The Economic Times

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Uedas absence from the Jackson Hole meeting has shifted attention to BOJ board member Naoki Tamura and Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino for clues on monetary policy. Markets are increasingly pricing in a September rate hike, with economists expecting the BOJ to raise its policy rate to 1.25%.

Dolly the sheep made headlines in 1996 when she became the first mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell using a technique called somatic cell nuclear transfer. Her birth was announced in 1997, sparking worldwide fascination and intense ethical debates. Although Dolly lived a relatively normal life and had six offspring, she later developed health complications and was put to sleep at the age of six.

At least 15 newborns were killed in a fire at the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, according to Geo TV. The blaze reportedly started after a fault in the hospitals air-conditioning system, while one of the 16 infants in the ward was rescued.

India proposed a startup pitching series similar to Shark Tank. This initiative aims to connect young startups from both nations. Indian startups can pitch for Japanese investments and partners. Japanese businesses are invited to collaborate with India for mutual prosperity. Cooperation between universities and venture funds will also increase.

MTAR Technologies shares gained 3% after the company secured a Rs 127 crore order from Nuclear Power Corporation of India for coolant channel assemblies used in reactor refurbishment. The order takes its civil nuclear order book above Rs 775 crore, while the company expects 80% revenue growth in FY27 and sees further opportunities from reactor refurbishment and new nuclear projects.

Gold and silver prices opened higher on the MCX on Wednesday as investors awaited key US inflation data for cues on the Federal Reserves interest-rate path. MCX September silver futures rose Rs 2,053 to Rs 2,46,180 per kg, while October gold futures gained Rs 320 to Rs 1,63,202 per 10 grams. The US PCE inflation data is due later today.

Republicans will hold their midterm convention next month in Dallas, Texas. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are scheduled to headline the event. The convention aims to showcase the party's candidates and the Trump administration's agenda. Republicans will highlight policy successes and contrast them with Democratic candidates. The gathering will also address issues like healthcare and border security.

Japanese shares edged higher on Wednesday as investors awaited Nvidias quarterly earnings and key US inflation data for clues on the outlook for artificial intelligence spending and Federal Reserve policy. The Nikkei 225 rose 0.56%, while the broader Topix gained 0.61%. SoftBank Group led gains among major stocks, while investors also monitored the US PCE inflation data for signals on the Feds next rate move.

South Korean shares edged higher on Wednesday as investors turned cautiously optimistic ahead of Nvidias quarterly earnings, with semiconductor stocks leading gains. The KOSPI rose 0.44%, while Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix advanced. Investors are closely watching Nvidias results for clues on AI chip demand, infrastructure spending and the sustainability of the broader AI trade.

The Hy-Tech Engineers IPO entered its third day of bidding on August 26, with the issue subscribed 19.33 times by the end of Day 2. Retail investors led the demand, while the IPOs grey market premium of Rs 30 indicated a potential 57% listing premium. Anand Rathi Research has assigned a Subscribe - Long Term rating to the issue, citing the companys growth prospects and reasonable valuation.

On Wednesday, Indian stock markets rallied, buoyed by a decrease in oil prices and renewed optimism surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, following a resumption of talks with Iran. Both the Sensex and Nifty indices showed positive momentum, with broader market metrics also trending upward, reflecting a hopeful sentiment among investors amid the fluctuating oil landscape.

Avaada Electro Ltd is making waves in the financial market by submitting updated draft papers for a massive Rs 7,600 crore initial public offering. This IPO features a fresh equity share issuance alongside an offer for sale. The proceeds aim to address loan repayments and support general corporate functions while facilitating the company's ambitious capacity expansion and product innovations.

New U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods escalate trade tensions between the two nations. This dispute jeopardizes the vital U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, impacting regional trade. Both countries face potential economic damage from prolonged trade friction and retaliatory measures. Global economic conditions are already strained, making this trade spat particularly concerning. Other nations are observing these developments closely as they unfold.

Zoho chief scientist Sridhar Vembu has urged engineers, scientists and doctors who want to become entrepreneurs to start with sales calls, embrace rejection and learn directly from customers. He argues that selling improves communication, tests business assumptions and helps technical professionals understand what it takes to build a successful company.

HEG shares will be in focus after the company fixed September 7 as the record date for its demerger, which will create two separately listed entities focused on graphite electrodes and advanced materials. The demerger ratio has been fixed at 1:1, with existing shareholders set to receive one share in the spun-off company for every HEG share held.

