STOCK MARKET CRASH: Investors lose over Rs 6.5 lakh crore in a day as Middle East shockwaves reach Dalal Street

SHARE MARKET CRASH: Investors lose Rs 6.6 lakh crore in a day

Monday's market crash has turned investors poorer by Rs 6.6 lakh crore, exchange data shows. 

The market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies stands at Rs 456.91 lakh crore at the closing bell, as against Rs 463.51 lakh crore on Friday. 

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STOCK MARKET CRASH: Market breadth extremely negative

Overall market breadth favoured the bears, with an advance-decline ratio of 1:5 as 754 stocks rose while 3,641 declined on BSE.

SHARE MARKET CRASH: RailTel, Birla Corp, Redington, Indigo top BSE 500 losers, down over 6%

RailTel, Birla Corp, Redington, IndiGo, Asahi India and IFCI -- closing between 5.9 per cent and 6.4 per cent lower -- are the worst hit among the 445 losers in the BSE 500 index.

The bourse's broadest index saw one stock rising for every 10 falling scrips. 

NIFTY 50 CRASH | IndiGo, L&T, Adani Ports, Maruti Suzuki, Asian Paints, Tata Motors PV, Bajaj Finserv worst hit among 42 index losers

SHARE MARKET CRASH: See how main indices fared during today's session

Sensex

Nifty50

Closing Bell: Monday mayhem  on Dalal Street! Sensex ends 1,048 pts lower at 80,239, Nifty50 gives up 24,900; most sectors in red 

VIX surges 23.5%

MARKET CRASH LIVE: European shares begin day over 1% lower; FTSE down nearly 100 pts

Pan-European benchmark Stoxx 600 is down 1.4 per cent at 625, suggesting sharp losses across the region. 

The UK's FTSE is down 0.9 per cent. 

France's CAC is down 1.6 per cent while Germany's DAX is down 1.6 per cent.

MARKET CRASH LIVE: Dow futures are down over 600 pts, recover part of initial losses  

Dow futures -- an early indicator for US equity benchmark Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is down 608 pts, or 1.2 per cent, at 48,392.

Earlier in the day, the contract fell as much as 1.7 per cent to 48,166.

MARKET CRASH: IndiGo, several other airlines cancel flights amid ongoing Middle East tensions

Rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia have caused international air travel disruptions, forcing multiple airlines to suspend operations and reroute flights.

The Middle East and Gulf airspace shutdowns have resulted in airlines cancelling flights and making operational changes.

Indian airlines and multiple international carriers have stopped flying to specific locations due to safety concerns, as passenger safety remains the primary focus of aviation authorities and airlines.

IndiGo shares are down 6.1 per cent at Rs 4,527.7 apiece on BSE. 

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STOCK MARKET CRASH: Nifty Auto down over 2%

The auto index is down 2.1 per cent at this hour, dragged by selling pressure in counters like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors PV, Motherson Sumi and Bosch. 

DEFENCE STOCKS SHRUG OFF MARKET CRASH: Most defence stocks in green; HAL, BEL, Paras Defence up 1-3% 

PRECIOUS METALS RISE AS EQUITIES FALL: MCX gold & silver futures soar over 4%

On MCX, gold and silver contracts are quoting more than 4.0 per cent higher each at this hour, with geopolitical tensions boosting the safety-net appeal of precious metals. 

Gold futures (April 2)

The contract is trading higher by Rs 6,658 or 4.1 per cent at Rs 1,68,762  

Silver futures (May 5)

The contract is trading at a premium of Rs 12,366 or 4.4 per cent at Rs 2,95,010 

Read more on gold and silver rates

STOCK MARKET CRASH DECODED: Anil Singhvi expects Nifty50 support around Budget day low  

According to the market guru:  

• The strongest support for Nifty50 is placed at 24,325-24,475 levels
• Nifty50's Budget day intraday low was 24,571; support should emerge from around this zone
• Nifty Bank near minor support levels of 59,425-59,500
• Next support for Nifty Bank appears to be placed in the 58,900-59,150 range
• Nifty50 and Nifty Bank appear to be retesting opening lows
• Weakness could increase if Nifty50 and Nifty Bank close below 24,800 and 59,850, respectively

WHY IS MARKET FALLING? Market guru identifies key Nifty50 and Nifty Bank levels  

According to market wizard Anil Singhvi:  

• No signs yet of the war-related fears easing
• Sharper weakness in midcap and smallcap stocks worsening sentiment
• A slide below Nifty50's Budget day closing level of 24,825 has intensified weakness
• Nifty50 is moving in the 24,575-24,675 range for now 
• Strongest support for Nifty50 is placed at 24,325-24,475 levels

SHARE MARKET CRASH: What's hurting the market? 

