The Economic Times

Wall Street closed lower on Friday as a stronger-than-expected US jobs report lifted expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike this month. Investors now await next week's CPI and PPI data for clues on inflation and the Fed's policy path, while Lululemon and Adobe shares fell on company-specific developments.

A stronger US jobs report has raised expectations of a September Fed rate hike, while Donald Trump has stepped up pressure on the central bank to cut interest rates. Markets now await US inflation data, which could determine the Fed's next policy move.

Fosun Pharma sold a 6% stake in Gland Pharma for 2,800 crore via a block deal, reducing its holding to 45.77%. Major buyers included Kotak, Axis, and ICICI Prudential Mutual Funds, while Gland Pharma shares closed higher at 2,932.40.

Lululemon shares dropped significantly after the company lowered its full-year sales forecast. The sportswear maker's signature leggings business saw a notable sales decline. Competitors like Alo and Vuori are gaining market share in athleisure. New CEO Heidi O'Neill faces challenges in regaining customer relevance and sales growth. The company has financial flexibility for a potential operational realignment and cost adjustments.

Lululemon shares plunged about 20% after the athleisure company cut its full-year forecast for the second time. Investors are weighing a potentially lengthy turnaround under incoming CEO Heidi O'Neill as the company struggles with weaker sales, shrinking margins, promotions and rising competition from brands including Alo Yoga and Skims.

US stocks opened largely flat on Friday after stronger-than-expected jobs data boosted expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates this month. The Dow Jones fell 0.19%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq were nearly unchanged at the open as investors assessed fresh labor market signals.

SEBI has approved IPOs for Cosmic PV Power, Monomark Engineering, and RKB Global, alongside the National Stock Exchange's major public offer. These approvals highlight a significant revival in Indias IPO market during the second half of 2026.

SPML Infra has successfully acquired important international safety certifications for its proprietary battery pack, marking a pivotal step toward the commercial rollout of their energy storage systems. The company is setting up manufacturing and integration operations in Pune, Maharashtra, with ambitions to create a comprehensive energy storage platform in India, catering to the growing demand for renewable energy and enhancing grid reliability.

Diesel prices soared to unprecedented levels in the United States on Friday, primarily due to the six-month conflict involving Iran. This rise in costs is causing transportation fees for everyday goods and services to climb, with businesses now shifting these costs onto consumers via various surcharges. If diesel prices continue on this trajectory, consumers might face even more significant price hikes ahead.

The National Stock Exchange plans to price its initial public offering near Rs 1,800 per share. The company will likely announce its price band on September 15. The IPO is expected to open around September 18 for investors. Listing may occur approximately on September 25, following Sebi approval. This significant public issue follows years of regulatory delays and scrutiny.

Swiggy shares rose 2.53% following block deals involving 4% equity. The company faces MSCI index removal on September 7 due to foreign ownership caps, while Q1 FY27 results showed a narrowed net loss of Rs 791 crore.

Eight BSE Commodities Index stocks, led by Sudeep Pharma, hit fresh 52-week highs, with gains ranging from 14% to 53% over the past month.

Sebi and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation and information exchange regarding central counterparties. This agreement replaces the 2017 pact, facilitating safer cross-border clearing and market infrastructure regulation.

Indian equity markets ended Friday with a relief rally, led by metal and banking stocks, as concerns over an imminent US Fed rate hike eased. Nifty gained 0.1%, while Sensex rose 0.48%. SBI Life and Tata Steel were among the top gainers, while HCL Tech and Bharti Airtel declined.

Indian government bonds have witnessed a third straight week of decline, influenced by escalating oil prices and expectations of global interest rate hikes. Despite some domestic liquidity cushioning the Indian debt market, concerns over inflation and fiscal stability loom large due to rising crude prices. Investors are now keenly awaiting forthcoming inflation data and the outcomes of central bank policy meetings.

Market analysis indicates that there is a strong call for the government to boost the supply of short-duration bonds. Lenders, benefiting from excess rupee liquidity, are actively seeking viable investment options. In light of a pronounced increase in banking system liquidity surplus, the government is currently reviewing its fiscal second-half borrowing schedule, which is to be revealed later this month.

NSEs long-awaited IPO has moved closer after Sebi approved its draft offer plan for a proposed Rs 30,000-crore issue. The IPO will be entirely an offer for sale, allowing existing shareholders to dilute their stakes. The listing would mark the end of a process first initiated in 2016 and stalled over regulatory concerns.

