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Around 19 companies including LTIMindtree, Tech Mahindra, IRFC, HDB Financial Services, and Angel One have fixed their record dates for dividends, stock splits, and bonus issues during the week of October 19-23. Investors must hold shares in their demat accounts by the record date to qualify.
Consumer durable demand is showing an uneven festive recovery, with premiumisation and weather-led sales supporting select categories. Siddhartha Khemka picks LG Electronics and Polycab, citing their growth prospects, infrastructure demand and premiumisation. LG has a target price of Rs 2,075, while Polycab has a target of Rs 10,600.
Crypto devices built to foil hackers may have come with spies inside
Malaysian retailer CryptoBilis, a reseller of hardware crypto wallets, has become a focal point of an investigation into thefts from devices meant to secure digital assets offline
10 penny stocks plunge up to 75% in six months
Indian refiners' fuel exports to the West jump 43% as they keep processing Russian crude
Reliance Industries Ltd's Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat supplied six of the seven cargoes unloaded at EU ports that month, despite the bloc's ban on fuel made from Russian crude
AI trade reversal pierces Asias star picks-and-shovels stocks
The pressure intensified last week as oil surged to $110 a barrel for the first time since May, stoking inflation concerns, and investors turned their attention to the trillions of dollars being borrowed to build AI infrastructure
Here's how EPFO members can check their provident fund balance, view and download their account passbook and track claims through the official portal, Umang app, SMS, WhatsApp or missed calls services.
The 8th Central Pay Commission will meet stakeholders in Mumbai on 2223 October 2026 as it considers changes to pay, allowances, pensions and benefits for central government employees and retirees.
Can Nifty, Sensex rally further or will bears reign in? 5 factors to steer market this week
Sensex and Nifty extended gains for a second straight session on Friday, led by IT stocks, which rose for a fourth consecutive session, along with buying in auto, metal and PSU banking stocks. Niftys recovery could continue as long as it holds above the crucial 22,75022,800 support zone.
Planning to update your Aadhaar details? UIDAI accepts different documents for changes to name, address, date of birth, and relationship details. Here is a category-wise list of accepted identity, address, relationship, and DOB proofs.
ICICI Bank profit spurts 20% on NII; core profitability a tad lower on FCNR(B)
ICICI Bank reported a 20% rise in second-quarter net profit, helped by an 18% increase in core net interest income. However, core profitability edged lower as FCNR(B) deposits weighed on margins. NIM fell to 4.18%, while treasury operations swung to a loss amid higher government bond yields.
HDFC Bank PAT ticks up 5% amid pressure
HDFC Bank reported a 4.7% rise in standalone net profit for the second quarter, while margin pressure weighed on core profitability. Net interest income rose 9.7% as loans and deposits grew. The lender is also set to welcome a new chief executive this month, ending prolonged succession uncertainty.
Paras Healthcare IPO opens Oct 21, sets price band at 660-693 per share
Paras Healthcare has fixed the IPO price band at Rs 660-693 per share for its Rs 1,450 crore issue, which opens on October 21. The offering includes a fresh issue of Rs 500 crore and an offer for sale worth Rs 950 crore. Proceeds will be used mainly to repay borrowings.
Ixigo Q2 profit jumps to 63 cr; revenue up 13%
Ixigo's financial report reveals a net profit of 63.42 crore for the July-September period, indicating robust performance. The company enjoyed a 13% increase in operational revenue, totaling 320.96 crore. Their hotel segment excelled with a Gross Bookings Value surpassing 100 crores, reflecting a remarkable 159% year-on-year growth and driving significant revenue increase, largely from its loyal user base utilizing various transportation services.
Central Bank of Indias Q2 profit jumps 21% YoY to Rs 1,469 crore
In September 2026, Central Bank of India reported an impressive net profit hike of 21%, totaling 1,469 crore. This boost was largely attributed to strong loan growth, even as other income declined. The bank's net interest income surged by 26% to 4,146 crore. Additionally, total income rose by 15% to reach 11,737 crore, with the cost-to-income ratio improving to 58.95% from 62.42% a year prior.
YES Bank Q2 profit rises 65%; AT1 hit may risk 5,217 cr loss
YES Bank's net profit increased by 65% to 1,080 crore in the second quarter, driven by higher income. However, factoring in a Supreme Court judgment could lead to a post-tax loss of 5,217 crore. The court upheld a ruling concerning the bank's AT1 bonds, impacting its financial reporting. The bank's auditors noted that the financial outcomes might have been significantly different without this recognition.
IDBI Bank Q2 net profit slides 39% to 2,205 crore
IDBI Bank witnessed a substantial 39% drop in net profit for the September quarter, primarily driven by decreased non-interest earnings. This follows a previous year where profits were significantly elevated by one-time gains. Nonetheless, net interest income saw a 29% increase year-on-year, indicating solid operational stability, although operating expenses surged by 19%. The bank's privatization, through the sale to Fairfax, aims to enhance performance and profitability.
Understand the difference between basic pay, grade pay and pay level under the 8th Pay Commission. Learn how the 7th Pay Commissions pay matrix works, what employee unions are demanding and how the fitment factor could affect revised salaries.
Mutual funds reshuffled their stock portfolios in September 2026, with notable changes in holding values and shareholding quantities across companies. Here's what these shifts reveal about fund managers buying and selling activity.
The 8th Pay Commission fitment factor could determine revised basic pay for central government employees. Compare salary calculations at proposed multipliers of 4, 3.833 and 3.80, understand union demands and check what the estimates mean for your salary.
From Assam to Bihar, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Sikkim, West Bengal and more we check the full list of states that announced DA and DR hikes for employees and pensioners in 2026.
BSNL employees raised demands for wage revision, 7th CPC-linked wages for casual labourers, higher retirement contributions, revised allowances, and festival advances at the 41st National Council meeting. Here's what was discussed and what the management said.
Gold on Dhanteras: celebrate the ritual, rethink the investment
There is nothing wrong with the ritual. Just dont mistake it for investing.
Insurance reforms: Why claims matter more than distribution costs
As Irdai weighs changes to insurance distribution, rising health claims disputes and gaps in grievance redressal underscore the need for stronger insurer accountability, fairer claims settlement and better policyholder protection.
There are at least 4 national holidays this week; customers are advised to check their local holiday calendar before heading to their bank branch.
YouTubes new rules pose survival test for Indias clipping firms
YouTubes move to reduce the reach of clips that make minimal changes to existing videos could reshape distribution strategies, campaign economics and the balance between reposting content and adding creative value.
Central government employees await the July 2026 DA/DR hike, with no announcement as of October 16. Past revisions were announced between late September and October, raising hopes for a festive-season decision. However, history offers no guarantee of when the Centre will announce the hike.
The government announced a productivity-linked bonus for postal employees for 202526. Details here.
DLF is targeting growth through residential pre-sales, improved profitability and expansion of its commercial rental business. The developers second-quarter net profit rose 10% to 1,301.35 crore, though pre-sales declined. It has set a sales target of about 20,000 crore for FY27.
Ranbir Kapoor leases Pune's 6,094 sq ft Trump Towers flat for 1.75 crore over 3 years: Report
Ranbir Kapoor has leased his 6,094 sq ft apartment at Pune's Trump Towers for a starting monthly rent of 4.63 lakh. The three-year agreement includes a 5% annual increase and is expected to generate around 1.75 crore in rental income.
ICICI Bank Q2 net profit up 22% to Rs 16,333 cr
ICICI Bank announced a significant 22.28 per cent increase in its consolidated net profit, reaching Rs 16,333.18 crore for the September quarter, primarily fuelled by a 30 per cent jump in its loan portfolio.
