The Economic Times

Kwality Walls shares fell sharply on Tuesday, extending their post-listing slide to 30% after a weak debut. The stock faced heavy selling despite LIC acquiring a 6.62% stake. The demerged ice-cream business from HUL also saw an open offer launched at Rs 21.33 per share by a Dutch promoter entity.

European shares were steady on Tuesday, echoing a cautious tone in global markets as key bilateral talks between the U.S. and Iran were underway, while investors scoured for clues on how AI disruptions could upend traditional business models.

Japan's Nikkei share average fell on Tuesday as investors booked profits amid few fresh trading cues, while the post-election euphoria was ebbing and the earnings season was winding down. The Nikkei was down 0.4% to close at 56,566.49 on the day, and declining 1.9% over four consecutive sessions.

Adani Group stocks rose sharply after the conglomerate announced a $100 billion plan to build renewable-powered, AI-ready data centres by 2035. The initiative includes a 5 GW data centre platform and ties with global tech giants, positioning India as a major AI infrastructure hub.

The amount of cash circulating in the economy has hit an all-time peak of Rs 40 lakh crore in January, after rising 11.1% year-on-year. Yet, interestingly, the cash-to-GDP ratio has dipped, suggesting that digital payments are playing a much bigger role than before.

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport saw a massive surge in rose exports for Valentine's Day. Over 60 million rose stems were shipped globally and domestically. This marks a significant increase in volume and tonnage. The airport's advanced cold chain facilities ensured the freshness of these perishable goods.

India has offered quotas for most agricultural products in its proposed interim trade agreement with the United States. Officials stated the quantities are largely small and align with import needs. The pact aims for a March signing. India's chief negotiator will visit Washington to finalize the legal text.

Hindalco and National Aluminium Company shares fell Tuesday. A brokerage firm downgraded both companies. They cited weak growth prospects for the coming quarters. Aluminium prices are expected to decline. Hindalco's large capital expenditure could impact its balance sheet. NALCO's expansion coincides with softening alumina prices. Earnings for both companies are projected to fall.

Infosys and Anthropic's AI partnership is generating buzz. Experts caution investors to look beyond the hype and focus on fundamental value. Large and midcap IT firms can benefit from AI advancements. AI is expected to impact IT sector growth over the next three years. Current stock valuations may already reflect AI disruption, creating opportunities for smart investors.

Nilesh Shah of Kotak AMC believes artificial intelligence will transform India's IT sector gradually. He advises retail investors to let experts manage their investments during this period. Shah notes that India's market is currently priced fairly. He anticipates a return to double-digit earnings growth, supported by positive economic indicators. This outlook suggests a period of measured optimism for investors.

India's fast-moving consumer goods sector is recovering well. Experts see continued growth, with rural areas leading. Companies are aiming for more market share. Premium products are also driving sales. This trend is expected to continue, making FMCG an attractive sector for the future.

India is actively engaging with global partners from a strong stance. Recent trade agreements highlight this enhanced international cooperation. These pacts are set to boost commerce and strengthen economic ties. The world is experiencing significant shifts in global order and economic dynamics. India's proactive approach positions it for future growth and influence.

Seven exclusive MF-held stocks fell up to 55% in a year, while four outliers gained up to 125%, ETMarkets analysis shows.

The National Green Tribunal has approved the Great Nicobar Island International Container Transhipment Terminal. The tribunal found that environmental safeguards are in place. This decision follows objections regarding coastal regulations. The project's strategic importance was considered alongside environmental protection measures. Authorities must ensure strict compliance with clearance conditions.

Australian shares climbed on Tuesday. BHP surged to a record, boosting the resources sector. This set the tone as earnings season began. The S&P/ASX 200 extended gains. Focus remained on domestic earnings due to market closures elsewhere. Investors watched for signals on iron ore demand and the sector outlook. Jobs data is now a key focus.

Motilal Oswal has included Growws parent company (Billionbrains Garage Ventures) and Dixon Technologies among its bullish stock ideas in its latest coverage, reflecting confidence in secular growth themes beyond the core index. The brokerages Buy call on Groww underscores its dominant retail broking market share and diversified revenue expansion potential, while Dixon Tech features as a high-conviction pick in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) space with strategic alliances and growth

In an important diplomatic move, Darpan Jain, a senior IAS officer, will spearhead India's delegation in Washington next week. This visit will focus on cementing the legal framework of the proposed India-US Interim Trade Agreement as negotiations transition into the drafting phase. The trip is crucial for solidifying a partnership that promises mutual trade benefits and economic collaboration.

