The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has now entered its third week, impacting various markets, including precious metals. As of March 17, 2026, the spot gold rate was trading at $5,008 per ounce, but it has recently slipped around 0.80%, now priced at $4,975. This decline has triggered profit booking in bullion after a recent rally, according to market analyst Jateen Trivedi.

Gold is currently consolidating near its historical highs set in late January, which were around $5,600. The trading range for COMEX Gold is within the $4,960–$5,040 support band, indicating a strong buying interest in the $4,950–$5,000 support zone.

Meanwhile, spot silver prices have seen a slight decrease, down 0.21% to $80.5 per ounce. The current trading range for COMEX Silver is around $77–$82, with strong buying interest evident in the $70–$74 support zone. This recent decline in silver is viewed by analysts as a deeper repricing of market expectations regarding the path of U.S. interest rates, as noted by Rania Gule.

The strengthening of the dollar, which has reached its highest level since May 2025, has made gold more expensive for non-dollar buyers, thereby exerting downward pressure on the precious metal. Linh Tran emphasized that this dynamic is crucial for understanding the current market conditions.

Looking ahead, notable figures in the investment community are making bold predictions. Robert Kiyosaki has forecasted that gold could hit $35,000 an ounce one year after the gold bubble goes pop, suggesting significant volatility in the future. Observers are closely monitoring these developments as they unfold.

As market participants navigate these fluctuations, the interplay between geopolitical tensions and economic indicators will likely continue to influence gold and silver prices in the coming weeks. Investors are advised to stay informed as the situation evolves, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict and its potential ramifications on global markets.

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Coforge Ltd has faced a challenging period in the stock market, with expectations previously leaning towards stability and growth. The company had demonstrated a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.04% in operating profits, which had led many investors to believe in its potential for continued success.

However, on March 17, 2026, a decisive moment occurred as Coforge’s share price fell to an intraday low of Rs.1008.5, marking a significant decline of 6.69% during the trading session. This drop was part of a broader trend, as the stock has been on a downward trajectory for six consecutive trading days, resulting in a cumulative loss of 10.51%.

The immediate effects of this decline have been felt across the board. Over the past 12 months, Coforge Ltd’s stock has declined by 28.04%, a stark contrast to its 52-week high of Rs.1994. Institutional investors, who hold a significant 88.2% stake in the company, may be reevaluating their positions in light of these developments.

Experts have weighed in on the situation, noting that “AI Disruption Fear Is Back in Focus.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern that the traditional IT services market may be under threat. One analyst stated, “This isn’t just another weak session,” indicating that the current market conditions are more troubling than previous downturns.

Furthermore, another expert remarked, “Markets are not panicking but confidence in IT is clearly weakening.” This suggests that while there is no immediate crisis, the underlying confidence in the IT sector, including companies like Coforge, is diminishing.

As the market continues to react, the potential for deeper earnings downgrades looms. An analyst warned, “If global tech spending slows while automation accelerates, this mismatch could trigger deeper earnings downgrades.” This highlights the uncertainty surrounding the future performance of IT stocks.

In terms of financial metrics, Coforge maintains a Debt to EBITDA ratio of 0.28 times and a debt-equity ratio of 0.14 times, indicating a relatively stable financial structure. Additionally, the company has generated an average Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 25.30% and a return on equity (ROE) of 16.5%, which are positive indicators amidst the current turmoil.

Despite these strengths, the long-term trend of IT stocks, including Coforge, in relation to market conditions remains uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these shifts will ultimately affect the company’s performance moving forward.

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Recent insights from market analysts suggest that any weakness in gold presents a buying opportunity, according to Laurence Balanco of CLSA. This statement comes amidst a backdrop of fluctuating energy prices and a cautious outlook for equities.

In terms of specific market movements, CLSA forecasts that the Nifty index may consolidate for the next three months, with a key support level identified at 23,800. A potential rebound could see the index rise by 1,000 points, reaching as high as 25,500.

Nuvama AMC also notes that value is emerging in the markets, indicating a possible rebound from recent lows. This optimism is tempered by concerns over the volatility driven by crude oil prices, which recently topped $100 a barrel.

Investors are increasingly worried about the implications of surging energy prices on equities, particularly as U.S. equities are currently in a corrective phase. A correction is defined as a decline of 10%, while a bear market is characterized by a drop of 20%.

