Market Bizzz

Brent Crude oil price: Oil prices plummeted below $100 a barrel following President Trump’s announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Iran, contingent on the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This development, averting a potential escalation, saw Brent crude fall to $94.43 and WTI to $96.82.

Veteran investor Ray Dalio warns global markets are underestimating prolonged conflict risks, citing interconnected geopolitical tensions and structural shifts. He suggests current events echo pre-war periods, potentially leading to elevated risk environments and weaker asset returns for longer than anticipated.

We have collated a list of recommendations from top brokerage firms from ETNow and other sources.

Indian companies rushed to the non-deliverable forwards market, trading over seven billion dollars on March 30. This surge followed Reserve Bank of India curbs on banks. Companies exploited arbitrage opportunities by buying dollars onshore and selling them in the NDF market. The Reserve Bank has since intensified measures, helping the rupee recover.

Oil prices surged as President Trump issued a stern warning to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran rejected a ceasefire, insisting on a permanent end to the war, while supply disruptions from Russia and potential further escalation in the Middle East are keeping crude prices elevated.

We have collated a list of recommendations from top brokerage firms from ETNow and other sources.

Six Nifty 500 stocks that gained over 4% on April 2 appeared in the RSI Trending Up scan, with their RSI crossing above 50 from lower levels. The trend signals strengthening price momentum, which traders often monitor to identify improving sentiment and potential short-term buying opportunities in select counters.

Oil prices are climbing due to worries about supply disruptions in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict involving Iran and the U.S. is impacting market sentiment. Experts predict prices could reach $150 per barrel if tensions persist. The Strait of Hormuz closure is a key concern for global supply chains.

Brokerages continue to remain bullish on a diverse set of stocks across sectors such as electronics manufacturing, FMCG, metals, pharmaceuticals, and defence, highlighting strong earnings visibility and growth potential.

AU Small Finance Bank reported steady Q4 growth with deposits rising 23% year-on-year to Rs 1.52 lakh crore and advances increasing 25%. Despite strong operational performance, the stock has declined amid broader weakness in banking stocks, FII outflows and macro pressures linked to rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions.