Business

Markets Pause After Seven-Day Winning Streak as All Sectors Face Challenges

Published

1 year ago

March 27, 2025

On Wednesday, benchmark indices ended their seven-day winning streak as broad-based selling gripped the market. The Sensex started strong, hitting an intraday peak of 78,167.87, but selling pressure in some heavyweight stocks triggered a notable downturn. The Nifty initially saw a slight gain but soon reversed direction, falling below the significant 23,500 level.

By the close of trading, the Sensex had dropped by 729 points, or 0.93%, finishing at 77,288.50. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 ended the day down 182 points, or 0.77%, at 23,486.85. During the session, the Nifty reached a high of 23,736.5 and a low of 23,451.7, while the Sensex fluctuated between 78,167.87 and 77,194.22.

The BSE Smallcap index lagged behind with a 1.45% decline, and the Midcap index concluded 0.67% lower. Overall, the market capitalization of BSE-listed companies shrank from Rs 415 lakh crore to nearly Rs 411 lakh crore.

Sector-wise, the Nifty Media index suffered the most, dropping 2.40%, while Realty, Healthcare, and Oil & Gas indices fell by over 1% each. The Nifty Bank index declined by 0.77%, with PSU Bank and Private Bank indices down by 1.19% and 0.90%, respectively.

On the Nifty, notable gainers included Indusind Bank (up 2.86%), Trent (up 2.64%), HCL Technologies (up 0.52%), Hero Motocorp (up 0.50%), and Bharti Airtel (up 0.47%). Conversely, the biggest losers were NTPC (down 3.35%), Tech Mahindra (down 2.69%), Cipla (down 2.32%), Bajaj Finance (down 2.22%), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (down 2.19%).

Notably, copper stocks such as Hindustan Copper, Hindalco Industries, and Vedanta experienced gains in early trading, despite US President Donald Trump indicating potential tariffs on copper imports sooner than previously expected.

March marked a significant shift, as retail investors became net sellers of equities for the first time in six months, primarily to realize profits. This sell-off represented the most considerable outflow in 15 months, totaling Rs 10,500 crore, marking the first net selling since September 2024 and the steepest decline since December 2023. The market’s profit booking was attributed to fears surrounding the impending tariffs, a weak Indian rupee, and rising oil prices.

Business

Overseas Loans by Indian Firms See Sharp Decline

Published

15 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : Indian companies borrowed $5.43 billion from abroad in March, according to RBI data. This was 51% lower than March last year.

Experts said the weak rupee and high global interest rates made foreign loans less attractive for companies.

In the financial year 2025-26, India Inc raised nearly $43 billion through foreign borrowings. This was down from $61 billion in the previous year.

In March 2025, borrowings had crossed $11 billion due to large deals by companies like JSW Steel and Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing.

Companies are also avoiding overseas loans because hedging costs have become expensive during currency volatility.

The RBI reportedly discussed easing foreign borrowing rules and offering hedging support, but no final decision was taken.

Market experts said the ongoing West Asia conflict has increased uncertainty, making companies cautious about raising funds from abroad.

Business

Fuel Prices Hiked by Rs.3 per Litre across India

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel prices have been increased by Rs.3 per litre across the country from today. Oil marketing companies revised the rates due to the rise in global crude oil prices.

After the hike, petrol price in Bengaluru has reached Rs.106.17 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs.94.10 per litre.

The increase comes amid fluctuations in international crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia, including the Iran conflict. The fall in the value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has also increased import costs.

The fuel price hike is expected to affect transportation and daily essentials. Transport charges for goods may rise, leading to higher prices of vegetables, fruits, milk, and other items. Bus, auto, and taxi fares may also increase.

Earlier, fuel prices were reduced before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2022, the Centre had also cut excise duty to control inflation after the Covid pandemic.

Business

Gold Prices Rise in Mangaluru; Demand for Ornaments Remains Strong

Published

2 weeks ago

May 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: Gold prices in the coastal city of Mangaluru have been reported at high levels today. The rate for 24 karat gold (99.9% purity) stands at Rs.14,962 per gram. The price for 22 karat gold (91.6% purity) is Rs.13,715 per gram. Meanwhile, 18 karat gold (75% purity) is being sold at Rs.11,222 per gram.

Mangaluru is well known for its deep cultural connection with gold. The city has a long tradition of buying and wearing gold ornaments. This tradition continues strongly even today.

Local jewellers say that demand for gold remains steady despite high prices. Many people still prefer to invest in gold for safety and long-term value. Gold is also an important part of weddings and festivals in the region.

Apart from its love for seafood, Mangaluru is also famous for its gold market. The gold trade in the city has a long history and continues to grow.

Buyers are advised to check the latest rates before making a purchase. They can also use a gold rate calculator to get exact pricing based on weight and purity.

Experts say that gold prices may change depending on global market trends. Customers should stay updated and make careful decisions while buying gold.