Market Volatility: Prateek Agarwal Advises Gradual Deployment Amid Geopolitical Risks
Analyzing: “Stay invested, deploy money gradually amid market volatility: Prateek Agarwal” by et_markets · 12 Mar 2026, 12:04 PM IST (about 2 months ago)
What happened
Geopolitical tensions and trade route disruptions, specifically mentioning the Strait of Hormuz, are making investors cautious despite attractive stock valuations. This uncertainty is impacting global supply chains and oil prices, leading to a recommendation for gradual capital deployment.
Why it matters
For Indian markets, this means continued volatility and potential pressure on sectors reliant on global trade and stable energy prices. While valuations may appear attractive, the underlying geopolitical risks could delay a sustained market rally, making a cautious approach prudent for traders.
Impact on Indian markets
Oil & Gas companies like RELIANCE, IOC, BPCL, and HPCL face mixed impacts from crude price volatility. Logistics and Shipping companies such as SHIPPING, MAHLOG, and DELHIVERY could see negative impacts due to increased costs and disruptions in global trade routes. Companies with significant import/export exposure may also feel the pinch.
What traders should watch next
Traders should closely monitor developments in the Strait of Hormuz and broader geopolitical landscape for any de-escalation or further intensification. Key indicators to watch include crude oil prices, global shipping rates, and FII flows into Indian equities, which will signal shifts in investor sentiment and market stability.
Key Evidence
- •Geopolitical tensions and trade route disruptions are making investors cautious.
- •Market participants are closely monitoring the Strait of Hormuz due to its impact on oil prices and supply chains.
- •Uncertainty typically lowers valuations but can create opportunities once clarity emerges.
- •Continuity of trade is the key factor for market stabilization.
- •Prateek Agarwal advises staying invested and deploying money gradually.
Affected Stocks
As a major oil refiner and petrochemical player, RIL is sensitive to crude oil price volatility and supply chain disruptions. While higher oil prices can boost upstream, refining margins can be squeezed.
Oil marketing companies are directly impacted by crude oil prices and supply chain stability. Volatility can affect inventory gains/losses and marketing margins.
Similar to IOC, BPCL's profitability is tied to crude oil prices and the stability of global supply chains.
HPCL, an oil marketing company, faces similar risks and opportunities from crude oil price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.
Disruptions in key trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz directly impact shipping costs, routes, and potentially volumes, affecting shipping companies.
Logistics companies are vulnerable to increased freight costs and supply chain delays caused by geopolitical tensions and trade route disruptions.
As a major logistics and supply chain services provider, Delhivery could see increased operational costs and potential delays due to global trade disruptions.
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