Mopshop Distributions Rs 27.26-crore IPO was subscribed 1.59 times overall and 2.91 times in the retail category

Domestic institutional investors remain key participants in Indias equity market, with significant exposure to some of the countrys largest listed companies.

Voluntary Provident Fund offers a stable retirement savings avenue for salaried employees. Additional VPF contributions can significantly grow a retirement corpus over time. However, VPF funds are not easily accessible, unlike regular savings accounts. Investors should prioritize emergency funds and clear expensive debt before contributing. VPF serves as a locked-in retirement asset within the broader EPF structure.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is more seasoned as a banker than a politician but has shown a confident touch in standing up to US President Donald Trump and navigating a trade war that threatens his nation's economy. It was trade tension with the United States that propelled him to power -- two months after Trump began his second term -- as Canadians saw him as a protector of their economy.

Indian economic growth slowed to 7.1 percent in the April-June quarter. Consumer spending and government expenditure supported this growth while private investment remained subdued. Rising crude oil prices pose risks to the economy and could strain household budgets. Economists forecast growth to lose momentum in coming quarters. The Reserve Bank of India is predicted to keep interest rates unchanged for six months.

Billionbrains Garage Ventures, the parent company of Groww, will be in focus as early investor Ribbit Capital plans to sell a 1.6% stake through a block deal worth Rs 1,914 crore. The shares are being offered at Rs 195 apiece, a 4% discount to the previous close.

HNIs holdings in NSE-listed stocks surged 22.55% QoQ to a record Rs 9.92 lakh crore by June-end, adding Rs 1.83 lakh crore in three months. Their share of market value rose to 2.12%, the highest since March 2022. However, average ownership by volume fell to 7.19% from 7.31%, suggesting the rise was driven largely by stock price gains and greater exposure to high-value companies rather than fresh buying.

Raghvendra Nath, MD, Ladder Up Wealth Management, believes equities should form the core of an NRIs India portfolio, while fixed income and alternative investments can provide diversification.

QatarEnergy has issued a second tender this week for crude sales. The company is selling al-Shaheen and Qatar Marine crude via transfers. These transfers will occur outside the Strait of Hormuz for early October. Bids for this tender are due by noon Doha time on Wednesday. This follows a previous tender offering crude for September and October loadings.

The United States has sanctioned four Indian companies and three individuals for facilitating Iran trade. These actions place Indian businesses dealing with Tehran under increased scrutiny. Washington aims to sever economic lifelines sustaining the Iranian regime through Operation Economic Outcast. India maintains limited but strategically important economic ties with Iran, including Chabahar port access.

The Annu Projects IPO entered its second day of bidding on August 26, with the issue subscribed by 34% on Day 1. With the grey market premium (GMP) currently at zero, the IPO could see a flat listing based on prevailing grey-market trends. The IPO is priced at 94-99 per share and closes on August 28. Heres a look at its subscription status, financial performance, IPO objectives and whether investors should subscribe.

R Sivakumar, CIO, Axis Mutual Fund, believes the starting point should be a diversified asset-allocation framework rather than market views alone.

Hindustan Coppers government OFS drew strong institutional demand, with the non-retail portion subscribed 3.41 times on Tuesday. The Centre exercised the full greenshoe option, taking the potential stake sale to 6%, while retail investors can bid on Wednesday at a floor price of Rs 514 per share. The companys strong Q1 performance and plans to expand mining capacity also remain in focus.

Sharma sees a stronger case for large caps over the next 24 months, particularly given the steep valuation premium commanded by small caps.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Muslim nations to strengthen regional security and stability. He emphasized expanding cultural, commercial, and political ties among Islamic states. Iraqi officials praised Iran's role in combating terrorism and sought economic cooperation. Both nations discussed enhancing bilateral relations and security cooperation. Iraq reiterated its commitment to national interest and avoiding regional conflicts.

Pakistan's Supreme Court will hear a contempt petition on September 16. Uzma Khan filed the petition over Imran Khan's hospital transfer order. The court registrar fixed the hearing along with the main case. The government has also filed a review petition challenging the August 18 order. This hearing will address both the health and implementation issues.

In a strategic dialogue, India and the US focused on strengthening their partnership in the Indian Ocean, highlighting the importance of maritime security and infrastructure initiatives. Central to their talks was the India-US Indian Ocean Strategic Venture, designed to enhance connectivity and safeguard the region, revealing both nations' commitment to foster greater integration and mutual support.