German bond yields are rising for the fourth consecutive week as investors anticipate the European Central Bank will maintain restrictive monetary policy to combat inflation. Simultaneously, oil prices are climbing amid US-Iran tensions, heightening concerns over persistent inflation.

The FCNR(B) schemes $127 billion inflows should boost banking sector earnings by Rs 10,00011,000 crore annually, despite potential near-term margin pressure. Analysts highlight significant benefits for small private banks and NBFCs, while providing the RBI with increased foreign exchange reserves.

Ola Electric shares rose nearly 4% after the EV maker launched its first dealer-led stores across seven states. The move comes a month after opening its sales and service network to partners. Ola Electric plans to expand to more than 500 dealerships over the next couple of quarters to strengthen its retail presence.

Jefferies remains bullish on Big Techs $1-trillion AI investment despite near-term financial pressure. Rising customer backlogs, strong cloud revenue, and improving infrastructure economics support this outlook, though power shortages and regulatory delays remain potential risks for enterprise adoption.

The World Meteorological Organization says prevailing El Nino conditions could intensify into a very strong event and persist through February 2027, threatening India with weaker rainfall, higher temperatures and greater risks of drought, floods and extreme heat. With August already recording a 16% rainfall deficit and the hottest August since 1901, El Nino could further stress crops and winter conditions.

The HMAS Hobart, once a formidable navy destroyer, has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef after being submerged for eighteen years. Today, it is home to more than fifty species of fish, creating a sanctuary for marine life. As a crucial habitat, this sunken vessel illustrates how decommissioned warships globally contribute to environmental health and the sustenance of diverse fish populations.

Bitcoin climbed above $81,000, supported by U.S. spot ETF inflows and renewed buying by Strategy, while Ethereum and major altcoins also advanced. Experts remained broadly bullish but flagged stretched momentum, with Bitcoins daily and hourly RSI in overbought territory and key resistance around $81,000-$81,500 and $83,300.

Retail investors increased their holdings in 98 BSE 500 companies for the second consecutive quarter through June 2026, signalling continued confidence among individual investors. Despite muted overall market performance, 10 BSE 500 stocks stood out with CY26 gains ranging from 21% to 80%, led by RR Kabel, Sai Life Sciences and Emmvee Photovoltaic Power.

European shares edged lower on Friday as investors stayed cautious ahead of key U.S. jobs data, while Volkswagen shares jumped 6% after the automaker unveiled a restructuring plan involving 50,000 job cuts. Rising oil prices amid Middle East tensions added to inflation concerns, while banking and chemical stocks weighed on the broader market.

Sebis review of derivative settlement price methodology could reduce sharp expiry-day swings linked to the Closing Auction Session (CAS). Analysts expect the regulator to consider delinking derivative settlements from CAS closing prices rather than scrapping the mechanism. However, a revised framework may curb extreme volatility without eliminating normal expiry-day market swings.

Coinbase has submitted registration documents to the SEC for its new equity perpetuals, enhancing its derivative products for U.S. investors. Before launch, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission must grant approval. With no expiration date, equity perpetuals mirror underlying assets, sparking global interest and heightening competition in the U.S. exchange sector.

Sharma warns that ethanol-led changes in cropping patterns may create an environmental problem over the longer term.

Sebi has started hearing representations as it seeks to recover gains from trades it suspects were based on prior knowledge of Hindenburg Researchs 2023 report on the Adani Group. The regulator had alleged that Kingdon Capital built short positions in Adani-related stocks before the report triggered a selloff, wiping out $150 billion in group value. Adani denied wrongdoing.

India

Union Bank of India expects the RBI to raise the repo rate to 5.75-6% in H2 FY27, from the current 5.25%, with the rate-hike cycle likely beginning in December.

Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill has backed an early interest rate hike to prevent temporary inflationary pressures linked to the Iran war from becoming entrenched. While markets see limited odds of a September hike, expectations for a November increase have risen sharply, keeping inflation, wages and energy costs in focus.

Jefferies warned that persistent pressure on US Treasury yields could create a challenging environment for equity markets, particularly for bond-sensitive assets such as REITs. While higher yields have weighed on Singapore REITs, the brokerage sees selective opportunities in the sector and remains constructive on gold and gold-mining stocks as a hedge against potential dollar debasement.

