Developments related to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its impact on crude oil prices will continue to rule investors’ sentiment in a holiday-shortened week ahead, analysts said.

Besides, trends in global markets, trading activity of foreign investors and rupee-dollar movement would also drive momentum in equities.

Stock markets would remain closed on Thursday for Shri Ram Navami.

“This week is expected to remain data-sensitive amid ongoing global uncertainties. Developments in the West Asia conflict and movements in crude oil prices will continue to act as key external drivers and are likely to dictate the near-term market trend.

“On the domestic front, investors will closely monitor HSBC Flash PMI data for manufacturing, services, and composite segments, which will provide an early indication of business activity trends,” Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd, said.

Foreign investors have pulled out ₹88,180 crore (about $9.6 billion) from Indian equities so far this month, weighed down by escalating tensions in West Asia, a weakening rupee and concerns over the impact of elevated crude oil prices on India’s growth and corporate earnings.

“Looking ahead, markets are likely to remain highly volatile and event-driven, with near-term direction largely contingent on developments in the Middle East, particularly the evolving situation around the Strait of Hormuz. Any prolonged disruption could keep crude prices elevated above the $100-mark, intensifying inflationary and current account pressures while sustaining a risk-off sentiment,” Ponmudi R, CEO, Enrich Money, an online trading and wealth tech firm, said.

FII flows, rupee movement, and global cues, including US dollar strength and broader market sentiment, will be key variables to monitor. Any signs of de-escalation or easing in crude prices could trigger short-covering or relief rallies, while renewed escalation may lead to further downside pressure, he added.

Last week, the BSE benchmark Sensex dipped 30.96 points, or 0.04 per cent, and the NSE Nifty slipped 36.6 points, or 0.15 per cent.

Published on March 22, 2026

The country’s coal imports dropped 4.2 per cent to 213.10 million tonnes (MT) in the April-January period of the current fiscal year and with seaborne prices showing an uptick, imports are likely to remain subdued in the near term.

The decline underscores the country’s push towards self-reliance in coal production amid surging domestic output, even as global thermal coal prices firm up due to supply constraints and geopolitical tensions.

According to data compiled by mjunction services ltd, a B2B e-commerce platform and joint venture of SAIL and Tata Steel, during April-January period of the current financial year, non-coking coal import was at 127.80 MT, lower than 141.18 MT imported during the same period last fiscal year.

Coking coal import was at 50.39 MT during April-January 2025-26, up from 45.83 MT in the year-ago period.

The country’s import in January was down 22.1 per cent to 16.64 MT, over 21.37 MT imported in January last fiscal year.

Of the total import in January, non-coking coal import stood at 9.45 MT, lower than 12.33 MT imported in January last financial year. Coking coal import was at 4.23 MT, compared to 5.23 MT imported in January last financial year.

Domestic coal production is likely to grow 6-7 per cent annually in the next few years to reach about 1.5 billion tonnes by 2029-30.

The country’s coal demand is expected to continue rising and peak around 2040, Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy had said.

The country is increasing its domestic coal production to meet the increasing energy requirements of the country.

To meet the future demand of coal through indigenous sources and to reduce non-essential import of coal, domestic coal production is expected to grow 6-7 per cent annually in the next few years to reach about 1.5 billion tonnes by 2029-30, the minister had said.

Published on March 22, 2026