Inside Reliance Jio 6G roll out plan: Check role of existing network infra of 360,000 telecom towers
Reliance Jio plans to expand overseas by offering its internally developed telecom technology as managed services, drawing on 7,220 patents. It also aims to use existing network assets to support 6G, grow home broadband to 100 million households and build on a 530-million-subscriber base.
HDFC Bank Q2 Profit Up 6%; New MD Bagchi to Tackle Balance Sheet, Retail Challenges
HDFC Bank reported a 5.55 per cent increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 20,700 crore for the September quarter, with incoming MD and CEO Anup Bagchi indicating a focus on strengthening the balance sheet and addressing retail vertical concerns post-merger.
We look at the prospects of ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC), Latent View Analytics, Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers and IRB Infrastructure Developers
US Market Outlook: Indices knocked down
Dollar and Treasury Yields also give up their gains
Nifty 50 outlook for the week: Out of the woods
The rise last week keeps the broader sideways range intact
Should you subscribe to Zetwerks IPO?
Zetwerks scale, order inflows and manufacturing opportunity are compelling, but persistent losses, execution questions and a rich IPO valuation leave little room for error
Bullion Cues: Weakness may deepen
Recovery unlikely to sustain
F&O Tracker: The tide is turning
Reversal patterns emerge in Nifty 50 whereas Nifty Bank is testing a crucial barrier
Yes Bank reported a 65% year-on-year rise in second-quarter profit to Rs 1,080 crore, beating analyst estimates. However, the lender said it could have posted a loss of Rs 5,217 crore had it accounted for the Supreme Court ruling setting aside its Rs 8,400 crore AT1 bond write-off. The bank is evaluating the ruling's financial implications and possible legal options.
Centre caps trade margins on 137 cancer drugs, prices likely to fall by up to 70%
The NPPAs new rules target markups of up to 700% in some cases, covering widely used immunotherapies and targeted cancer treatments. Revised prices will be effective from 9 November.
Chandigarh recorded its highest-ever property registration in July, with a 30.3-kanal industrial plot selling for 200.32 crore. A Sector 9-B house fetched 100 crore. Rising residential, commercial and agricultural values have boosted stamp duty revenue, despite fewer registered documents.
Q2 Results Highlights, 17th October 2026: Stay tuned to get real-time market, business and financial news updates
HDFC Banks post-merger integration work largely behind us, says incoming MD & CEO Anup Bagchi
HDFC Bank has made significant strides in integrating its merger with HDFC Ltd after its completion in July. The bank's incoming CEO, Anup Bagchi, emphasized the importance of maintaining strong credit quality during varying economic cycles. Bagchi also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Managing Director Kaizad Bharucha and the wider team. The bank plans to further improve its branch network and technology capabilities in the future.
Policyholders may claim from both employer-provided and individual health insurance for one hospitalisation. But if you overlook certain terms, it can lead to a rejection. Check details.
Noidas nine-acre Japanese Park in Sector 94 is nearing completion, with the Noida Authority targeting a December 15 opening. The project near Okhla Bird Sanctuary Metro station will feature Japanese-style gardens, a Zen garden, themed swings, waterfalls, water bodies and jogging tracks and more.
Axis appoints HDFC veteran to lead Bharat Banking
Central Bank of India Q2 profit rises 21% as loans grow 30%
Central Bank of India reported a 21% rise in September 2026 quarterly net profit to Rs 1,469 crore, supported by 26% net interest income growth and 30% loan expansion. Asset quality improved, with net NPA declining to 0.31%, while operating efficiency strengthened.
ICICI Bank reported a 20% year-on-year rise in Q2 net profit to 14,843 crore, supported by an 18% increase in net interest income. However, net interest margin narrowed to 4.18% from 4.36% in the previous quarter, with the bank expecting further pressure in Q3 due to foreign currency non-resident bank (FCNR-B) deposit mobilisation and branch expansion costs.
