5109: Markets rally, fuel prices surge, layoffs mount as war tensions reshape outlook | MC Editor's Picks

Indian equities kicked off the financial year with a sharp rally, driven by optimism but tempered by geopolitical uncertainty as US signals on the Iran conflict keep investors on edge. Rising crude prices are straining India’s oil marketing companies, with under-recoveries on LPG expected to mount significantly. Fuel prices have surged across cities as private retailers hike rates to offset losses amid elevated global oil prices. In the tech sector, Oracle’s large-scale layoffs in India highlight the disruptive shift towards AI-led investments. Meanwhile, dealmaking remains resilient, with major stake sales and fundraising efforts continuing despite global volatility.