Here's how market guru Anil Singhvi sums up key market indicators at this hour: 

• Gold and silver up nearly 5% as investors rush to safety
• VIX soaring 25% is concerning
• Dow Jones futures down 750 points
• Screens indicating heavy FII selling
• The only recovery since morning has been till around 25,000
• From there, the market has seen a one-sided fall without any meaningful recovery

SHARE MARKET CRASH: What's hurting the market? 

Market guru Anil Singhvi highlights two important negative signals for the market at the moment: 

• Crude hovering around $80/barrel mark 
• INR depreciation by 50 paise vs USD

SHARE MARKET CRASH: What's adding fuel to the fire? 

Market guru Anil Singhvi points out that reports suggesting intensification in the Middle East war are battering the sentiment across markets, with updates on attacks from both sides. 

Iran’s National Security Chief refusing to engage in negotiations with the US is a negative signal for the markets, he says.  

SHARE MARKET CRASH DECODED: What's causing losses to Dalal Street investors? Here's a quick take

Here's a summary of some of the concerns about the Middle East crisis that experts have highlighted: 

• Escalation in the US-Iran conflict; killing of Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei; retaliation warning from Donald Trump; Iran ruling out negotiations; fears of prolonged Middle East instability and possible regional spillover involving Israel and Gulf nations
• Spike in crude oil prices; fears of supply disruption via the Strait of Hormuz; concerns over energy availability and supply chain stability given India’s heavy dependence on imported crude  
• Pressure on the rupee due to higher oil import bill; concerns over widening current account deficit; higher input cost pressure for corporates
• Aviation margin concerns due to rising jet fuel prices; OMCs facing inventory and pricing risks; pressure on auto demand and input costs; margin worries in chemical, tyre and paint sectors
• FII selling amid global risk aversion; flight to safe-haven assets like the US dollar and gold
• Profit-booking following recent highs; valuation concerns in midcap and smallcap stocks
• Risk reduction ahead of possible escalation; volatility spike triggering panic selling; selling in companies with Middle East exposure
• Defensive positioning by institutional investors; broad-based risk aversion beyond main indices; caution ahead of global policy responses and uncertainty around US foreign policy stance

SHARE MARKET CRASH LIVE: Middle East crisis Day 3 -- Around 300 Indian flights stand cancelled 

Turbulence continues to batter the skies with the Middle East crisis in its third day, and the Indian airspace is no exception. 

All flights operated by Indian airlines stand cancelled until 11:59 pm on Monday.

At least 315 total flights, scheduled during this period, are known to be cancelled, taking the total cancellations past the 1,000 mark in three days. 

Today, IndiGo cancelled 162 flights that were scheduled to be operated through the Middle East. Air India cancelled 128 flights.

SHARE MARKET CRASH: US regulator issues 4 observations after inspecting Aurobindo Pharma Telangana unit   

Aurobindo Pharma shares are trading flat.

The US FDA has issued four observations after inspecting Aurobindo Pharma subsidiary Eugia Pharma Specialities' Telangana manufacturing facility. 

The inspection was carried out from February 16 to February 27.

STOCK MARKET CRASH: Nifty Consumer Durables, Nifty Auto fall 3%; Nifty Oil & Gas, Nifty Energy tumble around 2.5% each 

Here's how NSE's sectoral gauges are faring at this hour: 

STOCK MARKET CRASH TODAY: Fear multiplies! VIX hits 9-month high

NSE's India VIX -- also known informally as the fear index -- soars as much as 23.3 per cent to 16.89, trading 23.2 per cent higher at 16.88 at the last count. 

What's fuelling fear on Dalal Street?

Crude oil prices surge as much as 13 per cent to levels beyond $82 a barrel -- their steepest rise in four years -- fanning the biggest concern for Indian markets.

India imports nearly 85 per cent of its crude oil requirements.

NSE's India VIX gauge measures the market’s expectation of volatility over the next 30 days, based on option prices of the Nifty 50 index. It reflects how nervous or calm traders are about the near-term future. In other words, it indicates the market's expectation of moves in the coming days, but not direction. 

Derived from Nifty 50 option premiums, the VIX captures implied volatility, and not actual past volatility, and reflects the annualised percentage move in the market over the next 30 days. 