Axis Bank's Freecharge gets in-principle RBI nod to operate as payment aggregator
Axis Bank's digital payments platform Freecharge has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India. The approval allows Freecharge to operate under PA-O1 and PA-P1 categories starting in FY27. The bank has reported a 34% year-on-year growth in UPI transaction value for July-September. Digital transactions represented 98% of the total financial transactions during this quarter. Axis Bank continues to expand its digital payments operations, reflecting ongoing investment in technology.
Gold FoFs have restricted fresh investments, while silver funds and gold ETFs remain open. Experts explain the impact of India's import bill, why silver has been treated differently, the risks of ETF premiums, and what investors should consider before choosing either metal.
One last bittersweet pitch for HDFC Bank as CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan prepares to exit
HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, who will step down on October 26 after deciding against seeking a second reappointment, expressed confidence in the lenders resilience and growth prospects. He said the bank had overcome regulatory restrictions, the Covid-19 pandemic, a complex merger and monetary tightening, adding that governance issues had been settled.
HDFC Bank deputy MD Kaizad Bharucha to step down on December 31
Kaizad Bharucha has submitted his resignation as deputy managing director of HDFC Bank, effective December 31, 2026. This decision follows the Reserve Bank of India's approval for Anup Bagchi to become the new managing director. Bharucha has served as a whole-time director since June 2014 and would have exceeded the 15-year tenure limit by June 2029. His departure marks a significant leadership change at Indias largest private-sector lender.
Rising borrowing costs signal funding risks for global AI expansion: Jefferies report
As the financial markets grapple with emerging pressures, substantial investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure are evident. Companies like Oracle and CoreWeave are facing heightened credit risk, indicating struggles with borrowing amidst rising financing costs. Investors need to keep a close eye on credit spreads to gauge the viability of AI project funding.
AI race may depend more on access to power, infrastructure than chip supply: Morgan Stanley
According to Morgan Stanley's latest analysis, the burgeoning AI infrastructure market is on track to experience a dire electricity shortfall by 2028. This impending shortage poses a serious risk for smaller enterprises striving to keep pace with their larger counterparts. A predicted 32-gigawatt power deficit threatens data-center development and chip deployment. While global strategies might be an option for some, the internal power dilemmas in the U.S. will persist.
Central Bank's net profit ticks up 21% in Q2 FY26
Central Bank of India reported a 21% increase in net profit amounting to Rs 1469 crore for September 2026. Net interest income grew by 26% to Rs 4146 crore, reflecting strong loan growth. Total advances rose by 30% to Rs 3.81 lakh crore, driven by retail, agriculture and MSME sectors. Despite a drop in other income, asset quality improved with net NPA decreasing to 0.31%.
ixigo Q2 profit at Rs 63 cr on robust show in hotel booking biz
Ixigo reported a remarkable turnaround with a consolidated net profit of Rs 63.42 crore for the September quarter, bouncing back from a net loss of Rs 3.46 crore from last year. The surge in hotel bookings played a key role in this financial upswing, leading to operational revenue of Rs 320.96 crore.
The 1.25 lakh annual LTCG exemption applies to Indian equity investments, but does it also apply to foreign stocks held by an Indian investor? Check details here.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund has nearly halved its cash allocation in six months, signalling a shift towards deploying money in select opportunities. With cash levels falling below 10%, the funds latest portfolio reveals where it is increasing exposure and how its returns compare with the benchmark.
IDBI- Fairfax deal: Employees service conditions fully protected, says DIPAM Secretary
ICICI Bank Q2 Results: Net profit jumps 20% YoY to Rs 14,843 crore, NII rises 18%
ICICI Bank Q2 Results: Private lender ICICI Bank reported a net profit of Rs 14,843 crore in the second quarter of financial year 2027, marking 20.1% year-on-year increase from Rs 12,359 crore posted in the same period last year.
IDBI Bank Q2 net profit falls 39% to Rs 2,205 crore on lower other income
IDBI Bank reported a 39% year-on-year decline in Q2 FY27 net profit to Rs 2,205 crore, mainly due to the absence of a one-time Rs 1,699 crore gain from the NSDL stake sale in the year-ago quarter. Excluding that gain, net profit would have risen 14%.
