Economy news

• Looking for stable retirement income? SCSS can give Rs 20,000 monthly

  15-02-2026 06:24
  To earn roughly Rs 20,000 per month, an investor would typically need to invest close to the maximum permitted amount of Rs 30 lakh in the scheme.
  
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• No gas, no problem: Ready-made meals and frozen foods take over Indian homes

  16-03-2026 11:06 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Middle East tensions are disrupting LPG supplies, pushing Indian households towards ready-to-cook meals and frozen snacks. Retailers report a significant surge in demand for these alternatives, with some anticipating a lasting shift in consumer habits. Despite government efforts, shortages persist, driving interest in electric cooking solutions.
  
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• UAE's Port of Fujairah: A strategic lifeline for the nation and global oil markets

  16-03-2026 11:04 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  A drone strike hit a petroleum facility at the Port of Fujairah in the UAE. Emergency teams controlled the fire. No injuries were reported. This attack occurs amid escalating Middle East tensions. The port is a vital alternative route for oil exports, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions here could impact global energy markets.
  
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• India-US trade deal: Commerce secretary shares important update; ‘actual signing when new architecture of tariffs in place’

  16-03-2026 09:51 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  The comments assume significance at a time when the US Supreme Court has struck down the tariffs that were imposed by the Trump administration, calling them illegal.
  
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• Trade deficit for February widens to $3.96 billion: India’s exports climb 11%, imports surge 21%

  16-03-2026 09:47 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  India's exports reached $76.13 billion in February 2026, showing strong growth. Imports rose even faster, leading to a wider trade deficit. For the fiscal year, exports are on track for growth. The country previously set a record in exports for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Challenges like the West Asia crisis may impact March exports.
  
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• Gold price today (March 16, 2026): How much 18K, 22K and 24K gold cost in your city; check rates for Delhi, Mumbai & more

  16-03-2026 08:21 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Gold futures experienced a significant drop of Rs 2,225 to Rs 1.56 lakh per 10 grams, influenced by a stronger US dollar and weaker international markets. Analysts attribute the decline to rising energy prices and diminished expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, impacting investor sentiment and leading to outflows from gold-backed ETFs.
  
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• US-Iran war hits stock market: Citi, Nomura cut Nifty50 target prices; here’s the outlook

  16-03-2026 08:20 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Citi has revised its Nifty target to 27,000 from the earlier estimate of 28,500. The new projection suggests a potential upside of about 17 percent from the index’s last closing level.
  
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• US forced labour probe: China urges Trump to 'immediately correct erroneous' trade practices

  16-03-2026 07:26 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  China has lodged formal objections with the US over new trade investigations into forced labor and excess industrial capacity, urging Washington to correct its "erroneous ways." The probes, targeting 60 economies including China, come as trade negotiators meet in Paris. Beijing criticizes the investigations as "political manipulation" and "discriminatory," while the US cites concerns over forced labor in Xinjiang.
  
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• Stock market outlook: Where is Nifty headed this week amid US-Iran war? Check sectors in focus

  16-03-2026 07:11 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Stock market recommendations: Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical Research and Derivatives, SBI Securities shares his view on Nifty, Bank Nifty and top sectors in focus amid the ongoing Middle East conflict and US-Iran war. Here is his view for the week starting March 16, 2026.
  
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• Gold price prediction today: Why are gold prices not rising too much amid US-Iran war? Key levels to watch out for March 16, 2026 week

  16-03-2026 06:59 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are supported by the underlying geopolitical negative sentiment but the gains are capped, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.
  
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• ‘I have the absolute right to charge tariffs in another form’: Trump slams Supreme Court ruling

  16-03-2026 06:22 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  President Trump criticized the Supreme Court's decision to invalidate his global tariffs, warning of trillions in losses and vowing to impose them in new forms. He thanked three justices for their stance while also criticizing Republican appointees for perceived disrespect and politicized rulings. The administration is exploring alternative legal avenues to recover lost tariff revenue.
  
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• Gas supply crunch a worry for AC makers ahead of peak season

  16-03-2026 05:27 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  West Asia war-induced supply chain disruptions are impacting AC production in India, with shortages of LPG and petrochemicals affecting manufacturing processes. Companies are facing challenges with raw material availability and price hikes, potentially leading to increased costs for consumers ahead of the peak summer season.
  
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• Why Kharg Island matters: The oil lifeline Trump just put in his crosshairs

  16-03-2026 05:21 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  A small rocky island, Kharg Island, has become a focal point in US-Iran tensions due to its critical role in Iran's oil exports. US forces struck military installations on the island, deliberately sparing oil facilities to signal leverage without crippling Iran's economy.
  
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• Stock market today (March 16, 2026): Nifty50 opens below 23,150; BSE Sensex down around 100 points

  16-03-2026 04:49 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Stock market today: After a week of selloff, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex opened flat in trade on Monday. While Nifty50 was below 23,150, BSE Sensex was down around 100 points.
  
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• Stock market today (March 16, 2026): Nifty50 goes above 23,400; BSE Sensex up over 1,000 points

  16-03-2026 04:49 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex rallied strongly in trade on Monday after two weeks of brutal selloff. While Nifty50 crossed 23,500, BSE Sensex rose over 1,000 points. A
  
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• Stock market today (March 16, 2026): Nifty50 ends above 23,400; BSE Sensex reclaims 75,000, closes over 900 points up

  16-03-2026 04:49 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex ended in green, rallying in late afternoon trade. While Nifty50 went above 23,400, BSE Sensex ended over 900 points up, crossing the 75,000 mark.
  
