Welcome to your daily roundup of the Indian stock market. Today, we delve into the latest developments amid escalating geopolitical tensions, upcoming IPO activity, and strategic insights for investors navigating these volatile times.
Major News Highlights
The Indian equity markets are bracing for potential volatility as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensify. Reports indicate further strikes aimed at Iran following U.S. and Israeli assaults that resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, at age 86. This has led to a surge in safe-haven assets, with gold prices climbing above $5,200 per ounce and silver also rising sharply amid the uncertainty. Analysts warn that the stock market could open lower on the next trading day, with rising crude oil prices adding to the pressure on investor sentiment.
In domestic developments, the aftermath of the Union Budget 2026 continues to linger. The budget’s hike in securities transaction tax (STT) on derivatives—futures to 0.05% and options to 0.15%—contributed to a sharp market decline on February 1, marking the worst budget-day performance in six years. The Sensex closed down 1.88% at 80,722.94, while the Nifty fell 1.96% to 24,825.45. This move is expected to impact high-frequency traders significantly.
On a positive note, individual stocks showed mixed movements. Infosys shares rose 0.85% to ₹1,300.10, reflecting steady investor interest amid a broader ROE of 33.69%. Conversely, Indian Energy Exchange saw a 1.47% dip to ₹125.64. Investors should also note stock market holidays in March for Holi, Shri Ram Navami, and Shri Mahavir Jayanti, resulting in three non-trading days.
Earlier in the year, markets had rebounded strongly. On February 3, shares notched their best day in nine months, surging over 2.5% following a U.S.-India trade deal that reduced tariffs on Indian goods to 18% in exchange for halting Russian oil purchases. However, the current Middle East crisis could overshadow these gains.
New IPO Updates
The primary market remains active in March 2026, with several IPOs set to open and list, offering opportunities for investors seeking fresh entries.
- SEDEMAC Mechatronics IPO: This mainboard issue, worth ₹1,087 crore (entirely an offer for sale), opens on March 4 and closes on March 6. The price band is ₹1,287-₹1,352 per share. It’s one of the most anticipated launches this month.
- Elfin Agro India IPO: An SME offering of ₹25.03 crore at ₹47 per share, it opens on March 5 and closes on March 9. Listing is expected on BSE SME.
- Mobilise App IPO: Set to list on NSE SME on March 2.
Other notable mentions include PNGS Reva Diamond Jewellery (tentative listing March 4 on BSE/NSE), Omnitech Engineering, Clean Max Enviro, and Striders Impex (closing March 2). With nine listings expected next week, the IPO calendar is buzzing—stay tuned for allotment and grey market premium updates.
Stock Market Insights
As March unfolds amid inflation concerns and geopolitical risks, historical patterns suggest a defensive approach. Three watchlist stocks have delivered over 10% average returns in March with an 80% success rate, offering resilience during volatility spikes. Key sectors to monitor include banking (credit growth), infrastructure (government spending), telecom (monetization), IT (AI demand), and FMCG.
Top stocks to watch this month: Reliance Industries, State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Larsen & Toubro, Axis Bank, Bharti Airtel, HCL Technologies, ITC, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Tata Steel. These heavyweights boast strong fundamentals and growth visibility. With the Nifty facing headwinds from Middle East tensions, focus on export-oriented firms that benefited from the recent U.S. trade deal, but hedge against crude price surges.
In summary, while short-term uncertainty looms, long-term prospects remain robust for India’s market. Diversify, stay informed, and consult professionals before investing. Check back tomorrow for your next daily update!