Dussehra 2026: 6 bad money habits to give up this festive season
Dussehra 2026 is an opportunity to improve your finances. Discover six bad money habits to give up this festive season, including overspending, delaying investments, ignoring insurance, taking unnecessary loans, risky trading and blindly following social media stock tips.
BharatPe has launched its Tyohar BharatPe Gold Offer for the festive season, giving eligible customers 5% extra digital gold and a chance to win prizes from a 20 lakh pool. The campaign runs from 11 October to 10 November 2026 through the BharatPe ecosystem.
Nifty reclaims 200 WMA; eyes further gains as key resistance shapes next move
Indian equity markets rebounded 2.78%, with the Nifty reclaiming its crucial 200-week moving average. However, weak momentum indicators and overhead resistance warrant caution. Banking, metal, media, pharma and IT stocks show relative strength. Investors should monitor key support levels, prioritise fundamentally strong stocks and maintain disciplined risk management strategies.
IPO-bound Sathya Agencies plans to strengthen presence in Karnataka
The Chennai-based retailer has added 54 Karnataka showrooms through Unilet and is preparing for its first major Dussehra and Diwali festive season in the state
Nifty and Nifty Bank Prediction for the week 19 Oct26 to 23 Oct26 by BL GURU
Nifty can rise to 23,300-23,500 in the short term and 24,000 eventually.
Saif Ali Khan leases Mumbai commercial property to fintech firm for 22.76 lakh monthly rent
Saif Ali Khan leased two commercial units in Mumbai for 22.76 lakh monthly rent on a five-year deal, with a security deposit set at 2.36 crore
Factor-based mutual funds use strategies such as momentum, quality and low volatility to select stocks. We compare the leading schemes by 1-year, 3-year and 5-year returns and examine which strategies top each period.
HDFC Bank Q2 Results: Net profit rises 5% YoY to Rs 19,510 crore; NII grows 10%
HDFC Bank Q2 Results: Indias largest private lender HDFC Bank on Saturday reported a net profit of Rs 19,509 crore for the second quarter of FY27, marking a 4.6% year-on-year jump from Rs 18,641 crore posted in the same period last year.
With the new underpass, daily travel would become easier for thousands of people using the busy Parthala Chowk junction in Noida, particularly during morning and evening rush hours.
Cryptos leverage machine finds new life beyond Bitcoin bets
Despite a decline in crypto trading activities, there is a rising interest in traditional assets among investors. Open interest in real-world asset contracts has increased to $9 billion, claiming 14% of total volume. The transition marks a significant change in the derivatives markets as crypto inroads are being utilized for traditional trading. This shift indicates a maturation of the digital asset space, making it more accessible to mainstream investors.
Cyber fraud alert: SBI warns about AI voice-cloning scams 5 ways to protect your money
SBI has warned about AI voice-cloning scams that can trick people into transferring money or sharing banking details. Learn how to verify callers, protect sensitive information and report cyber fraud through helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
Axis Bank Q2 Results: Net profit jumps 38% YoY to Rs 7,003 crore, NII rises 12%
Axis Bank Q2 Results: Private lender Axis Bank on Saturday reported a net profit of Rs 7,003 crore for the second quarter of FY27, marking a jump of 38% from Rs 5,089 crore posted in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.
Fairfax to use HDFC veterans for IDBI Bank acquisition
Canadian billionaire Prem Watsa's Fairfax Financial Holdings will utilise the expertise of Deepak Parekh and Paresh Sukthankar, former HDFC leaders, as it moves to acquire a 60.72 per cent stake in IDBI Bank for 52,878 crore, with N S Kannan proposed as chairman.
Burma Burma owner Hunger Pangs files DRHP with SEBI
The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to 150 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 2.79 crore shares by existing shareholders
SBI Securities
Oil prices may ease to $80 per barrel in 2027 as West Asia supply recovers: Goldman Sachs
The firm expects benchmark Brent crude to trade at $90 per barrel in December 2026, revising its previous forecast of $85, before averaging $80 per barrel in 2027
8 small, midcap stocks with upside potential of up to 50%. How many are in your portfolio?