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• Oil prices today: Crude continues to rise as US-Iran war rages on; Brent surges past $105 a barrel

  16-03-2026 04:18 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Global oil prices eased slightly as President Trump urged international cooperation to secure the Strait of Hormuz, following a sharp rally driven by US-Iran tensions.The disruption has impacted a fifth of global oil supply, prompting the IEA to release over 400 million barrels from strategic reserves.
  
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• Top stocks to buy: Stock recommendations for March 16, 2026 week - check list

  16-03-2026 04:12 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Stock market recommendations: Coal India, and State Bank of India (SBI) are the top stock recommendations by Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd for this week starting March 16, 2026.
  
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• Middle East war sparks India market crash: $240 billion wealth wiped out in just one week

  16-03-2026 02:48 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have sent shockwaves through India's stock markets, erasing an estimated $240 billion in investor wealth. Soaring oil prices and foreign investor withdrawals amplified the sell-off, impacting sectors from banking to automobiles. Experts urge calm, noting historical market resilience post-crises but future direction hinges on Iran vs US-Israel war de-escalation.
  
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• Iran crisis: IEA says strategic oil reserves to be released immediately in Asia-Oceania

  15-03-2026 18:26 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Asia and Oceania will immediately receive strategic oil reserves, while the Americas and Europe will start releases by late March. This emergency action by the IEA aims to cushion the oil shock from the West Asia war, releasing 271.7 million barrels globally. Despite this, oil prices remain near $100, highlighting concerns over the Strait of Hormuz closure.
  
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• Upgrad signs term sheet to acquire Unacademy in all-stock deal

  15-03-2026 17:35 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Edtech giants Upgrad and Unacademy are set to merge in an all-stock deal, a significant consolidation for India's online education sector. Upgrad founder Ronnie Screwvala confirmed the term sheet signing, with Unacademy CEO Gaurav Munjal to continue leading the merged entity. This move signals a new chapter for both companies after a period of market recalibration.
  
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• Gold, silver may see more corrective moves this week as Iran conflict drive volatility

  15-03-2026 16:02 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Gold and silver prices are poised for continued volatility this week, influenced by Middle East conflict developments and key central bank policy announcements. Investors are closely watching for geopolitical shifts and forward guidance from the Fed, ECB, BoE, and PBOC. Despite recent price dips, analysts maintain that long-term allocation to bullion remains favoured due to its safe-haven and hedging properties.
  
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• DGCA temporarily eases pilot duty norms for Air India long-haul flights amid airspace curbs

  15-03-2026 14:53 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Air India's long-haul flights face extended duty times due to Middle East airspace restrictions. The DGCA has granted temporary relaxations, extending flight duty limits by over an hour. However, allegations suggest Air India may have exceeded these new allowances on a Jeddah flight, highlighting the ongoing impact of regional conflict on aviation.
  
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• IEA’s record oil release may offer only limited relief if Hormuz stays shut: S&P

  15-03-2026 14:25 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  The International Energy Agency's historic 400 million barrel oil reserve release offers limited relief as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. S&P Global Energy warns this move won't solve the core issue of disrupted shipping, leaving Asian markets particularly vulnerable.Markets face continued imbalance until this critical chokepoint reopens.
  
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• Iran war, crude prices to steer Dalal Street this week

  15-03-2026 11:51 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Indian equity markets face a volatile week, driven by Middle East conflict developments and crude oil price movements. Investors are also keenly watching the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and inflation data. Steep losses were recorded last week amid rising oil, a weakening rupee, and foreign fund outflows.
  
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• ‘Good stocks in hand’: India well placed on crude, fuel despite Middle East war, says Goyal

  15-03-2026 11:16 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  India is well-prepared for Middle East crisis disruptions, with ample fuel stocks and no supply issues reported.The government is diversifying gas import sources and will soon announce support for affected exporters, including insurance schemes.Despite short-term economic pressures and rupee stress, India remains confident in its growth trajectory.
  
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• Middle East conflict forces Indian exporters to reroute shipments, absorb higher costs

  15-03-2026 10:38 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Indian exporters are navigating Middle East conflict fallout, facing rising freight, insurance, and transit times. Businesses are adapting by adjusting inventory and contracts, while shipping lines reroute vessels around Africa, adding significant delays and costs. The government is exploring support measures, including airlifting perishables and alternative port options.
  
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• FPI profile: Foreign investors pull out Rs 52,704 crore in a fortnight as Middle East conflict rattles markets

  15-03-2026 09:24 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Foreign investors aggressively sold Indian stocks in early March, withdrawing over Rs 52,000 crore due to West Asian tensions, a weakening rupee, and rising oil prices. This follows a brief inflow in February, with analysts citing geopolitical risks and better prospects in other Asian markets. Despite outflows, opportunities arise for domestic investors.
  
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• Market recap: Mcap of top-10 firms erodes Rs 4.48 lakh crore; SBI, HDFC Bank see sharpest fall

  15-03-2026 08:25 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  Indian markets witnessed a sharp sell-off last week, with the top 10 companies losing a staggering Rs 4.48 lakh crore. Rising crude oil prices and escalating global tensions fueled inflation fears, impacting major firms like SBI and HDFC Bank the most. Despite the downturn, Reliance Industries retained its top valuation spot.
  
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• Trump’s forced labour probe: China faces closest scrutiny; what does it mean for India?

  15-03-2026 07:10 via timesofindia.indiatimes.com
  
  India's solar panel, electronics, and garment exports face heightened US scrutiny following a new trade probe into forced labor in global supply chains. The investigation, covering 60 economies including India, examines goods made with forced labor or using inputs from such sources. This could impact Indian exporters reliant on Chinese components, demanding stricter documentation and compliance.
  
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