Asian stocks today (March 18, 2026): Markets trade in green amid Middle East conflict; HSI remains flat, Nikkei gains over 3%

Asian equities mostly inched higher on Wednesday, tracking a pause in the recent rally in oil prices, even as investors remained cautious amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and awaited signals from the US Federal Reserve on interest rates.As of 9:15 am, Japan’s Nikkei was up 1,245.87 points or 2.32% to 54,946. South Korean…

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Middle East conflict: Oil companies seek advance payments from petrol pumps as global crude price surge squeezes margins

State-owned oil marketing companies have started asking petrol pump dealers to make advance payments for supplies of petrol and diesel, as refiners grapple with mounting revenue losses from retail fuel sales, according to a Reuters report.Nearly 90% of India’s about 1,01,470 fuel stations are linked to public sector refiners and retailers – Indian Oil Corporation,…

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Leela Palaces: Leela acquires luxury resort in Coorg, to open property later this year

NEW DELHI: Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts Tuesday announced the acquisition of an ultra-luxury resort in Coorg. marking the brand’s entry into immersive, nature-led and wellness anchored hospitality. The 71 all-villa property, set within 76 acres of lush landscape near Madikeri, will open as The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary later this year.With the addition of…

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Mutual fund Industry AUM hits record Rs 82 lakh crore in February, SIP flows stay strong

India’s mutual fund industry assets under management (AUM) rose to Rs 82.03 lakh crore in February 2026, registering a 27.1 per cent increase from Rs 64.53 lakh crore a year earlier, according to data released by Franklin Templeton report.The growth was driven largely by sustained inflows into equity-oriented schemes and continued expansion in systematic investment…

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