A rising VIX is indicative of uncertainty, panic, geopolitical tensions and global shocks, whereas a falling VIX reflects stability, confidence and steady trends.

Read more on VIX

Market Update | Sensex tanks nearly 1,600 pts, Nifty sinks below 24,700 as broad sell-off deepens amid Middle East tensions

SHARE MARKET CRASH: L&T stock nosedives, investors lose approx Rs 41,000 crore

The L&T stock crash has left investors poorer by an estimated Rs 41,000 crore compared to the previous close, according to provisional exchange data.

A stock’s mcap signifies the total market value of a company’s outstanding shares. In other words, it simply tells you how much the market believes the entire company is worth at any given point in time. It is calculated by multiplying the current share price with the total outstanding shares in the market. 

Read more on L&T shares

SHARE MARKET CRASH: Why are L&T shares falling?

This morning, market guru highlighted the following things about the construction giant: 

• L&T has 34 per cent of its order book from the Middle East
• L&T could see mild short-term negative impact owing to Middle East tensions/disruptions
• Post-war reconstruction may increase order opportunities for L&T

SHARE MARKET CRASH: Worst day for L&T investors in 21 months

L&T shares are trading 6.7 per cent lower at Rs 3,991.9 apiece on BSE, after falling as much as 7.5 per cent to Rs 3,960.2 in intraday trade -- their worst single-day fall since June 4, 2024.  

With this fall, the largecap infra stock has turned negative for the year, with a year-to-date (YTD) loss of 3.8 per cent.   

SHARE MARKET CRASH LIVE: Middle East tension impact on oil stocks

Market guru said this morning that OMCs -- like IOC and BPCL -- may face major negatives due to the situation in the Middle East.

He also said that ONGC and Oil India may see limited positive impact. 

SHARE MARKET CRASH LIVE: ONGC ekes out 0.2% gain amid losses across energy shares 

SHARE MARKET CRASH: Nifty50's worst single-day fall in 11 months 

STOCK MARKET CRASH: Sensex cracks below 80,000 mark

The Sensex is trading down 1,354.1 pts, or 1.7 per cent, at 79,933.1, having slipped below the psychologically important 80,000 mark. 

Only three stocks are defending the market-wide riot at this hour: no more than 2 per cent higher.

MARKET CRASH TODAY: Crude oil soars to $80/barrel 

Brent crude oil rockets by $7.2 -- or 9.9 per -- to trade at the $80.1 a barrel mark, just below its intraday high of $80.2 per barrel. 

India meets more than four-fifths of its annual oil demand through imports. 

This is what makes it a crucial matric for the Indian market. 

SHARE MARKET CRASH TODAY: Sensex down nearly 1,200 pts, Nifty50 near 24,800; fear gauge soars

The Sensex tumbles as much as 1,250 pts -- or 1.5 per cent -- to hit 80,039.9 on the downside as the market sell-off deepens.   

The Nifty50 sinks to as low as 24,815.4, falling 378.7 points -- or 1.5 per cent -- from its previous close. 

SHARE MARKET CRASH LIVE: Market sell-off deepens, Sensex tanks 1,300+ pts; Nifty50 gives up 24,800

Fear index VIX is trading 17.3 per cent higher at 16.07 at this hour. 

STOCK MARKET CRASH LIVE: Market discounts short-term pain quickly, focuses on long run, says expert

Samir Arora of Helios Capital says that the markets are generally quick to factor in short-term pain, and focus on the long term. 

"Markets always focus on what happens over the longer term," he emphasises. 

Crude oil at $77 a barrel, though at elevated levels, does not spell too bad news for India. 

It's not too bad for India... If you see, the end-user in India doesn't feel the heat as such... The government and the OMCs take care of such fluctuations," he says.  

STOCK MARKET CRASH LIVE: Peace talks or end of war likely in 2-4 days, says expert 

Samir Arora of Helios Capital says that geopolitical tensions, like the ongoing war in the Middle East, are generally solved soon. With the top Iranian leaders already eliminated by the US-Israel offensive, Tehran cannot sustain the fight for too long. 

The situation does not look too bad in Dubai, though some impact can be seen in activity, says Arora.  

STOCK MARKET CRASH: Paint and tyre companies bear brunt of rising oil rates

Paintmakers and tyre manufacturers have crude oil as one of their major input costs. 

According to market guru Anil Singhvi, both are set to feel the heat from the surging global oil rates. 