Despite these concerns, Quantum AMC sees opportunities in sectors such as banks, IT, cement, and realty, suggesting that while volatility may be short-lived, certain areas of the market could still thrive.

Year to date, commodities have shown notable strength, contributing to the complex landscape of market trends. However, the ongoing situation regarding the US-Iran war adds another layer of uncertainty, particularly concerning its impact on energy prices and equities.

As the market continues to evolve, observers are keenly watching for further developments. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the broader implications of geopolitical tensions on market stability.

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HDFC Bank shares have experienced a notable decline, dropping 4% to reach a 52-week low of ₹821.50. This downturn reflects broader market pressures, as the Bank Nifty index also fell by 4% during the same trading session.

Following this low, the stock managed to recover slightly, trading at ₹834.20, which still marked a 3% decrease from the previous close of ₹857.05. The stock opened at ₹825.00, indicating a decline of 3.74% from the prior day’s closing price.

In total, HDFC Bank recorded a significant trading volume of 1.17 crore shares, with a total traded value of approximately ₹97,081 lakhs. The last traded price stood at ₹829.35, reflecting a day’s loss of 3.16%.

The recent decline in HDFC Bank shares extends a phase of underperformance, driven by concerns surrounding margin pressures and challenges in deposit mobilization. Despite these challenges, Kotak Institutional Equities has upgraded HDFC Bank to a ‘buy’ rating, setting a target price of ₹1,050.

Kotak Institutional Equities noted, “At current levels, downside risks appear fairly limited,” suggesting that the stock may have reached a point of stabilization.

Despite the decline, analysts remain optimistic about the lender’s long-term outlook and earnings growth. HDFC Bank’s performance, while negative, was marginally better than the sector average, indicating relative resilience in a challenging environment.

Investors are advised to weigh the current bearish technical signals against the bank’s long-term growth prospects and its positioning within the sector. The overall sentiment remains cautious, with market dynamics influencing short-term performance.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments that may impact HDFC Bank’s share performance in the upcoming trading sessions. As the market continues to fluctuate, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation for signs of recovery or further decline.

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The Wall Street experienced significant turmoil following military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran, raising concerns about a potential escalation of conflict in the region. Investors reacted swiftly, leading to a surge in oil prices, which reached new 52-week highs, while gold prices soared and volatility hit an unprecedented level of 2026. The initial market sell-off erased hundreds of billions in market value, although there was a partial recovery. The primary catalyst for this upheaval was the heightened energy risk, particularly regarding potential supply disruptions in the Middle East.

U.S. Market Snapshot

Earlier in the trading session, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by more than 500 points, or 1.1%, before managing to pare some of its losses.

Dow Jones

The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a sharp decline, dropping over 543 points during the day to approach 48,570. Consumer-facing companies such as Home Depot and Nike saw their stocks fall by more than 2%, impacted by ongoing inflation concerns. In contrast, Chevron, a major energy player, saw its stock rise by 1.05%, which helped mitigate broader losses.

Nasdaq

In futures trading, the Nasdaq Composite fell by as much as 1.6%. Growth-oriented stocks are particularly vulnerable to rising oil prices, as increased energy costs may hinder interest rate reductions. AMD dropped by 2.82%, while Alphabet fell by 2.32%. Conversely, Nvidia saw a gain of 1.93%.

S&P 500

At its lowest point, the S&P 500 index fell by 1.1%, marking two consecutive months of declines. Energy and defense stocks emerged as rare bright spots, helping to limit the overall damage.

NYSE

Trading volumes surged on the New York Stock Exchange, with the CBOE Volatility Index climbing by 18 points and briefly surpassing 20. Despite this increase, it did not reach levels typically associated with full-scale market panic.

How US-Iran Conflict Is Driving Crude Oil Prices Higher

The oil markets are reacting strongly, as Iran is the fourth-largest producer within OPEC. Traders are concerned that supply may diminish if retaliatory actions escalate. Any form of interference could rapidly constrain global inventories.

Crude Oil Surges Toward $80+ on Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears and Iran Conflict

Brent crude prices rose by $9.30 to $79.40, briefly exceeding $82 during intraday trading. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate surged over 8%, reaching approximately $73. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint, facilitating nearly 20% of global oil shipments.

