Indian Shares Fall as Middle East Tensions Spook Investors

The new logo of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building is seen in Mumbai, India, July 12, 2023. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas/File photo Purchase Licensing Rights
The new logo of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building is seen in Mumbai, India, July 12, 2023. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas/File photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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Indian Shares Fall as Middle East Tensions Spook Investors

The new logo of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building is seen in Mumbai, India, July 12, 2023. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas/File photo Purchase Licensing Rights
The new logo of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building is seen in Mumbai, India, July 12, 2023. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas/File photo Purchase Licensing Rights

Indian shares fell on Monday as investors sold riskier assets after Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel over the weekend spurred fears of a wider regional conflict.

The NSE Nifty 50 (.NSEI), opens new tab was down 0.73% at 22,354.70 as of 10:10 a.m. IST, while the S&P BSE Sensex (.BSESN), opens new tab fell 0.75% to 73,687.02.

"Risk sentiment took a hit after Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel over the weekend stoked fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East region and kept traders on edge," analysts at SMC Global Securities said in a note on Monday, Reuters reported.

"The worries in the Middle East have rattled all financial markets, pushing investors to look for safer places for their money."

Forty-one of the Nifty 50 stocks declined. All the 13 major sectors logged losses.

Shares of Indian rice and tea exporters fell amid escalations in Middle East tensions. India is one of the top exporters of basmati rice and tea, and Iran is a leading buyer of those commodities.

Other Asian peers also traded lower, with the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index (.MIAPJ0000PUS), opens new tab shedding 0.72%.

Among individual stocks, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS.NS), opens new tab, India's top software services firm by revenue, gained 0.8% and was among the top five Nifty 50 gainers.

"While the company reported lower-than-expected revenue in March quarter, we still expect TCS to lead peers on revenue growth in fiscal year 2024, aided by ramp-up of mega deals," analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities said.

Aluminium producer Hindalco Industries (HALC.NS), opens new tab gained 2.5% and was the top Nifty 50 gainer, after the US and UK imposed restrictions on the trading of new Russian commodities on the London Metals Exchange and on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

This (development) should be most positive for aluminium prices and shares of aluminium producers, Jefferies said.

The broader, more domestically-focussed small- (.NIFSMCP100), opens new tab and mid-caps (.NIFMDCP100), opens new tab lost about 3% and 2%, respectively, after outperforming the benchmarks in April, ahead of the session.



Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
TT

Saudi's flynas Strikes Deal for Additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s

Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)
Saudi's flynas strikes deal for additional Airbus A320neos, 15 A330s (flynas)

flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900. This strategic agreement will expand the airline's capacity, range and enhance its overall fleet capabilities.
Signed during Farnborough International Airshow in the presence of President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Board of NAS Holding Ayed Al Jeaid, flynas Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Bandar Almohanna, and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer, Airbus said on its website.
The new aircraft will join the carrier’s all Airbus fleet serving international, domestic and regional routes. The new A330-900 aircraft will boast a two-class configuration, accommodating up to 400 passengers.
"We are excited to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Airbus," said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas. "The A320neo Family provides exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing us to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences. Additionally, the A330neowill enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim program."
Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer said, "We are delighted to expand our partnership with flynas through this significant milestone for both A320neo and A330-900 aircraft. The A330neo will allow flynas to further grow into widebody markets by building on the A320, benefiting from Airbus’ unique commonality. Both aircraft types offer flynas the perfect versatility and economics to expand into new markets while offering their passengers the latest cabin experience and comfort. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with flynas as they embark on this exciting new chapter."
The addition of the A330-900 aircraft will support flynas' ambitious growth plans. The airline anticipates significant operational efficiency gains by combining the new widebody aircraft with its existing A320neo fleet. The A330-900 offers increased capacity and range at unrivaled seat costs, ensuring flynas can compete effectively in the growing regional market, a key focus area for the airline.
The A330neo delivers unbeatable operating economics, powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, featuring new wings and a range of aerodynamic innovations resulting in a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo is capable of flying 8,150 nm / 15,094 km non-stop, providing ultimate comfort with more passenger space, a new lighting system, latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity throughout the cabin.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.