At this hour, here's how some of the main paint and tyre stocks are performing: 

  Paint stocks

Tyre stocks 

SHARE MARKET CRASH: Sensex down nearly 1,100 pts, Nifty50 right at 24,850; VIX soars nearly 16%

Stock Market @ 11 am

Both headline indices are down 1.3 per cent. The Sensex is down 1,081.7 pts at 80,205.5 while the Nifty50 is at 24,849.8, down 328.9 pts. 

Fear index India VIX -- also known as volatility index in market parlance -- is down 15.7 per cent at 15.85. 

HOW TO NAVIGATE SHARE MARKET CRASH: Every fall an opportunity to buy, like smallcaps, says expert

Anand Rathi Wealth Joint CEO Feroze Azeez believes that in the current market scenario, every fall can be utilised as an opportunity to buy, particularly in the smallcap segment. 

A bottom formation is already close by in the market, says Azeez.    

If the smallcap index doesn't underperform the largecap gauge by 1 per cent today, it will confirm that those holding smallcap stocks at the moment are not short-term investors, he says. "That will be proof that these are all long-term investors... If you look at the 10 worst days in past three years, the smallcap index has underperformed the Nifty50 by 1-1.5 per cent some 7-8 times," he adds. 

STOCK MARKET CRASH: Buy on dips, avoid Middle East-exposed plays, says Gurmeet Chadha

Complete Circle Wealth Advisors' Gurmeet Chadha suggests navigating Dalal Street using a buy-on-dips strategy now. 

The markets, as you can see, are not too concerned about the conflict.  

At this stage, for Indian investors, some exposure to gold and silver is advisable, but one should avoid pockets linked to the Middle East (companies exposed to the region, like L&T).  

SHARE MARKET CRASH: Grim possibility of prolonged war, says Gurmeet Chadha

Gurmeet Chadha of Complete Circle Wealth Advisors sees a grim possibility of the conflict in the Middle East lasting too long. It is hard to defend an Israel-US offensive, though Iran is still stronger compared to many global powers. 

One should navigate the current juncture with a wait-and-watch approach. 

If you look at the markets globally, says Chadha, there are already signs that the impact of this conflict will be more region-contained.  

SHARE MARKET LIVE: India receives a significant portion of its oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, says market veteran Nilesh Shah 

Here's what Kotak AMC's Nilesh Shah says in an exclusive interaction with Zee Business: 

• Oil price and availability, energy security and oil flow are crucial for our economy
• This is more of an aerial war
• There is a lower possibility of land engagements
• As of now, the market is anticipating a short-term pain emanating from the Middle East conflict     

SHARE MARKET LIVE: Sensex falls 1,000 pts again after Iran reportedly refuses to negotiate with US  

Listing Alert: Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions enters listed space amid market sell-off

The stock begins trading at Rs 952.2 apiece on BSE, marking a 9.6 per cent discount to the issue price. Its journey on NSE began at Rs 960, marking a discount of 8.8 per cent. 

Read more on Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions

SHARE MARKET LIVE: BREAKING--Iran refuses to engage in talks with US, says report

Zee Business cited a Reuters report as suggesting that Iran's National Security Chief has said that the country will not engage in negotiations with the US.  

NIFTY 50 LIVE: 43 index stocks in red, 22 trading down 1-4%; IndiGo, L&T, Asian Paints worst hit

Here's what the basket looks like 30 minutes into the opening bell: 

There's clearly some recovery in sight with only seven index stocks left in the red. Around the opening tick, only two managed to trade in green territory.  

SHARE MARKET LIVE: Sensex off opening lows, but still down 750+ pts; Nifty50 hovers around 24,950

Both headline indices are trading about 0.9 per cent lower about 20 minutes into the opening bell.

The 30-scrip index is down 761.1 points at 80,526.1 while the Nifty50 is down 229.3 points at 24,949.4. 

Barring two, all of the Sensex stocks are trading in the red -- the worst being IndiGo and L&T, trading nearly 4 per cent lower each.  

SHARE MARKET LIVE: Why are Baltic Dry Index reading crucial? | Strait of Hormuz 

• The Baltic Dry Index reflects the transportation cost of dry bulk commodities
• It indicates the cost of transporting commodities such as coal, iron ore and grains
• A rise in the BDI is positive for shipping companies
• It signals higher freight revenues per voyage
• The Baltic Dry Index has jumped 6% over the past one month

SHARE MARKET LIVE: Strait of Hormuz in spotlight

First things first, what is Strait of Hormuz, and what makes it crucial for global trade?

