Corn Futures Rise Amid Ethanol Data and Crude Oil Gains
March 19, 2026, 1:35 AM EDT. Corn futures gained 8 to 9 cents Wednesday, with the national average Cash Corn price rising to $4.19. Crude oil climbed $1.50 to recover from early losses. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported ethanol production at 1.093 million barrels per day for the week ending March 13, down 33,000 barrels. Ethanol stocks increased 827,000 barrels, while exports and refiner inputs declined. Gasoline prices rose to $3.72 per gallon by mid-March, up from $2.94 in February. Market watchers await Thursday's export sales data, expecting 0.6 to 1.8 million metric tons of old crop corn sales and limited new crop sales. May 2026 corn futures settled at $4.62 1/2, reflecting bullish momentum in the corn market.
Top Stocks to Buy Today: Chambal Fertilisers, Ather Energy, KSB Forecast for March 19, 2026
March 19, 2026, 1:34 AM EDT. Nuvama's Aakash K Hindocha recommends buying Chambal Fertilisers, Ather Energy, and KSB on March 19, 2026. Chambal shows a Wyckoff pattern breakout after 10-12 weeks of accumulation, targeting 482. Ather Energy breaks a 5-month consolidation, nearing record highs, with short-term upside to 810. KSB breaches a 20-month trendline and 200-day moving average, signaling momentum above 835. Market volatility persists ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meet outcome. Nifty paused after reaching 23,850; a failure to surpass this may lead to declines towards 23,520. Bank Nifty's 4% recovery suggests dips below 55,000 could trigger buying pressure. Investors should watch these critical levels amid geopolitical tensions affecting global markets.
HDFC Bank shares slide 8% after Atanu Chakraborty resigns over value differences, Keki Mistry appointed interim chairman
March 19, 2026, 1:33 AM EDT. Shares of HDFC Bank, India's largest private lender, plunged up to 8.4% following the resignation of part-time Chairman Atanu Chakraborty, who cited misalignment with personal values. Keki Mistry, former HDFC CEO, was named interim chairman with RBI approval. Mistry rejected reports of internal power struggles, affirming no material issues within the bank. HDFC Bank's U.S.-listed ADRs fell over 7%. The stock has declined 8% in the past month and 15% in 2024. Despite this, the lender reported an 11% rise in December quarter net profit, surpassing analyst expectations. Chakraborty's departure raises questions on governance amid strategic changes, including the HDFC merger that created India's second-largest lender.
Bitcoin Falls Despite $1.1 Billion ETF Inflows Amid Inflation Fears
March 19, 2026, 1:32 AM EDT. Bitcoin dropped 4.2% to $71,235 despite U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs drawing $1.16 billion in inflows over seven days. Institutional interest remains strong, signaling a shift toward longer-term investment rather than speculation, said analyst Rachael Lucas. The decline follows Federal Reserve signals of sustained higher interest rates due to persistent inflation and rising oil prices surpassing $110 a barrel amid Middle Eastern tensions. This environment has dampened hopes for near-term rate cuts, pressuring equities and crypto markets alike. Bitcoin's key support level near $70,000 is under watch as upcoming U.S. economic data, including jobless claims and manufacturing surveys, could further impact inflation outlook and price direction.
Indian Stock Markets Fall as Crude Oil Prices Soar and Global Trends Weaken
March 19, 2026, 1:30 AM EDT. Sensex and Nifty indices plunged in early Thursday trade, shedding 2.54% and 2.43% respectively, driven by a sharp rise in crude oil prices and weak global market trends. Brent crude oil surged to $111.4 per barrel, intensifying concerns over inflation and India's import costs. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded shares worth ₹2,714.35 crore, reflecting risk aversion amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that threaten energy supplies. Key counters, including HDFC Bank, fell over 3% after the abrupt resignation of its chairman citing ethical issues. Despite losses, domestic investors bought stocks worth ₹3,253.03 crore. Regional markets also faced declines, with major Asian indexes trading lower. Analysts warn that sustained crude prices above $110 could further pressure India's economic outlook.
Woodside Energy Rises on Oil Price Surge Amid Middle East Tensions
March 19, 2026, 1:29 AM EDT.Woodside Energy, Australia's largest ASX 200-listed energy company, gains investor attention as recent geopolitical tensions, including Iran's attack on Qatar's energy hub, push crude oil prices higher. The stock benefits from prospects of oil prices sustaining between US$85 and US$90 per barrel, exceeding typical forecasts of US$70-US$75. Leadership updates include Mark Cutifani, ex-CEO of Anglo American, joining as an independent non-executive director, and Liz Westcott confirmed as chief executive. Woodside's debt-free balance sheet and a price-to-earnings ratio of 14 versus the market's 20 bolster its investment case amid commodity price volatility.
