26 C The Economic Times
Elections 2026Business / The Economic Times
Five midcap mutual funds delivered over 21% annualised returns in three years, led by HSBC Midcap at 25.1%. Invesco India, ICICI Prudential, WhiteOak Capital and Edelweiss Mid Cap also featured among top performers.
Nikhil Kamaths growing WTF and WTFund profile has ended years of confusion with brother Nithin. Nithin also recalls Zerodhas early press breakthrough, which nearly doubled monthly account openings and revealed an unexpected growth opportunity.
Multi-asset allocation funds have outperformed the Nifty over one and three years, helped by strong gold, REIT and InvIT returns. Their diversified portfolios provide flexibility across equities, fixed income, precious metals and alternatives, with Quant, Nippon India, WhiteOak, ABSL and UTI among top three-year performers.
Nifty faces continued bearish pressure after a fourth weekly decline, with 23,750-23,700 as crucial support and 24,150-24,200 resistance. Analysts expect volatility to stay subdued, while Bank Nifty remains range-bound. BSE, Groww and Angel One also await decisive breakouts for direction.
Motilal Oswal AMC is favouring high-growth themes including defence, renewables, hospitals, digital businesses and capital markets, while limiting exposure to large banks, IT, commodities, FMCG and traditional vehicles. Its concentrated, high-beta strategy targets sustained earnings growth and alpha.
Karamtara Engineering has set its Rs 875 crore IPO price band at Rs 241-254, with subscription opening September 9. The renewable energy and transmission products maker reported strong FY26 growth, while its diversified manufacturing portfolio supports expansion across global markets.
Ganga water level at Patna's Gandhi Ghat rose 10 cm, exceeding the highest flood level. This rise poses inundation risks for low-lying areas in the state capital. Several Bihar rivers are flowing above danger marks due to heavy rainfall. Chief Minister Choudhary conducted an aerial survey of affected regions on Friday. Officials are monitoring vulnerable areas and embankments to prevent breaches.
Ten BSE SmallCap stocks gained across all five sessions through September 4, outperforming a falling Sensex. The strongest performers delivered cumulative gains of up to 57%, highlighting resilience amid broader market weakness.
Kashyap Javeri suggests India
Ten stocks across autos, consumer technology, healthcare and financial services could benefit from stronger festive-season discretionary spending, supported by improving demand, product launches, operating leverage, credit growth and rising consumer activity.
SIPs offer disciplined mutual fund investing, with options tailored to different goals, income patterns and market conditions. Regular, top-up, goal-based, step-up, flex, perpetual, trigger and multi-SIPs provide varying levels of flexibility, automation and diversification. Choosing the right type depends on financial goals, cash flow, risk appetite, investment horizon and market knowledge.
Eight flexicap funds delivered consistent five-year performance, with varying risk levels, investment styles and returns. HDFC Flexi Cap led consistency at 91%, while several peers combined strong returns with acceptable or higher risk profiles.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent anticipates oil prices will fall significantly after the Iran conflict concludes. He expects crude oil to reach as low as forty dollars a barrel due to oversupply. This decline in oil prices will subsequently lower bond yields, which have recently surged. Bessent also downplayed Norway's sovereign wealth fund proposal to reduce Treasury holdings.
In its ambitious IPO initiative, Rentomojo targets a valuation of
Capital market stocks saw gains Friday after regulator Sebi's circular on the Closing Auction Session mechanism. Trader pushback against CAS-linked settlement pricing prompted Sebi to respond to market concerns. Erratic settlement prints since August 3 caused option premiums to swing significantly. Market participants anticipate Sebi's paper will reduce reliance on the single CAS print. This move is expected to restore trader confidence and remove trading volume overhang.
Indian equity markets faced a downturn for the fourth straight week, with the Nifty index retreating under 24,000. A combination of soaring crude oil prices and sluggish leading stocks contributed to the bleak market outlook. Analysts suggest the Nifty is likely to hover in a limited range without significant catalysts.
Foreign investors are advocating for expedited remittance processes after the Indian government introduced tax exemptions on bonds. They are calling on regulators and banks to enhance the speed of money transfers. This initiative aims to streamline remittance operations and mitigate settlement delays, as the exemption abolishes withholding taxes on interest and capital gains from these investments, improving market efficiency for foreign portfolio investors.
In an effort to control escalating inflation, the Reserve Bank of India is running auctions to draw in surplus liquidity from the financial system. This move comes as call money rates fall beneath the policy repo rate, with predictions indicating liquidity levels could exceed fifteen lakh crore by the close of September. Additionally, the central bank recently sold government securities worth thirty-two thousand crore.
The U.S. job market showed surprising resilience in August, adding 162,000 positions
Gold prices experienced a downturn on Friday, setting the stage for a weekly loss as solid US job data raised the bar for anticipated rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. This shift has rendered the non-yielding precious metal less desirable. Alongside gold, silver and platinum also saw drops. Investors are now keenly awaiting inflation updates for insights into policy adjustments.
Oil prices have surged dramatically this week amidst escalating military tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Record-high retail diesel prices in the U.S. are fueling global inflation concerns. Supply chain disruptions in the Middle East are dealing a blow to crude oil futures. Analysts warn of potential further increases if the conflict deepens. Additionally, positive U.S. employment figures could encourage the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates soon.
European markets wrapped up the week with a dip, influenced by ongoing Middle East tensions and persistent inflation apprehensions. A positive turn from Volkswagen shares provided some needed support after they revealed a new strategic plan. Investors are now keenly awaiting US inflation metrics to gauge potential shifts in the Federal Reserve's interest rate stance.
US job growth data boosted Federal Reserve rate hike expectations. Treasury yields and the dollar strengthened after the positive jobs report. Major US stock indexes and global stocks experienced a broad selloff. Oil prices rose due to renewed attacks in the US-Iran war. Investors now await inflation data before the Fed's September decision.
Investors await crucial inflation data next week which may decide the Fed's interest rate move. The S&P 500 index is nearing its record high while facing market volatility. Producer and Consumer Price Index reports will offer insights into August's inflation trends. Odds for a Fed rate hike are currently around a coin flip. Treasury yields and AI trade developments also remain key market concerns.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will address the UN General Assembly on September twenty-sixth. The eighty-first session of the UN General Assembly begins on September eighth. World leaders will address the organization during the General Debate from September twenty-second to twenty-eighth. This session occurs amid ongoing global geopolitical conflicts and rising costs. It is also the final UN General Assembly session for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Mukesh Ambani is pitching Jio Platforms as more than a telecom company ahead of its IPO, highlighting thousands of patents, AI and proprietary technology. But questions remain over the commercial value of its intellectual property and whether its technology ambitions justify a potential $120-140 billion valuation.
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.