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but strategically vital sea passage between Iran and Oman. It links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and, ultimately, the Arabian Sea. 

It serves as a significant lifeline of the world when it comes to crude oil supplies. Picture this: Roughly, about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz every day. 

Now, here are a few important things to know:

• Freight rates rising in the Strait of Hormuz
• Freight rates increasing amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel
• Attacks on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz
• Insurers are rushing to cancel war risk covers
• If there is an official closure, a surge in the Baltic Dry Index is possible
• Freight rates are expected to rise

SHARE MARKET LIVE: Sensex off opening lows, still down 1,000 pts; Nifty 50 hovers around 24,850 | Middle East conflict rattles market

SHARE MARKET TODAY: Sensex falls 1,050+ pts, Nifty cracks below 24,850 

The Sensex begins the day more than 1,050 points lower while the Nifty50 starts below the 24,850 mark.  

Barring 4, all Nifty stocks are in the red;

IndiGo and L&T are the worst hit, trading 4-5 per cent lower. 

Read more on opening tick

GOLD AND SILVER MARKET: How to navigate precious metals in commodity basket

According to market guru Anil Singhvi:

• Booking profits would be a prudent strategy in both precious metals now
• One may start booking profits as soon as there are signs of the war slowing down or ending
• If crude prices stop rising, take it as a signal that the war may be nearing its end

GOLD AND SILVER RATES: How to navigate precious metals in commodity basket

According to market wizard Anil Singhvi:

• Gold and silver are likely to see sharp spikes due to the Middle East war
• One should avoid fresh buying at the current juncture
• A near-term top in gold and silver is likely to form over the next few days

SHARE MARKET LIVE: Key levels to track in Nifty50 and Nifty Bank today

Market guru Anil Singhvi has identified the following levels as crucial for the market today:

• For Nifty, 24,825-25,050 is the next support
• After that, 24,575-24,675 is a major support zone for Nifty
• The strongest support for Nifty lies in the 24,325-24,475 range
• If it comes into this range this week, buying is recommended
• For Bank Nifty, the next support is near the 50 DMA at 59,907, with a range of 59,900-60,150
• After that, 59,500-59,800 is a major support zone for Bank Nifty
• The strongest support for Bank Nifty lies in the 58,900-59,150 range
• If it comes into this range this week, buying is recommended
• Weakness will increase if Nifty closes below 24,800 and Bank Nifty closes below 59,850

Read more

SHARE MARKET LIVE: Why are GIFT Nifty futures looking better than global peers?

Here's how market guru Anil Singhvi decodes the moves in GIFT Nifty futures this morning:

• Global markets have shown a muted reaction to the war
• The possibility of war had been looming over the past four weeks
• Crude oil has not seen too sharp a spike
• Gold and silver have also not surged dramatically
• With Iran’s top leadership reportedly eliminated at once, the war is not expected to continue for long
• There is also speculation that this could be the United States’ last war involving Iran
• Some relief as event risk appears to be fading
• This is why there is weakness but no panic

SHARE MARKET LIVE: L&T, Newgen, Dabur, Titan in focus

According to Jefferies, the following companies have direct exposure to the Middle East:

COMPANIES WITH LARGE EXPOSURE

• L&T: 25 per cent of consolidated and 40 per cent of EPC orderbook
• Newgen: 30 per cent of revenue

COMPANIES WITH MEANINGFUL (5-10%) EXPOSURE

• Dabur
• Titan
• Ajanta Pharma
• Biocon
• Cipla
• Major hospital chains (8-10 per cent revenue from international patients
• PB Fintech
• Voltas

SHARE MARKET LIVE: Immediate positive for defence companies, says Jefferies

According to the foreign brokerage, the Middle East situation is positive for defence companies.

SHARE MARKET LIVE: Immediate negative for OMCs, travel, hospitality companies, says Jefferies

According to Jefferies, the Middle East situation is an immediate negative for oil marketing, travel and hospitality companies as well as for rate-sensitive firms.  

SHARE MARKET LIVE: A prolonged Middle East conflict to be a major macro negative, says Jefferies

According to Jefferies, a prolonged conflict in the Mdidle East, alongside a big jump in energy rates, is set to be a major negative for India.

Here's what the brokerage says:

• Recent regional conflicts have been temporary
• A dip could be a buying opportunity
• Immediate negative for oil marketing , travel and hospitality companies
• Immediate negative for rate-sensitive names
• Positive for defence

SHARE MARKET LIVE: Short-term impact of Middle East conflict likely on India, says Jefferies

According to Jefferies, the impact of the Middle East conflict is likely to be witnessed over the short term.

