Market Bizzz

HDFC Bank faces potential selling pressure as its part-time Chairman, Atanu Chakraborty, resigned citing ethical concerns over recent bank practices. Keki Mistry has been appointed interim chairman. Chakraborty’s departure follows a period of significant events, including the merger with HDFC, which has yet to fully yield benefits.

U.S. crude futures rose more than 3% to $99.39 per barrel. Natural gas prices climbed over 5%, while Brent crude touched $111.19 in early trade and extended gains by another 4% this morning to $112 per barrel, moving closer to the initial war peak of $120.

Gold prices saw a slight increase on Thursday after hitting a one-month low. However, a strong dollar and the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance limited further gains. Oil prices surged above $110 a barrel following an attack on Iranian energy facilities. This has raised inflation concerns. The US and Canada central banks held rates steady but warned of persistent inflation risks.

Urban Company shares will be in focus after early investors offloaded a 4.6% stake worth Rs 734 crore following the expiry of the lock-in period. While institutional buying provided some support, the stock remains under pressure amid recent declines and continued investments impacting profitability despite steady revenue growth.

Japan’s Nikkei index surged on Wednesday, driven by technology stocks. Investors eased worries about rising oil prices, boosting market sentiment. Advantest and SoftBank Group saw significant gains. Shipping firm Mitsui OSK Lines and Mitsubishi Materials also experienced strong upward movement. Tokyo Electric Power also jumped on investment interest. Chugai Pharm was the sole decliner.

On March 17, six Nifty200 stocks appeared in the RSI Trending Up scan. Their RSI readings crossed above the 50 mark from lower levels, indicating strengthening price momentum. Traders often monitor this indicator to identify improving sentiment and potential bullish continuation opportunities in these counters within the broader market.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is reportedly preparing a proposal to make quarterly earnings reports optional, allowing companies to instead report results twice a year. This potential shift, which could be published next month, aims to reduce shortsightedness and costs for public companies, though critics warn of reduced transparency and increased market volatility.

Crude oil prices surged over 2% as supply concerns intensified with the Strait of Hormuz largely shut. European allies declined U.S. calls to escort tankers, prompting President Trump’s criticism. The UAE has halved production due to the disruption, raising fears of shortages and inflation. Experts predict further price hikes if tensions persist.

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

Crude oil prices surged past $100 per barrel as President Trump warned Iran that its vital Kharg Island oil hub could be targeted, sparking fears of global energy supply disruptions. Despite avoiding direct strikes on oil infrastructure, the US is considering high-risk options, while Iran’s drone attack on a UAE terminal adds to regional tensions.