What the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Means for Global Shipping

Major shipping companies have suspended transit through the Strait of Hormuz, rerouting vessels around Africa. Even minor disruptions can lead to increased freight costs, slowed supply chains, and inflationary pressures worldwide.

Defense Stocks Climb After Attacks in Middle East

Defense contractors have seen a surge in their stock prices, with Lockheed Martin rising over 6% and Northrop Grumman increasing by approximately 5%. AeroVironment, a drone manufacturer, surged more than 10%, indicating expectations of increased defense spending.

Energy Shares Climb on Concerns Over Oil Supply Disruptions

As crude prices and oil company stocks rose, Exxon Mobil increased by over 4%, Chevron by approximately 3-4%, and ConocoPhillips by over 5%. Shares of tanker companies like Frontline jumped by 5-7%.

Travel Stocks Fall as Iran Conflict Impacts Global Tourism

Airline stocks faced significant selling pressure, with United Airlines declining by more than 6% and both American and Delta Airlines dropping over 5%. Hotel operators Marriott and Hilton saw declines of 3-5%, primarily due to rising fuel costs and travel disruptions.

Gold & Silver Prices Jump on Rising Geopolitical Risk

Gold prices surged more than 2%, trading at over $5,400 per ounce. Analysts at JPMorgan have indicated that ongoing tensions could lead to a 10% premium on gold, as investors flock to traditional safe-haven assets.

Why are Bitcoin & Crypto Markets Falling Today?

Bitcoin is currently valued at approximately $65,800, significantly lower than its peak of around $126,000. A risk-averse mentality among investors typically leads to a decline in cryptocurrency values as they shift towards cash and more defensive assets.

Why are Oil, Gas & Gold Prices Surging?

Market prices are reflecting a supply shock and inflation risks, as rising oil prices directly impact transportation and production costs. Gold serves as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical instability. Additionally, the U.S. Dollar Index has risen by 0.91% to 98.50, further driving demand for safe-haven assets.

Will This US Stock Market Crash Continue?

Geopolitical sell-offs may not follow historical patterns unless energy prices remain elevated. Analysts warn that sustained Brent crude prices above $80-85 could trigger renewed inflation concerns and delay easing measures from the Federal Reserve. Another critical factor to monitor is the upcoming U.S. jobs report, with economists predicting only 60,000 payroll increases compared to January’s 130,000.

Top Gainers Today

Dow Jones

• Nvidia (NVDA) +1.93%
• Microsoft (MSFT) +1.70%
• Chevron (CVX) +1.05%
• Boeing (BA) +0.82%
• Goldman Sachs (GS) +0.68%

Nasdaq

• Intuit (INTU) +3.07%
• Nvidia (NVDA) +1.83%
• Microsoft (MSFT) +1.62%
• Meta (META) +1.02%
• Honeywell (HON) +0.66%

S&P 500

• Northrop Grumman (NOC) +4.27%
• ConocoPhillips (COP) +3.10%
• Intuit (INTU) +3.07%
• EOG Resources (EOG) +2.79%
• Lockheed Martin (LMT) +2.54%

Top Losers Today

Dow Jones

• Sherwin-Williams (SHW) -3.34%
• Home Depot (HD) -2.69%
• Nike (NKE) -2.28%
• Walt Disney (DIS) -2.02%
• Cisco Systems (CSCO) -1.86%

Nasdaq

• Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) -2.82%
• Charter Communications (CHTR) -2.54%
• Alphabet (GOOG) -2.32%
• Qualcomm (QCOM) -2.28%
• ASML (ASML) -2.17%

S&P 500

• Estée Lauder (EL) -3.68%
• Sherwin-Williams (SHW) -3.28%
• Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) -2.82%
• Zoetis (ZTS) -2.70%
• Home Depot (HD) -2.61%

FAQ’s: US Stock Market Update

1. Why did markets fall sharply?

Rising oil prices and geopolitical escalation triggered inflation concerns and risk aversion.

2. Why are defense stocks rallying?

Investors anticipate increased military spending during prolonged conflict.

3. How critical is the Strait of Hormuz?

It handles roughly 20% of global crude shipments, making it vital for energy markets.

4. Is this a full market crash?

Volatility is elevated, but current declines remain below panic levels.

5. What should investors monitor next?

Oil prices, VIX levels, and upcoming U.S. economic data.

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