The Economic Times

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is reassessing its strict extra disclosure protocols for foreign portfolio investors. These protocols demand comprehensive investor data from funds with specific asset levels and concentrated equity risks. Sebi aims to reinforce market transparency while averting measures that could destabilize the financial landscape.

US stocks saw gains as renewed optimism about artificial intelligence lifted chipmakers while corporate earnings were evaluated. Although concerns about AI spending persist, news of Anthropic's IPO provided a relief rally for the sector. The Federal Reserve began its policy meeting, with expectations for interest rates to remain unchanged. Nearly half of S&P 500 companies reported earnings, with many exceeding estimates while some major firms faced declines.

NYSE is preparing to launch binary return options that will let investors make all-or-nothing bets on whether stocks and ETFs finish above or below set prices. The exchange is also seeking approval for KPI options linked to company earnings metrics, expanding the range of event-driven trading products available to investors.

Das said the BFSI sector has a crucial role to play in India's journey from a lower-middle-income economy to a high-income economy, through its intermediation in allocation of financial resources. He said the sector would be required to support India's next-gen Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), be the frontline of green and transition finance and become the catalyst for democratising financial inclusion to support this journey.

Boeing has announced a cut in its 737 Max delivery target for this year, which raises concerns. The company now aims to increase 737 production to 52 jets per month in the second half of next year. Boeing reported a wider than expected loss in its commercial airplane division but posted positive free cash flow results. Despite delays, the company plans to begin deliveries of its 777-9 jets next year.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has issued clarifications regarding GST registration requirements for businesses. Companies will no longer need to provide Udyam certificates or face rejections due to unpaid bills. Registration applications must be processed within seven working days with Aadhaar authentication. Tax demands must include clear justifications and cannot be arbitrary. These changes aim to simplify compliance and reduce disputes in tax administration.

The Centre eases GST rules on post-sales discounts from November 1, no longer requiring a prior agreement, which is expected to help FMCG and pharma companies and retailers.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's potential to expand exports to China and ASEAN. Negotiations are underway for a trade pact with the United States that could provide India a comparative advantage. The country is also working towards an Investment Protection Agreement with the European Union. Goyal indicated that discussions for preferential trade agreements are progressing with multiple countries and groups.

Kalshi is tightening safeguards for traders aged 18 to 20, introducing a $2,500 monthly deposit limit and alerts for users who put a large share of their funds into one trade. The prediction market also announced partnerships with youth safety groups as scrutiny over gambling risks grows

General Motors made an announcement on Tuesday that theyre moving their common stock listing from the New York Stock Exchange over to Nasdaq. This change is part of their strategy to better position themselves in the market. Investors and analysts are keeping a close eye on how this move will affect GM's stock performance and reputation.

The London Metal Exchange's new hot-rolled coil steel contract began trading on Tuesday, marking the first product from its collaboration with the Shanghai Futures Exchange. More than 550 lots traded in the first two active months, while two 2027 contracts were held back over a potential technical issue.

Allied Blenders and Distillers reported a net profit increase of 9.7% in the September quarter of FY27. The company's revenue from operations rose by 6.8% compared to the previous fiscal year. Total expenses for the quarter were recorded at Rs 1,946.3 crore, reflecting a 6.51% rise. Total income, including other income, increased by 6.74% at Rs 2,089.46 crore in Q2 FY27. The shares of ABD closed at Rs 692.

Indus Towers reported a 2.5% decline in consolidated net profit for the second quarter ended September 30. The company experienced a 4% increase in consolidated revenue, while EBITDA saw a slight rise of 0.4%. Tower and co-location bases grew by 5.6% and 5.9%, respectively, contributing to improved performance. Strong customer demand and cash generation were highlighted as key growth drivers.

Steel Authority of India Ltd announced a significant increase in consolidated net profit for the September quarter. The company reported a profit of Rs 1,750.47 crore, a substantial rise from the previous year. Revenue from operations also saw growth, reaching Rs 31,997.55 crore compared to Rs 26,704.17 crore last year. Total expenses rose modestly to Rs 29,913.65 crore from Rs 26,113.64 crore.

United Breweries Ltd experienced a nearly three-fold increase in net profit for the September quarter. The company's revenue from operations rose by 23.7 percent year-on-year, reflecting strong market performance. Premium volumes notably surged, particularly for Heineken Silver and Kingfisher Ultra, enhancing UBL's premium offerings. Total expenses also increased, but operating efficiency and cost control contributed to profitability expansion. UBL remains optimistic about future growth opportun

Russia's agricultural exports to India rose significantly in the first nine months of the year. Agroexport reported shipments reached 1.3 million tons, primarily driven by sunflower oil. This represents an 11% increase in volume compared to previous figures, amounting to $1.45 billion. Trade between India and Russia has expanded significantly, growing more than 20% overall this year. Both countries aim for $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.

