up and the surge in Brent crude oil prices.

With all the key averages (50/100/200) broken, momentum indicators turning bearish, a series of bearish candlestick formations breach of the current week's low looks most likely. As mentioned earlier, a weekly close below 24,300 would turn this into a sell-on-rally market. Only a strong engulfing bull/hammer-like candle with volume surge, near key support levels, would change this view. That probability looks less likely, looking at the current geopolitical context.

What are the key levels to watch for the Nifty 50, and how are FIIs positioned?

Support zone – 24,300-24,00. Huge Put positions built up at 24,000 would mean a temporary bounce can be expected from those levels. Resistance levels would be 24,800, followed by 25,000. A huge call built up at 25,000 would make it difficult for markets to close above that level easily.

On the FII side, the derivatives data show FIIs have been net sellers in index futures in recent sessions, with a negative bias in index futures and index options indicating more protective or speculative bearish positioning. The cash/F&amp;amp;O mix is consistent with them using futures to hedge or express short-term caution rather than outright capitulation, which usually happens with large cash outflows plus extreme short futures positioning.

Based on the charts, do you see oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel next week?

Technically, Brent crude has broken out of a weekly Bollinger band squeeze with good volumes. The next strong resistance for Brent crude is around $110-120 a barrel in the short to medium term.

Do you expect a sharp downside in the Bank Nifty if the index breaks its 200-day EMA?

Yes, Bank Nifty looks precarious after its weekly close. It is showing signs of a rising wedge pattern breakdown, which is not a good sign for the bulls. If the banking index further breaks the psychological 200 DEMA, one can expect a further sharp downmove till the 54,300 levels.

Which two stocks would you like to buy in the current market fall?

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries

Sun Pharma looks strong on a monthly time frame with a potential channel breakout above Rs 1,837. Momentum indicators are steady and favouring an up move. Further, during the geopolitical turmoil as we are observing now, defensives like pharma are likely to outperform as they are largely immune to geopolitical risk.

ABB India

This is a tactical play on the current geopolitical situation. ABB is an active player in the defense sector, providing specialized technologies for aerospace, marine, and land-based applications. The stock is showing signs of a breakout from a rectangular channel range with potential for further upside in the near term.

Have you observed a double-bottom formation in Jupiter Wagons Limited, followed by a rally?

Recent price action shows a sharp bounce. The stock closed near Rs 254.8 on the prior day and spiked to around Rs 305 intraday on March 6, with a low near Rs 251.3. That structure is consistent with a double-bottom/accumulation attempt around the Rs 250–255 zone, followed by a strong rally day with a wide range and good intraday momentum.

For trading, as long as Rs 250–252 holds on a closing basis, I would treat this as a valid double-bottom zone and use dips towards Rs 260–265 to accumulate with a tight stop below that band.

Upside in the immediate week is possible, but after a 10%+ swing in a day, I would not chase gap-ups; rather, I’d wait for a 3–5% intraday pullback to enter

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Crude may stay volatile amid Middle East tensions, India is better placed to absorb shocks, Remains highly bullish on banks, CDMO, consumption, manufacturing

* Crude may stay volatile amid Middle East tensions
* India is better placed to absorb shocks
* Remains highly bullish on banks, CDMO, consumption, manufacturing

shorts/business/daily-voice-india-better-placed-to-absorb-oil-shocks-despite-middle-east-tensions-says-carnelian-s-swati-khemani

* Crude may stay volatile amid Middle East tensions
* India is better placed to absorb shocks
* Remains highly bullish on banks, CDMO, consumption, manufacturing

According to Swati Khemani, Founder of Carnelian Capital, crude oil may remain volatile as long as tensions in the Middle East persist.

She noted that, as seen during the Russia–Ukraine conflict, India managed its energy supplies pragmatically. Overall, India is relatively better positioned to absorb such shocks, she said in an interview with Moneycontrol.

Khemani remains highly bullish on banks, CDMO, consumption, and manufacturing.

