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Amidst escalating Iran vs US-Israel war, Standard Chartered clarified reports of a Dubai office evacuation, stating it extended existing work-from-home measures as a precaution. The bank emphasised its regional operations remain active. This comes as other financial institutions also implement safety protocols, highlighting Dubai's crucial role as a financial hub facing geopolitical risks.from Business News Today: Stock Markets, Financial News, India Business & World Business News https://ift.tt/iL9GzsE
Stock market recommendations: NCC, and HFCL are the top stocks that Bajaj Broking Research recommends buying on March 13, 2026. Here is a detailed outlook on NCC, and HFCL along with a view on Nifty and Bank Nifty.
Despite escalating Iran vs US-Israel war, HSBC reaffirms strong confidence in GCC economies, signalling global banks are not retreating. The region's diversified economies, fiscal strength and strategic location continue to attract capital, even as markets grapple with conflict-driven volatility and energy price surges. Financial hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expanding, underscoring long-term appeal.
Top stock market recommendations: INOX India, and Apollo Hospitals Enterprise are buy calls from Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President - WM Research of Nuvama Professional Clients Group. The analyst recommends selling TVS Motor Company. Below is his views on on Nifty, Bank Nifty and each of the three stocks:
Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn last week, with the top ten most valuable companies collectively shedding over Rs 2.8 lakh crore. Escalating geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices impacted investor sentiment, leading to broad-based selling. State Bank of India saw the steepest decline, while only Reliance Industries and Infosys managed to post gains.
The Indian rupee weakened against the dollar, closing at 91.75 on Friday, influenced by rising crude oil prices and foreign investor withdrawals. Despite central bank intervention and domestic stock market declines, losses were somewhat contained. Analysts anticipate continued pressure on the rupee due to firm crude prices, with a trading range of 91.25-92.50 expected.
Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn on Friday, with the Sensex plummeting nearly 1,100 points to close below 79,000 for the first time since April 2025. Deteriorating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and global market conditions, coupled with substantial foreign fund outflows, led the decline. Banks were particularly affected as investors adopted a risk-off approach.
The rupee strengthened by 55 paise to close at Rs 91.6 per dollar on Thursday, recovering from a record low. The Reserve Bank of India intervened through state-run banks in both non-deliverable forward and spot markets to support the domestic unit. Sentiment improved marginally on reports of Iran's conditional willingness to abandon its nuclear program.
Public sector banks have significantly expanded their market share in key secured lending segments like auto and home loans over the past year. This growth comes as private banks and NBFCs continue to dominate unsecured consumer credit, with PSBs increasing their presence in previously private-dominated areas.
The Indian rupee rebounded on Thursday, recovering 51 paise to trade at 91.54 against the US dollar after hitting a record low. This recovery follows a significant slump driven by surging crude oil prices linked to the Iran crisis. Traders anticipate continued sensitivity to oil market movements and potential Reserve Bank of India intervention.
Top stock market recommendations: Solar Industries India, and Coal India are the stocks that Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President - WM Research of Nuvama Professional Clients Group has recommended to buy today. UNO Minda is a sell call. The market expert shares his detailed analysis on stocks and views on Nifty and Bank Nifty.
Gold prices surged as major strikes on Iran, reportedly killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, intensified geopolitical tensions and fears of economic instability. The attacks triggered further retaliatory actions, creating a volatile environment that benefits gold as a safe-haven asset. Analysts predict continued price increases, with major banks forecasting gold to reach $6,000-$6,300 per ounce.
Customers visiting Indian bank branches in March 2026 should check holiday schedules as many will be closed for national and state-specific festivals like Holi. Branches will also be shut on the second and fourth Saturdays. Digital banking services will remain operational for essential transactions.
The Central Bank of the UAE has launched the world's first sovereign financial cloud services infrastructure, a secure, AI-powered digital backbone for its financial sector. Developed with Core42, this initiative ensures national control over data, integrates advanced AI for enhanced operations and offers unified multi-cloud management, positioning the UAE as a leader in secure digital finance.
Stock market recommendations: Bajaj Broking Research recommends Colgate-Palmolive (India), and Varun Beverages as the top stocks to buy on February 27, 2026. The brokerage shares a detailed outlook on Nifty and Bank Nifty:
Top stock market recommendations: Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Colgate-Palmolive (India), and JSW Steel are the top stock picks that Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President - WM Research of Nuvama Professional Clients Group has listed. He also shares his outlook for Nifty, and Bank Nifty for February 26, 2026:
Scheduled commercial banks have regained market share in commercial sector financing in FY26, expanding non-food credit faster than the overall resource pool. This reverses a contraction seen in FY25, driven by a surge in equity issuances and non-bank funding. Bank credit grew 55.3% in the first 10 months of FY26, lifting their share of total funding to 63.2%.
