The Economic Times

India and the United States are set to operationalise an interim trade agreement in April, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. Negotiators from both countries will meet in the US from February 23 for three days to finalise the legal text.

Equity markets experienced a sharp reversal this week, erasing early gains and sparking debate about deeper weakness. Despite the choppiness, market experts remain constructive, citing strong earnings trends and sectoral tailwinds. Rahul Shah highlights robust profit growth and positive outlooks for BFSI, metals, consumption, autos, and cement, recommending selective investment in largecap stocks.

India-US trade deal: The Countries are set to finalize an interim trade agreement. Officials will meet in the US to draft the legal text. This deal aims to reduce tariffs and boost economic ties. A comprehensive agreement is expected later. India will purchase US goods, while reducing tariffs on others. This move opens new market access for Indian businesses.

Japanese government bonds saw gains on Friday. Cooling inflation reduced the need for central bank rate hikes. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed her commitment to responsible fiscal policy. This led to a decrease in the benchmark 10-year JGB yield. The market showed resilience following a recent election victory. Investor demand for JGBs remained strong.

India's economy is poised for strong growth, attracting foreign investment. As global AI markets face a shakeout, India's domestic demand and improving currency offer a compelling alternative. This shift could see billions in foreign capital return, fueling further market expansion. Investors are looking to India for sustained long-term growth opportunities beyond the AI boom.

Australian shares saw weekly gains despite a Friday dip. Strong corporate earnings, especially from banks, supported the market. Investors are now watching results from Woodside Energy, Woolworths, Coles, and Qantas. Miners experienced a slight fall, while banks showed resilience. Guzman y Gomez shares dropped significantly on the day.

Indian equities are navigating uncertainties, with strong fundamentals and a supportive macro environment. Despite a disconnect between on-paper strength and market tickers, experts anticipate double-digit GDP and earnings growth by FY27. Investors are advised to focus on bottom-up stock selection, particularly in financials and select mid-caps, as the market matures.

India is stepping onto the global trade stage with a robust Export Promotion Mission aimed at revolutionising its outbound trade. This initiative seeks to ease the path for smaller companies, making exporting more straightforward and accessible. With a sharp focus on adapting to shifting global trade trends, this six-year program will equip Indian enterprises to thrive in diverse markets.

Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) shares rose 4.4% after India joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative focused on AI and supply chain security. This partnership, aimed at bolstering economic and national security, follows India's participation in critical minerals discussions. GMDC's stock has seen significant gains over the past year, driven by rare earth potential, despite recent mixed financial results.

Gaudium IVF and Women Health IPO opened with nearly 40% subscription on Day 1, driven by strong retail demand. GMP moderate listing gains. Brokerages recommend subscribing, citing growth potential in Indias fertility services market, though valuation concerns and a pending tax dispute remain key risks for investors to monitor.

Reliance Industries plans a massive $110 billion investment in data centers and AI infrastructure. This move aims to utilize cheap solar power for computing. By 2030, Reliance targets 1 gigawatt of data center capacity, potentially generating significant revenue. The company's strong EBITDA and planned demergers suggest a focus on shareholder rewards.

Godfrey Phillips fell sharply on Friday as investors booked profits after its sharp three-day rally. The cigarette maker eased to Rs 2,400 even as peers raised prices following the excise duty hike. Despite recent gains, the stock still trails sector leaders and remains below its 200-day moving average, keeping traders cautious.

The NSE will impose an additional 15% margin on 18 stocks in the F&O segment from March 2026, targeting securities where top clients hold over 20% of the Market Wide Position Limit. This measure aims to mitigate risks associated with highly leveraged derivatives. Concurrently, margins on gold and silver futures have been eased.

Markets are increasingly accustomed to geopolitical shocks, with investors likely to overlook conflicts unless they significantly impact growth or inflation. While crude oil remains a key variable, strong US production and OPEC decisions are balancing supply. Investors are focused on US economic data and the Federal Reserve's delayed interest rate cut outlook.

ABB India shares saw a significant jump following the announcement of its financial results. The company reported its highest-ever orders and revenue for the full financial year 2025. Order inflows in the December quarter were particularly strong, marking a five-year high.

Brainbees Solutions shares jumped after a four-day decline post-Q3 earnings, backed by strong trading volumes. The rebound follows a 52-week low a day earlier, though the stock remains down 40% over the past year and trades below key moving averages.