Eldorado Gold (TSX:ELD) Seen as Undervalued Following Recent Price Drop
March 19, 2026, 1:15 AM EDT. Eldorado Gold's shares have fallen 14.5% over the past week and 26.4% in the last month despite a 111% return over one year and 254.5% over three years. The pullback reflects sector sentiment shifts and company-specific developments in the materials industry. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) valuation estimates the stock is 70.9% undervalued, suggesting an intrinsic value of $163.29 per share compared to the current price. Eldorado currently posts a free cash flow loss of $104.6 million but projects significant positive cash flows beyond 2026. Simply Wall St's six-point valuation checklist gives Eldorado a strong 5 out of 6 score. Investors may find value in the recent dip amid longer-term growth prospects.
AbbVie (ABBV) Shares Decline Amid Valuation Debate; Fair Value at $253.23
March 19, 2026, 1:14 AM EDT. AbbVie (ABBV) shares fell 8.5% over the past week, closing at $208.34, amid market pressure. Despite short-term declines, the 1-year total shareholder return remains positive at 1.5%, with a strong 5-year return of 144.78%. Analysts estimate fair value at $253.23 per share, based on a 17.5x forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple and 2026 earnings estimates, implying the stock is about 17.7% undervalued. Yet, ABBV's current P/E stands at 88x, significantly above the biotech average of 16.2x, signaling potential re-rating risks. Key uncertainties include drug pricing reforms and competition impacting leading products like Skyrizi and Rinvoq. Investors are advised to consider these risks while evaluating AbbVie's longer-term growth prospects and explore broader market opportunities.
Asia Stock Markets Plunge After Attacks on Qatar, Iran Energy Facilities
March 19, 2026, 1:13 AM EDT.Asian stock markets fell sharply following missile attacks on natural gas facilities in Qatar, Iran, and the UAE, sparking fears over global energy supply disruptions. Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's KOSPI dropped nearly 3%, as regional tensions worsened amid the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz – a key oil transit chokepoint. Brent crude futures surged over 4% to $112 a barrel, reflecting rising oil price concerns. Qatar reported "significant damage" to its main LNG export plant following Iranian missile strikes. The attacks represent a "major escalation," according to energy experts, with potential long-term impacts on energy production. The market decline followed notable drops in U.S. shares amid inflation worries, highlighting global economic uncertainties.
Stocks Tumble on Iran Conflict Escalation and Hawkish Fed Powell Comments
March 19, 2026, 12:50 AM EDT. Stocks fell sharply Wednesday, with the S&P 500 down 1.36% and the Dow hitting a 3.75-month low. The selloff followed stronger-than-expected U.S. producer price inflation data, indicating persistent price pressures. Tensions in the Middle East escalated as Iran targeted energy infrastructure in Gulf states, driving crude oil prices higher. Fed Chair Powell warned that elevated energy costs would sustain inflation and signaled no rate cuts unless inflation declines. Treasury yields rose, with the 10-year Treasury note hitting 4.25%. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) held rates steady at 3.50%-3.75%, projecting a modest economic growth rebound in 2026 alongside slightly higher inflation. Mortgage applications dropped sharply, and mortgage rates edged up. Geopolitical and inflation concerns weighed on market sentiment, intensifying volatility amid ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and hawkish U.S. monetary policy.
Asian Shares Slide as Oil Surges Above $111 Amid Middle East Tensions, Wall Street Falls
March 19, 2026, 12:49 AM EDT. Asian stocks declined sharply Thursday after Wall Street slumped due to rising crude oil prices exceeding $111 a barrel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The surge in oil, driven by conflict-related supply fears in the Persian Gulf, heightened inflation concerns exacerbated by a U.S. report indicating inflation pressures before the conflict. Expectations of sustained higher interest rates by the Federal Reserve pushed Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar higher, adding pressure on Asian markets. Japan's Nikkei fell 2.5% after the Bank of Japan maintained its interest rate, citing geopolitical risks. South Korea, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Australia, and Taiwan markets also fell. The energy supply disruptions and rising inflation risk threaten to weigh on the global economy and financial markets in the near term.
Minto Apartment Real Estate Invt Trust Stock Edges Down 0.1% on Low Volume
March 19, 2026, 12:43 AM EDT. Minto Apartment Real Estate Invt Trust (TSE:MI.UN) saw its stock slip 0.1% to C$17.43 on Wednesday, with trading volume sharply lower than usual at 38,644 shares. Recent analyst actions included Raymond James Financial raising its price target to C$18.00 but maintaining a "market perform" rating. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded the stock to "neutral" or "sector perform," though they both raised target prices to C$18.00. The REIT posted a negative EPS of C($6.24) for its last quarter, reflecting challenges with a negative return on equity of 3.19%. Despite this, the consensus among seven hold ratings and one buy rating suggests a cautious outlook, with an average target price near the current level.
Sensex plunges 1,600 points amid Middle East tensions and rising oil prices
March 19, 2026, 12:28 AM EDT. The Sensex tumbled nearly 1,700 points to 75,010.66 and the Nifty dropped 2.23% to 23,248.60 on fears sparked by escalating Middle East conflicts and Brent crude prices climbing above $111 per barrel. India's heavy oil import reliance fuels concerns over inflation and rupee decline. Banking giants like HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, SBI, and ICICI Bank led declines, with HDFC Bank falling nearly 5% amid chairman Atanu Chakraborty's resignation over ethics concerns. Reliance Industries, IT stocks Infosys, TCS, and Wipro also weakened. Aviation sector loss hit by soaring fuel costs, with IndiGo down 2.56%. Defensive stocks including ITC and Hindustan Unilever saw minor dips, while Coal India gained. Market volatility is expected to persist as geopolitical risks intensify, according to experts.