PL Capital remains cautious after the Niftys eight-week losing streak, warning against expectations of a V-shaped recovery. Despite market uncertainty, the brokerage favours eight small and midcap stocks, including CESC, Amber Enterprises and Healthcare Global, citing potential upside of 13-50%.
A step-up SIP can help investors build a larger corpus by increasing contributions over time. But does investing more mean higher returns? Find a comparison of regular SIPs, fixed 1,000 top-ups, and 10% annual top-ups data to understand their impact on wealth creation and XIRR over 5 to 25 years.
Nicholas Sleeps investing lessons: Why patience, conviction and long-term thinking matter
Nicholas Sleeps investment philosophy emphasises independent thinking, patience, and understanding business fundamentals. His successful Nomad Investment Partnership demonstrated the value of identifying high-quality businesses, assessing sustainable competitive advantages, and focusing on long-term value rather than daily price movements. He advocated disciplined research, selective diversification, emotional control, continuous learning, and adapting decisions when circumstances change.
Fairfax's IDBI buy: Biggest-ever banking M&A deal in India had no investment bankers
Fairfax Financial Holdings $5.6 billion acquisition of a controlling stake in IDBI Bank is significant not just for being the biggest foreign investment in Indias banking sector, but also because the transaction was handled without the involvement of major investment banks. Fairfax and IDBI Bank did not launch a formal process to appoint financial advisers, while KPMG advised the government on the sale and two professional agencies helped determine the governments fair valuation.
Central government employees and pensioners are awaiting the July 2026 DA and DR revision after the latest Cabinet meeting offered no update. Previous announcements provide a timeline of when the Centre declared the July instalment over the past five years.
EPFO VISHWAS 2026 explained: How employers can settle pending Section 14B penal damages
EPFO VISHWAS 2026 allows eligible employers to settle pending Section 14B penal damages at concessional rates. Understand why EPF damages are imposed, how the scheme works, and what employers should check before applying.
Global oil demand is expected to rise by 2.4 million barrels per day (mb/d) in 2027, with India and other Asian economies emerging as key drivers of consumption growth, according to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). In its statement to the International Monetary and Financial Committee during the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings, OPEC projected global oil demand to average 108.2 mb/d in 2027, compared with 105.8 mb/d in 2026. The anticipated increase would be supported by healthy economic activity, particularly in non-OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) economies, with transportation fuels and petrochemical feedstock expected to drive demand recovery. With India and Other Asia expected to lead oil demand growth, the statement said, adding that China and the Middle East would also contribute significantly to the increase in consumption. For 2026, OPEC expects global oil demand to grow by around 0.4 mb/d, reflecting strong requirement...
Concurrent Gainers: 15 stocks gain for 5 days in a row
Over the five trading sessions ended October 16, the Sensex gained 3.11%, or 2,257 points, to close at 74,729. The benchmark index closed higher in three of the five sessions between October 12 and 16. Amid the broader market rally, around 22 BSE 500 stocks advanced in each of the five consecutive trading sessions. Of these, we identified 15 stocks that gained consistently throughout the period, delivering cumulative returns ranging from 5% to 25%. (Data Source: ACE Equity)
Jio IPOs grey market hints at 20% listing pop. What are Emkay, SBI Securities saying?
Jio Platforms
Burma Burma operator Hunger Pangs files IPO draft papers with SEBI
The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to 150 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 2.79 crore shares by existing shareholders
Brent crude surpassed $110 per barrel as escalating attacks around the Strait of Hormuz and renewed Russia-Ukraine hostilities heightened global supply concerns. WTI also surged, recording weekly gains above 10%. Goldman Sachs warned prices could reach $120 if shipping disruptions worsen, while easing tensions could bring crude towards $80.