A viral post claiming Google is bigger than India drew a sharp rebuttal from Sanjeev Bikhchandani, who explained that comparing market cap with GDP is fundamentally flawed. He noted that a valid comparison would use Googles revenue, not its valuation, to assess scale.

India is set to join the US-led Pax Silica initiative. This partnership focuses on securing artificial intelligence and technology supply chains. It aims to build resilient systems from critical minerals to AI infrastructure. India's participation strengthens cooperation on emerging technologies and economic security. This move is significant for global technology development and trade.

India has taken a significant leap forward by joining the US-led Pax Silica initiative, aimed at revolutionising fields such as artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing. The formal signing took place at the India AI Impact Summit, marking a crucial moment for international tech collaboration.

India's government bond yields climbed Friday as escalating U.S.-Iran tensions pushed oil prices to a six-month high, dampening risk appetite. Traders remained cautious ahead of the weekly debt auction, with rising crude prices and supply concerns adding pressure. Long-term overnight index swap rates also increased due to heightened risk aversion.

India's economic resilience, fueled by digital infrastructure and evolving regulations, is attracting global capital. The latest budget reinforces this, with initiatives like GIFT City offering fiscal clarity and regulatory certainty. This focus on long-term institutional choices and data integrity signals India's readiness for global financial integration, moving beyond 'emerging market' status.

Tata Investment Corporation shares have surged over 18% in five days, driven by speculation that N Chandrasekaran will secure a third term as Tata Sons Chairman. This development is significant as Tata Sons holds a majority stake in the company. The stock's rally is supported by strong technical indicators and growing retail investor interest.

Brokerages are flagging serious liquidity worries due to proposed banking exposure rules, fearing funding strains and wider trading costs. Experts argue for a phased implementation, emphasizing the critical role of bank finance in market depth. They suggest regulators differentiate between speculation and market making, urging a year's transition to avoid market disruption and ensure a level playing field.

Blue Owl Capitals $1.4 billion asset sale and halted fund redemptions rattled US financial stocks, highlighting mounting private credit stress. Investors are cautious over software-linked loans, liquidity, and valuations, underscoring how vulnerabilities in private markets can quickly ripple into public equities, particularly in financials and technology sectors..

The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar on Friday. This decline was driven by a stronger dollar and rising crude oil prices. Geopolitical tensions also played a role. Domestic stock markets saw selling pressure, further impacting the rupee. Foreign investors offloaded equities. The dollar index and Brent crude prices showed upward movement.

Omnitech Engineering has announced its upcoming IPO, aiming to raise Rs 583 crore with a price band of Rs 216-227 per share. The precision component manufacturer's share sale opens February 25, with funds earmarked for debt repayment and expansion. The company, serving global energy and industrial clients, is set to list on March 5.

Japan's interest rates are climbing towards 1%, prompting global investors to watch closely. This shift from ultra-easy policy could see Japanese households move savings into deposits, potentially altering global capital flows. Higher domestic yields might lead to fund repatriation, impacting international bond yields, currencies, and equity valuations worldwide.

Indian benchmark indices, Nifty and BSE Sensex, opened lower on Friday, continuing the previous day's decline due to ongoing selling in IT stocks. While the Nifty traded flat, the Sensex slipped, with IT and pharma sectors experiencing pressure. ONGC, BEL, and L&T were among the top gainers.

Construction firm NCC may see slow growth in FY26 due to project delays and payment issues. However, Reliance Industries offers a chance to buy as its consumer and telecom businesses are set to drive future earnings. The Nifty index has strong support at 25,000. Investors can gradually buy NCC shares.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi concluded a visit to Australia. He met with top Australian defence officials, including the Chief of the Defence Force and the Chief of Army. Discussions focused on enhancing joint operational architecture and expanding bilateral engagement. The visit aimed to strengthen defence ties and cooperation between India and Australia.

Novartis India shares surged nearly 18% after its Swiss parent announced the sale of its 70.68% stake for approximately Rs 1,446 crore. A consortium of investors will acquire the stake at Rs 860.64 per share, a 3.6% premium. They've also launched an offer for an additional 26% from public shareholders.

Netweb Technologies, a hardware firm, has seen its market value surge over 600% by becoming a proxy for India's AI ambitions. Strong earnings, rising AI revenues, and a robust order book, including a significant national order, have fueled this growth. The company's indigenous high-performance computing solutions position it well for the IndiaAI Mission.