“Select pharma exporters, capital goods companies with strong order books, and well-capitalised private financials may see a rerating as earnings visibility strengthens,” she added.

Amid the war-like situation in the Middle East, do you believe defence spending will ramp up globally over the next decade?

Major economies are already spending heavily — the US at around 3.4% of GDP, Russia at around 7%, China at around 2%. Post-COVID, we've seen multiple conflicts — Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Iran — which have fundamentally shifted how governments think about defence readiness.

India too has stepped up — our defence budget for FY26 is Rs 6.81 lakh crore, about 1.9% of GDP. But given our neighbourhood — two nuclear-armed adversaries — we believe we need to get to 2.5% of GDP. The direction is very clear from our Government: more spending, more indigenisation, more private sector participation.

Do you believe the Middle East conflict will deepen further?

Geopolitical conflicts rarely follow predictable timelines. As an investors, we don't predict geopolitics; we prepare for scenarios. We ensure our portfolios are resilient to prolonged uncertainty, while staying alert to opportunities that emerge when sentiment overshoots fundamentals.

Do you expect oil prices to remain elevated?

Crude may remain volatile as long as Middle East tensions persist. For now, the US allowing India to continue buying Russian oil for a month to manage supply provides some relief. India has been purchasing Russian crude at discounted prices to meet its oil requirements.

As seen during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the country managed its energy supplies pragmatically. Overall, India is relatively better positioned to absorb such shocks.

Do you see any reasons for economic growth to face greater risks in the short term, or do you believe growth will remain strong this year and next?

We don’t see our economic growth story to face any greater risk. Our economy is well repaired in last 10 years. Structurally, India is in a strong position. Whether you look at fiscal health, corporate balance sheets or household leverage, things are far more stable than before.

Regulatory changes and cleaner systems have also reduced risks like excessive leverage or sudden margin funding crises. Now with rate cuts, GST rationalisation, a liquidity surplus, a manufacturing push, and improving credit growth, we expect growth to pick up across sectors going forward.

Despite short-term risks such as the Middle East conflict, what kind of market returns do you still expect in the current calendar year?

Earnings expectations were trimmed during 2025 amid global uncertainty and tariff concerns. However, earnings did not contract; they merely moderated. We are already witnessing early signs of recovery. I view this more as a reset than a structural slowdown.

From our analysis, FY27 presents a clearer runway for earnings improvement with valuations no longer stretched and interest rates easing, the earnings cycle appears poised for gradual acceleration This year should be better than last calendar year gone by.

How have you seen women’s participation in the equity markets increase significantly in India over the past few years?

Surely women participation has increased on structural basis. Post-2020 saw a meaningful surge in women's participation in Indian capital markets. SEBI and NSE data showed women account for roughly 20-25% of new demat account openings in recent years, up from historically lower levels. Women now hold 33% of mutual fund Assets Under Management (AUM) and represent 25% of all investors. Key drivers include increased financial literacy, digital adoption, and a rising workforce participation rate of over 41%.

What sectors or investment themes do you think investors should consider for long-term wealth creation, especially after recent correction?

We remain highly bullish on Banks, CDMO, Consumption, and Manufacturing. Select pharma exporters, capital goods companies with strong order books, and well-capitalised private financials may see rerating as earnings visibility strengthens.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Daily Voice: India better placed to absorb oil shocks despite Middle East tensions, says Carnelian’s Swati Khemani

According to Swati Khemani, Founder of Carnelian Capital, crude oil may remain volatile as long as tensions in the Middle East persist.

She noted that, as seen during the Russia–Ukraine conflict, India managed its energy supplies pragmatically. Overall, India is relatively better positioned to absorb such shocks, she said in an interview with Moneycontrol.

Khemani remains highly bullish on banks, CDMO, consumption, and manufacturing.

“Select pharma exporters, capital goods companies with strong order books, and well-capitalised private financials may see a rerating as earnings visibility strengthens,” she added.

