**Global Market Brief: Tech Rout & Pre-Budget Nerves** **Global Equities Shake-Up** Global markets are closing the week on a volatile note as a sell-off in major US technology stocks ripples worldwide. The **S&P 500** has slipped below the key **7,000** mark, pressured by a sharp **10%** decline in Microsoft shares following disappointing cloud growth figures. Nasdaq futures are trading lower, dragging Asian and European tech indices down with them. **India: Pre-Budget Caution** Indian benchmarks are seeing heavy profit-booking ahead of the Union Budget. The **Nifty 50** has retreated to near **25,200**, while the **Sensex** dropped over **400 points** in early trade. * **Sector Drag:** Metal and IT stocks are leading the decline, with Nifty Metal plunging **5%**—its biggest intraday drop in nine months. * **Stock Moves:** Swiggy shares fell **7%** to hit an eight-month low after widening losses, while Larsen & Toubro provided some support with strong quarterly numbers. **Crypto Flash Crash** The cryptocurrency market is witnessing a steep correction. **Bitcoin** has broken key support levels, tumbling below **$85,000** for the first time since December. Ethereum and other major altcoins like Solana and XRP are down over **5–6%**, mirroring the risk-off sentiment in equities. Liquidations across the crypto market have exceeded **$785 million** in the last 24 hours. **Commodities: Gold Cools, Oil Heats Up** * **Gold:** After a record-breaking run, gold prices have cooled to approximately **$5,200** per ounce as investors book profits. * **Oil:** Conversely, crude oil is strengthening. Brent Crude has risen above **$70** per barrel, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, raising concerns over supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. **Key Watchlist** All eyes are now on the upcoming Indian Union Budget presentation and further earnings reports from US tech giants like Apple. Volatility is expected to remain high as markets digest the mix of slowing tech growth and geopolitical risks.