Gold and silver prices rose in early trade amid escalating US-Iran tensions, boosting safe-haven demand. MCX gold gained Rs 400, while silver jumped Rs 3,000. The removal of additional margins by MCX and NSE is expected to improve liquidity and participation, even as global cues and rate outlook keep volatility elevated.

Global markets, especially Wall Street, are keenly awaiting the IMF's annual review of U.S. economic policies, due February 25. The assessment will scrutinize fiscal sustainability, trade imbalances, and the dollar's global standing. Elevated U.S. deficits following recent tax cuts are a key focus, potentially impacting interest rates and equity valuations. Investors seek clarity on policy direction and macro risks.

According to the report, the aggregate top line of the top-14 listed infrastructure companies contracted 4 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of FY26. Profitability also declined during the quarter, with the average EBITDA margin and adjusted profit after tax (PAT) margin falling around 40 basis points year-on-year to 10.1 per cent and 5.2 per cent, respectively.

PSU bank stocks have emerged as a standout theme on Dalal Street, powered by strong credit growth, multi-decadal low NPAs and record profits. The combined market cap of 12 state-run lenders has surged by Rs 5.75 lakh crore to Rs 21.35 lakh crore in six months, driving a sharp valuation re-rating that private banks havent matched.

India's stock market may have found its bottom. Three strong economic factors are supporting growth. Financials and domestic cyclical sectors offer good investment opportunities. Mid and small-cap stocks are now a pure growth bet with no safety margin. Technology stocks are in a slow recovery phase. Investors need to focus on stock selection for better returns.

Apurva Sheth of Samco Securities forecasts a continued bull market for gold and silver, projecting record highs driven by structural deficits and strong investment demand. He anticipates gold reaching $7,040 and silver $140-210 within three years, highlighting a potential shift in leadership from silver to gold.

Gold prices dipped slightly as the dollar strengthened, with investors awaiting crucial U.S. inflation data for monetary policy direction. Geopolitical tensions and a hawkish Federal Reserve outlook also influenced market sentiment. Analysts anticipate continued upward momentum for gold, despite potential volatility.

Zydus Lifesciences is in focus after receiving USFDA clearance with zero observations for its Ahmedabad facility and launching ANYRA, Indias first indigenous Aflibercept biosimilar. The developments strengthen its regulatory standing and expand its ophthalmology portfolio, positioning the company to tap into a large and growing domestic market for retinal therapies.

Shares of Waaree Energies are in focus after the company confirmed talks with Andhra Pradesh and other states to set up a 1620 GWh lithium-ion battery gigafactory. The Rs 8,0008,175 crore project, approved by the state, aims to create 3,000 jobs and strengthen Indias clean-energy and storage capabilities.

Five Nifty500 stocks, including Lloyds Metals & Energy and Welspun Living, signalled bullish momentum on December 10 with RSI crossing above 50. The RSI Trending Up scan highlights strengthening price trends, indicating potential upside and helping traders identify short-term buying opportunities based on improving technical indicators.

Four Nifty500 stocks including Oil India, Tata Investment Corporation, Godrej Industries and Newgen Software Technologies showed bullish momentum on February 19, with RSI crossing above 50. The RSI Trending Up scan indicates strengthening price momentum, signalling potential upward movement and offering traders cues for identifying short-term buying opportunities in these stocks.

We have collated a list of recommendations from top brokerage firms from ETNow and other sources.

The 200 DMA is used as a key indicator by traders for determining the overall trend in a particular stock.

Tensions between the US and Iran are driving oil prices higher, with Washington issuing a stern warning to Tehran over its nuclear program. Brent crude and WTI futures saw gains as concerns mount over potential conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint.

Manilam Industries India's Rs 40 crore SME IPO opens for subscription on Friday. The issue closes on February 24. Listing is scheduled on the NSE SME platform on February 27. The company is engaged in manufacturing decorative laminates and trading plywood. Proceeds will fund capital expenditure, loan repayment, and working capital.

Gaudium IVF's Rs 165 crore IPO opens for subscription on February 20. Analysts are positive, expecting a moderate listing. The company plans to use funds for new IVF centers and debt repayment. Gaudium IVF operates in the growing fertility services segment. Its financial performance shows improvement. Investors can gain exposure to this high-growth market.