Gaudium IVF has set its IPO price band at Rs 75-79 per share, aiming to raise Rs 165 crore and valuing the company at Rs 575 crore. The fertility services provider's public offering opens February 20, with funds earmarked for expanding its IVF centre network and debt repayment. This marks a significant step for the ART sector in India.

Public sector stocks are experiencing a surge, with defence and power sectors showing promise due to robust order books and improving execution. While defence is a preferred long-term theme, experts express caution on oil and gas due to structural headwinds and see only tactical opportunities in IT.

Bitcoin trades around $68,355 after touching $70,000. Ethereum also saw a slight dip. Major altcoins like XRP and BNB showed gains, while Dogecoin fell. The crypto market cap is near $2.35 trillion. Bitcoin is consolidating, holding above key moving averages. Traders await a clear direction as prices move in a narrow band.

Shares of Ola Electric Mobility hit a fresh 52-week low after Citi downgraded the stock to Sell and cut its target price by 51%. As reported by ET Now, the brokerage flagged weak EV penetration, market-share losses and concerns over cash flows.

National Highways Authority of India has accepted an offer of over Rs 6,200 crore from National Highways Infra Trust. This deal monetises two highway stretches spanning 310 kilometres in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. This move unlocks value and attracts private investment for new highway projects. NHAI has now monetised assets worth around Rs 28,000 crore this financial year.

CleanMax Enviro Energy Solutions is set to launch its Rs 3,100 crore IPO. The subscription period will be from February 23 to February 25. The company plans to raise funds for growth and debt repayment. This move comes as India's renewable energy sector gains momentum. CleanMax is a leading provider of renewable energy solutions for commercial and industrial clients.

Indian government bonds remained largely flat as market participants awaited a significant debt supply from states. Despite a slight decline in the benchmark 2035 bond yield over the past week, sustained easing may require central bank or government intervention. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury yields fell on slower retail inflation, boosting rate cut expectations.

Japanese government bond yields dropped significantly on Tuesday. Trading was light due to Lunar New Year holidays in several Asian markets. Super-long-dated bond yields saw sharp declines. A five-year bond auction had a weak outcome. The benchmark 10-year JGB yield also reached its lowest point since mid-January. The yen strengthened against the dollar.

Nitin Raheja of Julius Baer believes the IT sector selloff is overdone, with AI disruption unfolding gradually. He sees strong cash flows enabling IT firms to invest in AI acquisitions and data centers. Raheja also highlights India's low household equity allocation as a long-term growth driver for capital markets, favoring asset managers for now.

New RBI regulations will significantly alter how banks sell financial products, fund acquisitions, and lend to market intermediaries. Former SBI Chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara believes these moves, particularly stricter mis-selling norms and revised M&A financing rules, aim to enhance customer trust and domestic market development.

Global markets are experiencing turbulence as investors weigh the immense potential of AI against the massive costs of its development. While AI's disruptive power across industries is undeniable, the timeline for significant returns on colossal investments remains uncertain. This duality is fueling market volatility, prompting a cautious approach as the AI revolution unfolds.

Information technology stocks rebounded after a steep two-week selloff, with Infosys, TCS and Wipro rising up to 3%. Investor concerns over AI-driven disruption eased slightly, even as brokerages warned that advances in agentic AI could challenge traditional IT services models. Analysts, however, see scope for business-model evolution and selective opportunities.

US tech giants are facing a sharp valuation reset in 2026 as investors question whether massive AI spending can deliver adequate returns. Stocks like Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia and Alphabet have fallen, while firms with stronger earnings visibility, such as TSMC and Samsung, have gained, signalling a shift in market sentiment.

Infosys shares rose on Tuesday after the IT major announced a strategic partnership with AI firm Anthropic to build enterprise-ready AI solutions. The collaboration will integrate Claude models with Infosys Topaz to automate workflows, boost software development and scale AI adoption across sectors, lifting investor sentiment and the stock price.

State Bank of India's (SBI) stock has surged nearly 70% in the past year, narrowing its valuation gap with private sector giants like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank. Experts suggest SBI is now fairly valued, with strong fundamentals and earnings visibility supporting its current price, though further significant upside may be limited.