Here's what the brokerage says:

• India's economic links with the Middle East are strong
• The region accounts for 17 per cent of India's exports
• It provides 55 per cent of its crude oil and 38 per cent of worker remittances

SHARE MARKET LIVE: Crude oil set to surge? Here's a quick take on Middle East situation

Crude oil is the central focus for markets. Brent crude surged as much as 13 per cent in early trade, touching around $82 per barrel, a 14-month high.

Traders said it had jumped nearly 10 per cent in over-the-counter trade on Sunday to about $80 per barrel. However, prices later cooled from the opening highs.

Brent futures -- the main benchmark followed in India -- crossed the $80 a barrel mark and then eased to around $76, though it still remained 5-7 per cent higher in early trading.

Read more on crude oil

SHARE MARKET LIVE: Dow futures down nearly 350 pts

MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan is trading 1.3 per cent lower at 815.1, suggesting selling pressure across major Asian markets. 

Dow futures are down 340.6 points, or 0.7 per cent, lower at 48,634.3, indicating a lower start when Wall Street opens for trade on Monday. 

GIFT NIFTY LIVE, MIDDLE EAST ON WATCH: What to expect in today's trade? Here's what contract signals 

At this hour, GIFT Nifty futures are down 153.6 points -- or 0.6 per cent -- at 25,185, signalling a weak start ahead on Dalal Street. 

GIFT Nifty futures -- launched in 2023 when trading in SGX Nifty was shifted from Singapore to GIFT City -- are derivative contracts based on the Nifty 50 benchmark.

The contract is traded at the GIFT City international exchange platform.

STOCK MARKET TODAY: Ready for today's trade? See stocks to track

Here's a list of stocks that are likely to be in focus during Monday's trade (March 2, 2026): 

Larsen & Toubro 

Maruti Suzuki India

Hyundai Motor India

Escorts Kubota

Mahindra & Mahindra

SML Isuzu

VST Tillers Tractors

Aditya Birla Capital

MOIL 

Eicher Motors

Godawari Power and Ispat

Coal India

Tata Motors CV 

Vardhman Textiles

Tata Motors PV

TVS Motor Company

Royal Enfield 

Adani Enterprises

Follow this link to catch latest news on these stocks

SHARE MARKET LIVE: Situation hasn't caught investors off guard, says Anil Singhvi

Market guru Anil Singhvi highlighted over the weekend that the situation in the Middle East hasn’t caught investors off guard, with volatility set to persist in crude oil, gold, equities and currencies over the short term and the broader impact set to remain limited.

He also pointed out that investors had been expecting the possibility of a military strike on Iran for weeks, which helped limit the shock effect on financial markets.

SHARE MARKET LIVE: GIFT Nifty futures slip into red, signal cautious start on Mar 2  

Domestic equity benchmarks are clearly set to enter Monday's trade on a cautious note amid a raging military conflict in the Middle East, following the US-Israel joint attack against Iran that left its Supreme Leader killed. Tehran has launched retaliatory strikes against several American and Israeli allies in the Gulf, causing infrastructure damage, flight disruption and market uncertainty. Analysts say that although the attack against Iran was largely factored in, the severity of multi-pronged escalations will be closely tracked by investors.  

GIFT Nifty futures -- an early indicator of the Indian market -- has slipped into the red, trading down 130.6 points, or 0.5 per cent, at 25,208, signalling a muted start to the day. 

GIFT NIFTY LIVE: What are futures signalling this morning amid Middle East tensions?  

GIFT Nifty futures -- an early indicator of the benchmark Nifty50 index -- is trading 51.5 points, or 0.2 per cent, higher at 25,233.5 at this hour.

This suggests a muted to mildly positive start to the day on Dalal Street.

Market experts have said that Dalal Street participants had factored in a major conflict in the Middle East, and, hence, the domestic market is in a position to digest bad news better compared to some of the major global peers. 

SHARE MARKET CRASH: Fino Payments Bank shares down 1% amid market sell-off

Fino Payments Bank shares are down 1.1 per cent at Rs 190.1 apiece.

Over the weekend, the lender's MD and CEO, Rishi Gupta, was arrested. Sources told Zee Business that DGGI is investigating a case linked to online money gaming. 

The company has said that it will comply with all laws, including GST regulations, and will fully cooperate with authorities in the probe. 

There will be no impact on business operations or services, it has said.