Oil Prices Plunge: China’s Weak Data Shakes Markets

The stock market took a hit as trading opened on March 11, with significant losses in IT, telecom, and mid and small cap financial services sectors. The BSE Sensex fell by 451 points, while the NSE Nifty dropped 132 points. This decline is linked to a sell-off in Asian markets and concerns about potential recession in the U.S. due to uncertain tariff policies. Notably, IndusInd Bank saw the largest drop at 10%, while only three Sensex stocks managed to gain. Market analysts suggest that traders should closely watch upcoming economic data from the U.S. and India.

Gold and silver prices are showing slight fluctuations in major Indian cities today. In Delhi, gold is priced at ₹88,003 per 10 grams, while silver stands at ₹1,02,000 per kg. Chennai's gold price is ₹87,851 per 10 grams, and silver is ₹1,10,600 per kg. In Mumbai, gold costs ₹87,857 per 10 grams, with silver at ₹1,01,300 per kg. Kolkata mirrors these trends with gold at ₹87,855 per 10 grams and silver at ₹1,02,800 per kg. Prices are influenced by factors like global demand, currency changes, and the economy, making it crucial for buyers to stay informed.

Wall Street faced one of its worst trading days in a long time due to fears about President Trump's trade policies. Investors are anxious that these tariffs could push the US economy towards a recession. Trump’s vague comments on the economy have not reassured many. While some economic indicators appear stable, there are signs of slowdown, such as declining consumer confidence and cautious business investments. Analysts believe that the market is reacting to Trump's actions, including recent tariffs on countries like Canada and China. The uncertainty surrounding these changes is causing heightened concern among investors.

India is set to establish its first private manufacturing facility for trainer aircraft in Hisar, Haryana, by the end of this year. The Sakthi group from Tamil Nadu is partnering with Austria’s Diamond Aircraft Industries to assemble DA40 NG trainer planes. This joint venture aims to supply 200 aircraft to flying schools across India, with the first 50 imported and assembled locally. The facility will aim for 100 aircraft production annually, targeting 60-70% local components within five years. With increasing demand for pilots in India's growing aviation market, this initiative is expected to train 1,000 commercial pilots every year.

IndusInd Bank's shares plummeted by 27% after the bank revealed a potential 2.35% decrease in its net worth due to significant losses in its derivative portfolio. This amounts to a staggering Rs 2,100 crore and will be reflected in the bank's profit and loss statement. The Reserve Bank of India has restricted internal trading, prompting the bank to stop these practices by April 1, 2024. An internal review uncovered discrepancies in accounting for forex derivative losses over the past several years. The bank has hired an external agency to validate these findings, with the potential for significant financial impact expected in the upcoming quarters.

Many older American professionals are facing tough times as they struggle to find jobs after being laid off. Due to their age and salary expectations, they are often overlooked in favor of younger candidates. As a result, some are taking blue-collar jobs, even though these may not match their long-term career goals. For instance, Donald Malone, once a successful consultant, now works for half his previous salary in a blue-collar position. Similarly, Eric Nielsen, who lost his job, is now juggling multiple part-time gigs to make ends meet. The job market for white-collar roles is at a low, creating a challenging environment for older workers.

Many Indian travelers buy gold in Dubai because it is cheaper than in India and is considered a safe investment. Gold is also a significant part of Indian culture, especially during weddings. Travelers can bring back up to 1 kg of gold but must declare any amount over the allowed limit. Men can carry up to 20 grams without duty, while women can bring back 40 grams of gold as jewelry, bars, or coins without customs fees. Children under 15 can also bring 40 grams, but must have proof of relation. Customs duties apply for amounts exceeding these limits.

IndusInd Bank is facing a major setback as its shares plummeted by 20% during early trading on March 11. This drop followed the bank’s announcement of discrepancies discovered in its derivatives portfolio during an internal review. The shares fell to ₹729.05, marking a significant decline that has raised concerns about the bank's financial health. In its filing, IndusInd Bank revealed that these discrepancies could impact its net worth by around 2.35%. They have hired an external agency for an independent review, while assuring that their profitability remains strong enough to absorb the one-time impact. The situation has led to analysts downgrading the stock and increasing bearish sentiment among investors.

Premium electric vehicles (EVs) in Maharashtra are about to get pricier due to a new 6% motor vehicle tax on EVs costing over ₹30 lakh. This tax is part of the state budget for the financial year 2025-26 and marks the first time Maharashtra will tax EVs, which previously enjoyed tax-free status. Along with this, the tax on individual-owned non-transport CNG and LPG vehicles has also increased by 1%. While the government expects to raise ₹320 crore in revenue, experts warn this could hinder EV sales. For example, in Telangana, similar tax increases led to a significant drop in EV adoption.