Foreign inflows into Asian local currency bonds remained steady in January, marking a fourth straight month of buying as improving growth prospects and resilient exports boosted sentiment. South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia led the gains, while India saw sharp outflows after its expected inclusion in a global bond index was deferred.

Naturals, a leading Indian salon chain, continues discussions with Reliance for a stake sale. Talks have slowed due to disagreements on deal structure. Naturals plans an IPO by 2028 if the Reliance deal does not materialize. The company is not currently negotiating with other investors. Reliance's entry would complement its beauty retail ventures.

Indian stock markets are poised for a stronger performance in the upcoming financial year. Corporate earnings are expected to accelerate, supported by stable macro fundamentals. Key sectors like private capex, manufacturing, private banks, and consumption are set for growth. The IT sector remains under observation pending clearer earnings visibility. Overall, the outlook for Indian equities is constructive.

Gold and silver futures fell on MCX amid weak global cues, thin Lunar New Year trade and a stronger U.S. dollar. April gold dropped 0.8% to Rs 1,53,550 per 10 gm, while March silver slipped 2% to Rs 2,35,206 per kg, reversing mixed moves seen in the previous session.

Indian benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex opened lower on Tuesday, impacted by declines in metal and auto stocks. The IT index, however, showed strength, rising over 0.5% to lead sectoral gains. Major laggards included Eternal, Tata Steel, and Reliance Industries, while Asian Paints and Infosys saw upward movement.

India Inc's December quarter earnings season largely met expectations, with brokerages turning constructive on select market pockets. Investors have 35 stocks to consider, highlighted for strong earnings momentum or likely near-term turnarounds. The overall earnings revision trajectory has become more palatable, with upgrades supporting profit growth.

Embassy Developments Ltd. secured MahaRERA approval for its Embassy Serenity project in Alibaug, marking its entry into the premium second-home market. This 7-acre development, featuring 52 residences and extensive green spaces, boasts a GDV of Rs 400 crore. The launch is slated for this quarter, with possession expected by 2030, amid strong company operating momentum.

Mutual funds significantly reduced their holdings in nine out of ten major IT stocks in January, driven by concerns that AI will disrupt the traditional outsourcing model. Despite this selling pressure, the sector still holds substantial value, with managers offloading stakes in giants like Infosys and TCS, while showing some interest in Wipro.

Investors have a final chance to buy into eight companies before they trade ex-dividend on February 18th. Hindustan Aeronautics, Coal India, MSTC, Natco Pharma, Oil India, ONGC, Bharat Forge, and CMS Info Systems are all distributing interim dividends.

Indian IT stocks, including TCS and Infosys, faced a $56 billion market hit amid global AI-related concerns. The sell-off tested the sectors resilience as investors reacted to fears of automation-driven disruptions and changing technology dynamics. Despite short-term volatility, analysts say strong fundamentals and long-term growth prospects could help these companies navigate the turbulence and recover over time.

Indian markets are shifting focus to company earnings and liquidity. The India-US trade deal has eased pressures. Investors are recalibrating strategies for 2026. Small and midcap stocks offer opportunities but require careful selection. Earnings visibility and balance sheet strength are key. Global trade and liquidity will guide market direction.

The RBI's policy pause signals the end of easy money, but elevated bond yields present tactical opportunities, especially at the longer end. Despite record borrowing, real yields remain compelling, with supply dynamics shaping the yield curve. Investors should watch for signals before entering long-duration funds.

Indian markets are expected to perform better in CY26 after underperforming MSCI EM by 26% in CY25. Large caps delivered 16% YoY earnings growth, in line with the broader market. Motilal Oswal has shared its preferred stock picks for investors.

On February 16, four stocks from the Nifty200 universe entered the RSI Trending Up scan after gaining over 3%, based on StockEdge data. Their RSI readings moved above the 50 mark from lower levels, indicating improving price momentum and rising buying interest, a technical signal often tracked for potential bullish continuation.

Shares of Texmaco Rail & Engineering are in focus after the company secured two orders totaling Rs 242.63 crore. The larger contract, worth Rs 219.18 crore, comes from Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd for designing, supplying, installing, testing, and commissioning signalling systems for a new Mumbai suburban railway line under MUTP-IIIA, with completion scheduled within 36 months.

Cochin Shipyard shares may remain in focus after the company emerged as the lowest bidder for a Rs 5,000 crore defence contract to build five next-generation survey vessels for the Indian Navy. The order is subject to procedural approvals, even as the stock trades below key averages currently momentum.