Rising tensions between the United States and Iran risk disrupting crude flows through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, potentially spiking global benchmarks and raising Indias fuel and inflation pressures. Even limited disruption could widen volatility as import-dependent economies brace for higher energy costs.
Markets ended higher despite volatility, with Nifty consolidating in a narrow range. FII positioning shows gradual short covering but remains cautious. IT stocks stay under pressure, while banking and PSU sectors show strength. Analysts expect sideways movement with stock-specific action and highlight key technical levels for the coming week.
A well-structured mutual fund portfolio can help investors achieve multiple financial goals without frequent changes. Experts suggest maintaining diversification, gradually reducing risk for short-term goals, and increasing SIP contributions for long-term targets. Regular portfolio reviews and disciplined investing remain key to balancing returns, risk, and goal-based planning effectively.
Aparna Karnik, Fund Manager at DSP Mutual Fund, says multi-asset funds focus on balance, not chasing short-term gains in gold or equities. Disciplined diversification, calibrated equity exposure, systematic rebalancing, and selective allocations to REITs, InvITs, and commodities aim to deliver smoother, risk-adjusted returns across market cycles.
Sunil Singhanias Abakkus portfolio shows a mixed FY26 performance, with seven stocks gaining over 30% and some declining sharply. The portfolio value has moderated, while two new additions were made in Q3. The analysis highlights key winners, laggards and evolving investment trends among prominent Dalal Street investors.
India's steel sector shines globally with robust domestic demand and expanding capacity. It is the world's fastest-growing steel market. Projections show significant volume growth through FY28. Infrastructure, real estate, and energy transition fuel this expansion. Domestic producers benefit from protectionist measures and improving pricing. JSW Steel and Tata Steel are poised for growth.
The U.S. dollars recent weakness may be reversing as economic resilience, easing policy concerns and geopolitical factors support a rebound. With global and domestic pressures building, the Indian rupee could face depreciation. The Dollar Index is seen moving towards 100 to 102, reflecting improving fundamentals and shifting market expectations.
Over the five trading sessions ending February 20, the benchmark index Sensex inched up 0.23% (188 points) to settle at 82,814. The index advanced in four out of the five sessions, but witnessed a sharp decline of about 1,236 points on Thursday. During the same period, 63 stocks in the BSE Smallcap Index registered losses in all five sessions. Among them, 12 small-cap stocks recorded cumulative declines of more than 15% over the five-day span. (Data source: ACE Equity)
Despite a marginal gain in the Sensex over five sessions ending February 20, weakness persisted in the broader market. As many as 63 BSE Smallcap stocks declined throughout the period, with 12 registering losses exceeding 15%, highlighting sustained pressure and selective selloff in the small-cap segment despite benchmark resilience.
Indian markets saw a positive close on Friday. Major Wall Street companies like Alphabet and Amazon surged after the Supreme Court ruled against President Trump's global tariffs. Investors welcomed the removal of uncertainty. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all ended higher. This development provided a boost to the stock market.