Amid the war-like situation in the Middle East, do you believe defence spending will ramp up globally over the next decade?

Major economies are already spending heavily — the US at around 3.4% of GDP, Russia at around 7%, China at around 2%. Post-COVID, we've seen multiple conflicts — Ukraine-Russia, Israel-Iran — which have fundamentally shifted how governments think about defence readiness.

India too has stepped up — our defence budget for FY26 is Rs 6.81 lakh crore, about 1.9% of GDP. But given our neighbourhood — two nuclear-armed adversaries — we believe we need to get to 2.5% of GDP. The direction is very clear from our Government: more spending, more indigenisation, more private sector participation.

Do you believe the Middle East conflict will deepen further?

Geopolitical conflicts rarely follow predictable timelines. As an investors, we don't predict geopolitics; we prepare for scenarios. We ensure our portfolios are resilient to prolonged uncertainty, while staying alert to opportunities that emerge when sentiment overshoots fundamentals.

Do you expect oil prices to remain elevated?

Crude may remain volatile as long as Middle East tensions persist. For now, the US allowing India to continue buying Russian oil for a month to manage supply provides some relief. India has been purchasing Russian crude at discounted prices to meet its oil requirements.

As seen during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the country managed its energy supplies pragmatically. Overall, India is relatively better positioned to absorb such shocks.

Do you see any reasons for economic growth to face greater risks in the short term, or do you believe growth will remain strong this year and next?

We don’t see our economic growth story to face any greater risk. Our economy is well repaired in last 10 years. Structurally, India is in a strong position. Whether you look at fiscal health, corporate balance sheets or household leverage, things are far more stable than before.

Regulatory changes and cleaner systems have also reduced risks like excessive leverage or sudden margin funding crises. Now with rate cuts, GST rationalisation, a liquidity surplus, a manufacturing push, and improving credit growth, we expect growth to pick up across sectors going forward.

Despite short-term risks such as the Middle East conflict, what kind of market returns do you still expect in the current calendar year?

Earnings expectations were trimmed during 2025 amid global uncertainty and tariff concerns. However, earnings did not contract; they merely moderated. We are already witnessing early signs of recovery. I view this more as a reset than a structural slowdown.

From our analysis, FY27 presents a clearer runway for earnings improvement with valuations no longer stretched and interest rates easing, the earnings cycle appears poised for gradual acceleration This year should be better than last calendar year gone by.

How have you seen women’s participation in the equity markets increase significantly in India over the past few years?

Surely women participation has increased on structural basis. Post-2020 saw a meaningful surge in women's participation in Indian capital markets. SEBI and NSE data showed women account for roughly 20-25% of new demat account openings in recent years, up from historically lower levels. Women now hold 33% of mutual fund Assets Under Management (AUM) and represent 25% of all investors. Key drivers include increased financial literacy, digital adoption, and a rising workforce participation rate of over 41%.

What sectors or investment themes do you think investors should consider for long-term wealth creation, especially after recent correction?

We remain highly bullish on Banks, CDMO, Consumption, and Manufacturing. Select pharma exporters, capital goods companies with strong order books, and well-capitalised private financials may see rerating as earnings visibility strengthens.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

12 out of 18 years NIFTY 100 has given positive returns in March.

Type	R1	R2	R3	PP	S1	S2	S3
Classic	25,306.17	25,477.43	25,579.67	25,203.93	25,032.67	24,930.43	24,759.17
Fibonacci	25,308.41	25,372.96	25,477.43	25,203.93	25,099.46	25,034.91	24,930.43
Camarilla	25,159.97	25,185.04	25,210.11	25,203.93	25,109.83	25,084.76	25,059.69

INDEX CONTRIBUTION - NIFTY 100

Net Contribution

MC TechnicalsPRO

Pivot levels

Seasonality analysis

News

Moving Averages
Technical Indicators
Moving Averages Crossovers