India and the European Union (EU) are set to begin their 10th round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) this Monday, aiming to finalize the deal by the end of the year. Despite previous hurdles, the ongoing global tariff war and changes in India's import duties could accelerate progress. With bilateral trade at $190 billion, both sides are eager to expand trade but face challenges, especially concerning tariffs on agriculture and automobiles. The EU seeks to lower tariffs significantly, while India aims to protect its local industries. Key discussions will also focus on services and new carbon tax regulations impacting small businesses.

On March 11, real estate stocks surged, marking a significant recovery in Indian markets. The Nifty Realty index climbed nearly 3 percent, ending its three-day decline. Macrotech Developers led the charge with a 5 percent gain after acquiring land in Mumbai for over Rs 279 crore. Phoenix Mills followed closely with a 4 percent rise, while Godrej Properties and DLF also saw gains of over 3 percent each. Despite the overall positive trend, some stocks like Mahindra Lifespace and Raymond saw declines. The Nifty index recovered about 100 points, while Sensex bounced back over 300 points.

Tesla Inc's shares faced a dramatic drop of 15.43% on March 10, 2025, marking its worst single-day decline since September 2020. Concerns about the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) are plaguing the company, particularly in China, where it is struggling against local competitor BYD Co. The company’s shipments from Shanghai fell by 49% in February, reaching their lowest point since July 2022. Similarly, registrations in Germany plunged by 70% in early 2025. Analysts have lowered Tesla’s delivery projections for the first quarter, predicting a 16% decrease in vehicle handling. This situation raises significant concerns about Tesla’s future in the competitive EV market.

Indian stock markets are expected to open lower on Tuesday due to a significant sell-off in Asian markets. This drop follows a sharp decline in U.S. markets, driven by fears of a recession triggered by uncertainty over tariff policies from U.S. President Donald Trump. As investors worry about global economic stability, the GIFT Nifty futures indicate a likely opening below Monday’s close. The Nikkei 225 index in Japan fell 2.7%, and U.S. stocks, including the Nasdaq, faced substantial losses. The Nifty 50 is currently 14.5% below its all-time high due to slowing earnings and foreign selling, with investors pulling out substantial funds recently.

The new Income-tax Bill in India aims to empower tax officers with the ability to access social media and digital accounts, including banking and trading platforms. This bill defines “virtual digital space” as areas where users interact online. It reiterates existing powers to inspect and seize electronic records, making it clear that tax authorities can now include digital evidence in their searches. This simplifies the direct taxation structure that has been in place for over 60 years. Once passed, the new law is expected to take effect on April 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in tax compliance.

The Indian rupee faced its largest drop in over a month, losing 38 paise to close at 87.33 against the US dollar. This decline was influenced by fluctuating crude oil prices and a significant outflow of foreign investments. Despite a weaker dollar, local market sentiments suffered due to a sell-off in stocks. The rupee opened at 87.24 and dropped to a low of 87.36 during trading. On the other hand, Brent crude oil prices rose slightly, and the stock market also experienced losses, with major indices falling. The situation raises concerns about India's economic stability as forex reserves also diminished recently.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and is essential for modern living. Kunal Shah, founder of CRED, emphasized on X that professionals must adapt to AI to stay relevant, warning that those who resist will be left behind. His post sparked a lively debate, with many agreeing that adapting to AI is crucial for survival in today's fast-paced world. Users noted that AI is not here to replace jobs but to enhance efficiency, making it vital for experts to integrate it into their work. Embracing AI can provide a competitive edge, while denial may lead to obsolescence.

Influencer Diipa Büller-Khosla is celebrating a major achievement as her beauty brand, Inde Wild, has raised $5 million in funding from Unilever Ventures. This milestone supports her dream of creating a global Indian beauty brand. Diipa shared her excitement on Instagram, revealing that Inde Wild aims to resonate in both Mumbai and New York. The brand has experienced remarkable growth, with a 400% increase in India and a 500% rise in global retail sales. Diipa plans to expand her partnership with Sephora in the US next year, marking a significant step forward for her brand.

Hyundai Motor India is facing scrutiny over its related-party transactions (RPTs) as two advisory firms provide conflicting opinions. Stakeholders Empowerment Services (SES) recommends shareholders reject six out of seven proposals, citing inadequate scrutiny and concerns over a ₹3,000 crore deal with HEC India LLP, a company with assets of just ₹11 lakh. In contrast, Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS) supports all seven proposals, arguing they adhere to proper business practices. The deadline for shareholders to vote on these proposals is March 13. This situation highlights the importance of corporate governance and transparency in major financial transactions.