SBI Life Insurance recorded an 11 percent increase in net profit for the second quarter. The net profit reached Rs 549 crore compared to Rs 495 crore last year. Additionally, the companys net premium income grew by 8.17 percent to Rs 26,877 crore. This increase in profit and income highlights the companys strong financial performance in the current fiscal year. Shares of SBI Life closed at Rs 1,634.

Tata Capitals second-quarter net profit rose 51% year-on-year to Rs 1,660 crore, supported by higher interest income and loan growth. Assets under management increased 26% to Rs 3.08 lakh crore, while floating-rate lending adjustments and margin improvement remain key priorities.

Sensex and Nifty closed marginally lower as elevated crude oil prices and Fed uncertainty tempered sentiment. Smallcaps surged over 2%, midcaps gained over 1%, and market breadth favoured bulls, with 2,455 NSE stocks advancing.

Waaree Energies reported a 14.7% year-on-year profit decline to Rs 718.68 crore in Q2FY27, despite 23.9% revenue growth. Margin pressure persisted as the company acquired data centre subsidiaries, exploring diversification into AI and digital infrastructure.

Addressing the 36th conference of state finance secretaries at the Mint Road, Malhotra appealed the states to onboard onto the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) and utilise Programmable Central Bank Digital Currency (P-CBDC) for Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).

Policymakers at the US Federal Reserve opened a two-day meeting Tuesday to set interest rates, with markets expecting them to hold steady days ahead of crucial midterm elections. On Tuesday, markets put the probability of rates being held steady at near 90 percent, as per CME's FedWatch tool. aha/mjf

Reliance Industries will announce its September-quarter results on October 30, alongside considering fundraising through non-convertible debentures. Investors will track performance across O2C, telecom, retail and energy businesses amid share price weakness and market uncertainty.

In 2027, global bond issuance is expected to rise by a mere 2.7%, marking a stark decline compared to this year's growth. According to S&P Global Ratings, factors like increasing interest rates and geopolitical tensions contribute to this slowdown. Additionally, with both governments and firms facing heightened funding needs, borrowing appetites may wane.

JetBlue Airways shares surged over 12% after addressing financial concerns despite reporting a larger quarterly loss. The loss was influenced by soaring fuel prices resulting from the ongoing war in Iran. JetBlue ended the third quarter with significant liquidity and assets, which provided some stability. However, rising fuel costs continue to exert pressure on the airline's margins and profitability.

India is taking steps to encourage the local manufacturing of 100 key items that are currently imported. This initiative aims to decrease dependence on foreign suppliers, especially from China, to enhance domestic production capabilities. The government has identified these crucial items from a broader import list valued at $51 billion, which includes various sectors. By reducing reliance on imports, India hopes to strengthen its economy and mitigate supply chain risks.

US stocks open higher as easing oil prices support investor sentiment ahead of key corporate earnings and the Federal Reserves interest-rate decision.

Six BSE 500 stocks hit fresh 52-week highs despite the Sensex closing nearly flat. International Gemological Institute led monthly gains at 19%, followed by PVR Inox, Acutaas Chemicals, Indian Hotels, Laurus Labs and Sona BLW.

JSW Infrastructure reported an 11 percent drop in consolidated net profit for the September quarter, with earnings falling to Rs 328.23 crore from Rs 368.81 crore the previous year. The company achieved total income of Rs 1,669.47 crore, while expenses rose to Rs 1,238.34 crore. Notably, cargo volumes from India operations grew by 8 percent year-on-year, reaching 29.4 million tonnes.

Sebi has extended the deadline for debenture trustees to comply with regulatory requirements by six months. The new deadline for compliance is now set for April 27, 2027. This extension was granted after receiving industry feedback about operational challenges faced by debenture trustees. The regulator is currently reviewing the regulatory framework related to debenture trustees through an Expert Working Group.

Coca-Cola has lifted its annual profit forecast, driven by robust demand for a range of beverages, particularly zero-sugar options. The company now anticipates earnings per share growth of at least 9% by 2026. Their third-quarter revenue soared to $13.38 billion, exceeding analysts' expectations, while Coca-Cola's strong showing stands in sharp contrast to PepsiCo's recent downgrades and cost-cutting plans. Following these promising results, Coca-Cola shares rose nearly 1% in premarket trading.

Indian equity benchmarks ended nearly flat on Tuesday, with the Nifty 50 slipping 0.02% and the Sensex falling 8 points amid elevated crude prices and caution ahead of the US Fed decision. Tata Consumer and Bharti Airtel led gainers, while Asian Paints and Coal India topped the losers list.