Sensex plunges 1,953 points amid West Asia energy infrastructure attacks
March 19, 2026, 12:27 AM EDT. Mumbai's stock markets opened sharply lower as the BSE Sensex dropped 1,953 points, or 2.55%, following attacks on key energy infrastructure in West Asia. The Nifty 50 also fell 2.44%, reflecting investor fears of an energy supply disruption. Banking and financial sectors bore the brunt, with Nifty Private Banks falling 3.41% and Financial Services down 2.87%. Global markets echoed the downturn, pressured by rising Brent crude prices at $112 per barrel and concerns over prolonged supply disruptions. Japan's Nikkei dropped over 2%, while U.S. indexes closed lower overnight, led by the Dow Jones down 1.63%. Experts warn the Gulf conflict escalation threatens global energy stability, fueling market uncertainty and inflation concerns.
Sony Financial (8729.T) dips 1.93% on JPX amid active volume and defensive financial sector tilt
March 19, 2026, 12:17 AM EDT. Sony Financial Group (8729.T) shares closed down 1.93% at JPY 147.20 on March 19, 2026, on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (JPX) with active trading volume of 51.6 million shares. The stock traded below its 50- and 200-day moving averages, reflecting short-term weakness despite the Financial Services sector gaining 2.5% intraday. Valuation remains low with a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 0.84. Technical indicators suggest mild momentum loss, while Meyka AI assigns a 'B' grade and a 12-month price target of JPY 231.62, implying 57% upside. Investors await May 15 earnings focused on insurance margins and investment returns. Risks include interest rate shifts and insurance losses. Liquidity remains notable as institutional activity shapes market moves.
ALIMR.PA Immersion SA jumps 11.54% pre-market on EURONEXT amid bullish signals
March 19, 2026, 12:16 AM EDT. ALIMR.PA stock opened pre-market at €2.90, up 11.54% with volume slightly above average on EURONEXT, signaling heightened trading interest. The stock has rebounded from a one-year low of €1.09, now near its 50-day average price of €2.69. Financial metrics show a modest market cap of €3.7 million, with a small net loss reflected in a negative P/E of -145.00. Technical indicators point to bullish momentum but also short-term overbought conditions. Meyka AI assigns a HOLD rating with a forecast price of €2.20, suggesting downside risk despite recent gains. Immersion SA operates in the technology software sector with VR and visualization opportunities but faces profitability challenges and sector weakness.
Dollar Rises on Hawkish Fed and Geopolitical Risks
March 19, 2026, 12:15 AM EDT. The U.S. dollar surged 0.51% as stronger-than-expected February producer price index (PPI) data and hawkish Federal Reserve comments boosted demand. Producer prices climbed 0.7% month-on-month and 3.4% year-on-year, exceeding forecasts and signaling persistent inflation pressures. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized no rate cuts unless inflation improves, reinforcing market expectations. Additionally, geopolitical tensions intensified after Iran threatened to target energy infrastructure in the Gulf, pushing stocks lower and fueling demand for the safe-haven dollar. The Fed maintained the federal funds rate at 3.50%-3.75%, forecasting a slight GDP increase and a modest rate cut by 2026. In response, the euro dropped 0.57%, pressured by rising crude prices amid Middle East conflicts and concerns over the energy-dependent Eurozone economy. Market swaps show minimal chance of ECB rate hikes at its upcoming meeting.
Stock Market Crash: Nifty50 Drops Below 23,300; Sensex Falls Over 1,600 Points After Fed Pause
March 19, 2026, 12:13 AM EDT. India's stock market plunged on March 19, 2026, as Nifty50 opened below 23,300 and BSE Sensex dropped over 1,600 points, following the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates unchanged. The move reflects concerns over geopolitical tensions, notably the escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict and attacks on Middle Eastern energy infrastructure that have driven Brent crude oil prices above $110 a barrel. Elevated oil prices threaten India's economic growth and corporate earnings for fiscal year 2027, according to experts. Foreign investors sold shares worth Rs 2,714 crore, while domestic investors bought Rs 3,253 crore. Market volatility remains high amid these global uncertainties and rising crude costs impacting India's macroeconomic outlook.
HDFC Bank shares tumble over 4% after part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty's sudden resignation
March 19, 2026, 12:12 AM EDT. HDFC Bank shares fell sharply by over 4% following the unexpected resignation of part-time chairman Atanu Chakraborty. Chakraborty cited misalignment with the bank's practices and principles during his tenure since May 2021. The bank's American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) dropped more than 7% in U.S. markets. Despite a strong December quarter with an 11% profit rise exceeding expectations, HDFC Bank's stock has been under pressure, declining 8% over the past month and 15% year-to-date. The Reserve Bank of India approved Keki Mistry as interim part-time chairman amid ongoing integration following HDFC's merger, creating India's second-largest lender.
