Crude Oil Prices Hold Firm Near $89 Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

The price of Brent crude oil remains steady around $88 to $89 per barrel due to ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane. The closure has led to supply bottlenecks and elevated energy costs for industries worldwide.

Meanwhile, Indian conglomerate Tata Group is navigating a leadership transition as N. Chandrasekaran prepares to step down as chairman of Tata Sons on February 20, 2027. This change has raised questions about the group's governance structure, particularly the relationship between professional management and Tata Trusts, which holds a 66% stake in Tata Sons.

Muthoot Fincorp, another Indian company, is seeking to raise ₹3,000 crore through an initial public offering (IPO) aimed at strengthening its Tier-I capital base. Investors are cautious about the gold loan business, which faces risks from gold price volatility and potential regulatory changes in the non-banking financial company sector.