Tata Capitals September-quarter net profit surged 51% year-on-year to Rs 1,660 crore, driven by loan growth, higher interest income and lower provisions. Its loan book crossed Rs 3 lakh crore, while improving margins and asset quality strengthened profitability.

Indian government bonds are witnessing a resurgence despite previous instability, as the benchmark 10-year yield has notably decreased. Brent crude prices varied between $114.40 and $117 a barrel during Asian trading. These fluctuations within the debt market have uplifted investor sentiments, and the Indian rupee appears to be stabilizing, contributing positively.

Vedanta Iron and Steel narrowed its Q2 FY27 loss to Rs 324 crore from Rs 477 crore a year earlier, while revenue declined 1.7% to Rs 2,742 crore. EBITDA rose 56% to Rs 83 crore, supported by improved steel realisations and efficiency gains. The company also reported record half-yearly pig iron production.

L&T Q2 Results: Larsen & Toubro announced significant financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2026. The company reported a 33% increase in consolidated profit after tax compared to the previous year. Consolidated revenue also grew by 16%, driven by strong performance across various sectors. Additionally, L&T achieved its highest quarterly order inflow and saw substantial international participation in its orders.

Raymond reported a 130% year-on-year jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 32 crore in Q2 FY27, while revenue rose 24.1% to Rs 655 crore. EBITDA increased 74.4% to Rs 75 crore, with margins expanding 336 basis points to 11.5%. The company has also proposed a name change to Raymond Aerospace, Defence & Engineering.

Greece has successfully sold 500 million worth of three-month Treasury bills. However, the yield on these bills was higher than what they offered in the last auction, indicating a shift in the market. This move comes as the country's debt agency reiterated its ongoing efforts to manage its financial obligations amidst fluctuating economic conditions.

Britain conducted a sale of 4.5 billion worth of 5-year debt at a yield of 5.036%. This yield reflects the highest rate seen since the year 2008, indicating market pressures on the government. Investors showed robust interest, bidding 3.51 times the amount available during the gilt auction. Experts anticipate only a modest rise in debt issuance as projected figures indicate increased financing requirements.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised India's willingness to engage with Chinese suppliers. He highlighted the importance of fair play and judicial processes regarding pricing discrepancies. India aims to enhance exports to China and the ASEAN region over the coming years. Recent trade data shows a significant increase in India-China bilateral trade. The Indian government is also addressing concerns related to China's export controls on key machinery.

Paytm has reported a substantial increase in revenue, demonstrating the success of its existing business model. The company's EBITDA has improved due to efficient cost control and a strong merchant franchise. Financial services have significantly contributed to revenue growth, highlighting the diversity of its business operations. Global brokerages support the view that UPI-MDR will enhance, rather than define, future profitability.

PayPal has raised its annual profit forecast as a multi-year turnaround begins to take effect. The company anticipates achieving significant cost savings through workforce reductions and operational efficiencies. Consumer spending remains strong despite economic challenges, aiding growth in payment volume. Additionally, PayPal expects adjusted profits in the upcoming holiday quarter to exceed Wall Street expectations. The focus on transformation under new leadership aims for sustainable profitab

IMF to India: Let the Rupee Be Your First Line of Defence | Krishna Srinivasan

WeWork Indias first-half FY27 net profit surged 149.5% to Rs 119 crore, while revenue grew 30.1% to Rs 1,466.7 crore. Capacity expansion, rising memberships, stronger cash flows and improved margins supported growth and strengthened its financial position.

Bitcoin slipped near $79,000 as investors awaited the Federal Reserves policy decision. ETF outflows, macroeconomic uncertainty and selling pressure weakened sentiment, while traders monitored $78,000 support, inflation data and institutional demand for potential market direction.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders shares plunged 10% after the state-owned company reported a 54% year-on-year decline in Q2 FY27 net profit to Rs 344 crore. Revenue from operations fell 16.5% to Rs 2,446 crore, while margins contracted sharply. The company also declared an interim dividend of Rs 5 per share.

WeWork India reported a 149.5% year-on-year rise in first-half FY27 net profit to Rs 119 crore, while revenue grew 30.1% to Rs 1,466.7 crore. Capacity expansion, membership growth and improved operating margins supported performance. Operating cash flow strengthened, and the company shifted to a net cash position amid rising demand for flexible workspaces.

Despite a roughly 4% decline in the Nifty 50 and Nifty Microcap 250 over three months, 40 Nifty Microcap 250 stocks posted double-digit gains. PC Jeweller led the top 10 outperformers, with its share price surging 78%, followed by Sigma Advanced Systems at 57%.

European shares fell as HSBC's disappointing revenue weighed on banking stocks, while political unrest in France dampened investor sentiment. The STOXX 600 slipped, with gains in healthcare stocks following Novartis' upgraded earnings outlook offering some support.