In an interesting development, the Bank of Korea (BOK) announced plans to incorporate overseas-listed physical gold ETFs (exchange-traded funds) into its foreign reserve portfolio from the first quarter of 2026. Buying of gold by central banks across the world eased in January 2026 compared with the previous 12-month average of 27 tonnes, the World Gold…
Asian stock markets plunged on Monday (March 9, 2026) as oil prices soared 30% on fears about supplies from West Asia as the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran continued into a second week with no sign of letting up. Investors, already spooked by concerns over extended tech valuations and the huge spending on AI, ran for…
We feel pain when actual investment experience falls short of expectations. But the pain recalibrates expectations. This can improve financial wellbeing.
Oil prices eclipsed $100 per barrel for the first time in more than three-and-a-half years on Sunday (March 8, 2026) as the Iran war hinders production and shipping in West Asia. The price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, was at $107.97 after trading resumed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, up 16.5%…
Indian refiners have begun negotiating for additional crude cargoes from the U.S., Russia and West Africa to ensure supplies remain adequate in the event the West Asia conflict drags on for a longer period, industry officials and analysts said. Refineries, which convert crude oil into fuels like petrol and diesel, have deferred planned maintenance shutdowns…
As the mercury starts rising, leading room airconditioner makers are increasing prices in the range of 5-15% to offset sustained increases in raw material costs and supply chain expenses. The hikes, being rolled out between February and April, come just ahead of the peak summer season when demand typically surges. Leading players, including Daikin, Voltas,…
For decades, diamonds in India have been deeply intertwined with tradition. They symbolised weddings, family milestones and generational wealth, with purchasing decisions often guided by customs passed down through families. The act of buying a diamond was rarely a purely personal decision; it was rooted in cultural expectations and legacy. But the Indian diamond buyer…
Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) is largely used for cooking gas across India. | Photo Credit: Nagara Gopal The West Asia conflict has sharply stressed India’s use of natural gas and cooking gas for a variety of applications. The government has today issued directives to prioritise cooking gas supplies. Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) is largely used for cooking gas across India. The…
The story so far: The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important chokepoints, has been experiencing a near-total collapse in commercial traffic following rising tensions in West Asia. More than 20% of the world’s total oil and gas shipments, and nearly 40% of India’s, pass through the strait. What is the significance…
Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Naik. File | Photo Credit: ANI The peak power demand is projected to be around 270 GW this summer, and there will be no effect on regular electricity supply due to West Asia crisis, Minister of State for Power Shripad Yesso Naik said on Saturday (March…