J.P. Morgan and BNP Paribas now expect the European Central Bank to deliver another 25-basis-point rate hike in December, reversing their earlier calls for the tightening cycle to end without a December increase. Persistent inflation risks, elevated energy prices and resilient economic growth are driving the shift, while markets are already pricing in a near-certain 25-basis-point hike at the ECBs September meeting.

Indias value-stock universe is showing signs of recovery after a sharp decline during the previous bull run. ICICI Securities has identified 10 stocks, led by Vedanta, ONGC and Indian Oil, that meet its value criteria based on earnings yield, return on equity, valuations, earnings trends and potential catalysts.

JM Financial has initiated coverage on OnEMI Technology Solutions with a Buy rating and a target price of Rs 385, implying around 28% upside from its reference price of Rs 301. The brokerage values the stock at 2x estimated FY28 book value, citing its digital lending platform Kissht and mass-market borrower focus.

Indias balance of payments (BoP) is likely to post a $60-65 billion surplus in FY27, despite a widening current account deficit, HDFC Bank said.

India's manufacturing sector requires a 13.1 percent annual growth rate to reach USD 7.5 trillion by 2047. This ambitious target is crucial for India's goal of becoming a USD 30 trillion economy. Workforce productivity is identified as the most underleveraged growth lever for the nation. Many companies need operational changes to meet productivity targets and overcome hidden factors. Reimagining work, redesigning organizations, and remodelling the workforce are key suggested strategies.

Tesla shares rallied more than 5% ahead of the companys closely watched Cybercab event in Austin, as investors focused on its robotaxi ambitions. The two-seat autonomous vehicle, designed without a steering wheel or pedals, is central to Teslas plans to scale its robotaxi network, although pricing, competition and regulatory hurdles remain key concerns.

Expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut at its September 16 meeting have weakened sharply, with traders now pricing in less than a 50% chance of a reduction, according to CME FedWatch data. Comments from Fed officials, including Christopher Waller and Kevin Warsh, have reinforced uncertainty over the policy path, while elevated global bond yields and inflation concerns continue to weigh on markets.

Nomura warned that the AI boom may be masking growing US risks, as heavy global exposure to dollar assets leaves markets vulnerable to an AI-driven shock. The brokerage said a setback in AI could trigger a sharp correction in US equities, weaken the dollar and potentially turn into a broader global risk-off event.

Indias festive season is expected to drive a strong consumption boost, with analysts identifying sectors and stocks that could benefit. The period from Ganesh Chaturthi through Navratri, Dussehra, Dhanteras, Diwali and the wedding season typically brings higher footfalls, orders, ticket sizes and margins.

Chinas mainland stocks gained on Friday, but major benchmarks remained on track for weekly losses as fading momentum in AI shares and elevated US Treasury yields weighed on sentiment. The CSI300 and Shanghai Composite rose 0.4%, while Hong Kongs Hang Seng advanced 2.1%, led by a rebound in technology stocks.

Indian government bond yields remained steady on Friday morning, with traders eyeing an impending debt sale that could reveal market demand. The recent stabilization of oil prices and U.S. Treasury yields is providing some influence on local markets. Banks are strategizing to cope with surplus liquidity, as ongoing global risks and inflation worries cast a shadow over bond market stability.

Japanese government bond yields extended their decline on Friday as a stronger yen and expectations of a hawkish Bank of Japan stance lifted sentiment. The benchmark 10-year JGB yield fell 5.5 basis points to 2.91%. Shifting US rate expectations also weighed on Treasury yields and supported the yen.

Japans Nikkei rebounded on Friday, snapping a four-session losing streak, as a rally in SoftBank Group and gains on Wall Street lifted sentiment. However, the benchmark remained on track for a third straight weekly decline amid expectations of further Bank of Japan rate hikes and continued pressure on Japanese equities.

Senior executives from India's Connected TV and FAST sectors met to discuss forming a new industry council. This proposed India Connected TV & FAST Council aims to improve transparency and foster growth. Participants stressed the need for an independent and inclusive industry institution. Discussions covered standards, measurement, and policy engagement for the growing ecosystem.

IFCI shares surged over 6% as optimism around the long-awaited NSE IPO boosted investor interest in the state-owned financial services company, which indirectly holds more than 4% of NSE through SHCIL. The stock has rallied nearly 35% in a month, while NSEs potential IPO valuation and regulatory risks remain key factors for investors.