Haryana's State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested four individuals, including two former IDFC First Bank employees and two private partners, in connection with a Rs 590 crore fraud. The bank disclosed the fraud involving its employees and external parties in accounts linked to the Haryana government.
Bank appoints KPMG for forensic audit | CEO expects lender to remain profitable
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated there is no roadmap for public sector bank mergers, indicating consolidation is not actively considered. A new banking reform panel will review the sector's future, examining all aspects to strengthen the ecosystem and align it with India's growth goals.
Stock market recommendations: KEI Industries, and Punjab National Bank (PNB) are the stocks recommended by Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical Research and Derivatives, SBI Securities for the week starting February 23, 2026. Here’s his detailed analysis and outlook for Nifty and Bank Nifty:
IDFC First Bank shares plunged 20% after the bank revealed a Rs 590 crore fraud at its Chandigarh branch involving unauthorized transactions from Haryana government accounts. Four employees have been suspended as an internal investigation and police complaint are underway. The bank is taking steps to recover funds and conduct a forensic audit, assuring other customers remain unaffected.
The Reserve Bank of India has established a high-security data center in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to protect critical financial systems. This strategic location minimizes exposure to cross-border threats and seismic risks, ensuring operational continuity. The facility supports core banking functions and enhances the safety and resilience of India's financial infrastructure.
IDFC First Bank reported a Rs 590 crore discrepancy in Haryana government deposits at its Chandigarh branch, suspending four employees. The bank has initiated a forensic audit and is working with other banks to recover funds. This disclosure follows Haryana's directive for departments to close accounts with specific private lenders due to suspected financial irregularities.
Crypto giant Tether is now a leading gold buyer, acquiring nearly two tonnes weekly, surpassing many nations. This move, driven by its tokenized gold product and diversification strategy, sees the company amassing significant bullion reserves. Tether's substantial gold purchases are reshaping global demand, with its holdings now rivaling central bank levels.
Wall Street’s junior-banker grind has been a simmering flashpoint since pandemic-era deal surges, when complaints about punishing schedules and chronic sleep deprivation spilled into public view and forced some banks to tinker with “protected” time off
Stock market recommendations: IndusInd Bank, and UPL are the top stock recommendations by Bajaj Broking Research for February 20, 2026 with a 3-month horizon in mind. The brokerage also shares its view on Nifty and Bank Nifty:
Indian education loans are growing strongly. Asset quality is improving significantly. This resilience continues despite global uncertainties. Banks' outstanding education loans have reached Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Non-performing assets have fallen sharply. Private lenders also report robust growth and strong asset quality. Financing penetration of education spend is increasing. Students are exploring new study destinations.
Top stock market recommendations: Sona BLW Precision Forgings, PFC, and NLC India are the top stocks that Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President - WM Research of Nuvama Professional Clients Group recommends buying today. Here is the expert’s view on Nifty, Bank Nifty for February 19, 2026:
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has formed a special group to expedite high-profile cases, including those involving Gensol Engineering and IndusInd Bank. President Prasanna Kumar D anticipates findings within two months. He also highlighted the expanding role of chartered accountants in Global Capability Centres and the introduction of new digital audit standards.
Planning a bank visit? Be aware that Indian banks observe both national and state holidays, leading to varied closures. Today, February 18, Sikkim banks are closed for Losar. Maharashtra observes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti on February 19, while Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh celebrate State Day on February 20. Remember, second and fourth Saturdays also mean no branch operations.
The Reserve Bank of India has bought 47% of the Centre's bond issuances in FY26 to inject Rs 6.39 lakh crore into the banking system. This move cushions liquidity amid heavy government borrowing, preventing excessive yield hikes and supporting credit growth. The RBI's actions have helped maintain stable money market rates despite market volatility.
Stock market recommendations: NTPC, Power Finance Corporation, and Union Bank of India are the top stock picks by Somil Mehta, Head - Alternate Research, Capital Market Strategy, Mirae Asset Sharekhan for February 17, 2026. Let’s take a look:
Stock market recommendations: Arvind, and Bajaj Finance are the top stock picks by Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical Research and Derivatives, SBI Securities for the week starting February 16, 2026. He also shares his views and outlook on Nifty, Bank Nifty:
As the United States observes Presidents Day on Monday, February 16, federal holidays mean many services will be closed. Banks, government offices, and post offices will shut down, with no mail delivery. However, digital banking and ATMs remain accessible, and most retail stores and restaurants will operate normally.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), in Munich, Germany, among several other key dignitaries, during her ongoing visit.
