Friday, August 21, 2026

Top stories: Iran’s leader vows revenge, markets slide again, Feb inflation rises, NSE gets IPO-ready and more

Date:

Thursday’s news cycle was shaped by a mix of market moves, macro data and global geopolitical developments. Indian equity benchmarks extended losses for a second straight session, with banking and auto stocks dragging the indices lower after an intraday recovery failed to hold.On the macro front, India’s retail inflation rose to 3.21% in February, coming in slightly above expectations as food prices picked up from the previous month. While the print remains within the Reserve Bank of India’s comfort zone, economists continue to watch global commodity prices and supply disruptions closely.

Energy markets remained in focus as tensions in West Asia continued to influence oil supply expectations. Even as global agencies and governments discussed releasing strategic reserves to stabilise supply, India’s Oil Minister Hardeep Puri said domestic fuel availability remains secure, with no shortage of petrol, diesel and domestic LPG supplies protected.
Meanwhile, the National Stock Exchange moved a step closer to its long-awaited IPO, finalising intermediaries and, according to sources, targeting a valuation of over ₹5 lakh crore.

Closing Bell | Markets extend losses for second day as intra-day rebound fizzles out

Closing Bell | Indian equity markets ended lower for the second straight session on Thursday, failing to hold on to an intraday recovery as heavy selling in banking and auto stocks dragged benchmarks lower.

Read more

India retail inflation rises more than expected to 3.21% in Feb

India’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 3.21% in February from a revised 2.74% in January, according to government data released on March 12. The reading was marginally higher than the CNBC-TV18 poll estimate of 3.10%. Food inflation, a key component of the index, stood at 3.47% in February, compared with 2.13% in the previous month and above the poll estimate of 3%.

Read More

Oil supply may take months to return to pre-war levels

The International Energy Agency (IEA) said its 32 member countries have agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to help address supply disruptions in global markets following the war in the Middle East.

Read more

Fuel crisis fears? Hardeep Puri says no petrol, diesel shortage; LPG supplies protected

Oil Minister Hardeep Puri said India’s fuel supplies remain secure despite the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with refineries running at high utilisation, no shortage of petrol or diesel, and domestic LPG supply fully protected.

Read more

NSE gets ready for IPO, finalises 20 bankers and 8 law firms

National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE) on Thursday (March 12) has concluded the process for selecting intermediaries for its much-anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO), officially marking the next step in India’s largest bourse moving toward going public.

Read More

Exclusive | NSE guns a valuation of ₹5 lakh crore, sources say

Sources told CNBC-TV18 that NSE is targeting a valuation above ₹5 lakh crore for its long-awaited IPO, planning to dilute 4–5% via OFS. More details inside.

Read more

Iran’s supreme leader says closure of Strait of Hormuz should be used as leverage

Iran’s Supreme Leader vowed to continue attacks on Gulf neighbors and seek US compensation, pushing oil prices above $100. President Trump promised to “finish the job.”

Read more

Trump administration launches Section 301 trade probe on 16 countries, including India

The Trump Administration on Wednesday has announced new trade investigations of 16 countries, including India, with the goal of replacing President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy, which was deemed illegal by the country’s Supreme Court last month.

Read More

US announces release of 172 million barrels of oil from Strategic Petroleum Reserve

US President Donald Trump has announced that the country will be releasing 172 million barrels of oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to bring down higher energy prices as a consequence of the ongoing war with Iran.

Read More

Airlines seek temporary relief from FDTL norms as West Asia conflict lengthens flight routes

The escalating crisis in West Asia is beginning to put operational pressure on airlines, as airspace disruptions force carriers to take longer routes on several international flights. With flight durations stretching beyond originally planned schedules, airlines have sought temporary relief from pilot duty hour norms to manage the disruptions.

Read More

We’ll see you on Friday with another engaging ‘Top 10@10’

Source link

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share post:

Subscribe

spot_imgspot_img

Popular

More like this
Related

Assured MSP can help maize replace paddy and fuel India’s ethanol push: Ramesh Chand

India should continue expanding the use of maize for...

Japan’s core inflation accelerates in July, bolsters case for rate hike

Japan's core consumer inflation accelerated in July from a...

Selling to America? New US fraud rules raise the stakes for Indian exporters

New US enforcement rules could expose foreign manufacturers and...

From energy to electronics, India’s key sectors still rely heavily on imports

India's push for self-reliance has changed the country's production...