The Economic Times

Bharat Forge has signed an agreement with Germany's Agile Robots. This collaboration will focus on AI-driven robotics and intelligent automation. The aim is to deploy advanced technologies in sectors like automotive and healthcare. The partnership will develop customized solutions for India and Southeast Asia. This move signals Bharat Forge's commitment to advanced manufacturing.

Global defence stocks surged Thursday after US President Trump proposed a massive $1.5 trillion military budget for 2027, reigniting geopolitical tensions. This significant spending hike could outweigh concerns over potential dividend and buyback restrictions for American contractors, though congressional approval remains a hurdle. European defence firms also saw gains.

George Joseph , CIO and CEO Equity, ASK Investment Managers explains why Indian largecaps look cheapest in 20 years versus midcaps. He expects earnings leadership from banks, cement and domestic cyclicals, remains cautious on metals, and highlights energy transition as a long-term theme amid global uncertainty and valuation-led opportunities in Nifty 50 stocks.

US equity markets show surprising resilience with a broadening rally beyond tech, supported by Fed rate cut expectations and stable economic data. However, corporate earnings will be key to sustaining this optimism. Geopolitical shifts and policy uncertainties, including potential tariffs, pose long-term risks, leading to a cautious investment approach focused on AI data center supply chains and precious metals.

JM Financial has started coverage on Meesho with a Reduce rating and a Rs 170 target for March 2027, citing limited upside after the stocks sharp post-listing rally. Meesho, which debuted at Rs 161.20 in December, surged 58% to Rs 254.65 but has since corrected nearly 36% and is now trading at Rs 164.

The Indian rupee remained steady on Friday. Strong demand for US dollars at the daily reference rate is impacting the local currency. The Reserve Bank of India's recent interventions are preventing significant one-way movements. Traders are cautious due to unexpected intervention levels. Global markets await key US economic data and a tariff ruling.

Indian government bonds experienced a decline as traders anticipated substantial debt supply, fueling concerns about demand for the quarter's record sales. Yields rose as investors sold debt, anticipating further issuance. New Delhi is set to sell bonds worth approximately 290 billion rupees later today, adding to existing investor worries.

BHEL shares rebounded after a sharp selloff triggered by concerns that India may ease restrictions on Chinese firms bidding for government contracts. Brokerages remain divided, with JM Financial seeing limited long-term impact and Jefferies flagging potential risks pending policy clarity.

A pending US Supreme Court ruling on Donald Trumps emergency tariff powers could spark sharp market moves. Striking down the levies may boost equities and corporate cash flows but raise bond yields, while alternative tariff routes could limit lasting impact, keeping fiscal and market uncertainty elevated.

US President Donald Trump has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities to lower borrowing costs and ease housing affordability pressures. The move aims to nudge mortgage rates down by 1015 basis points, though economists expect only a modest impact on the sluggish housing market.

Brokerages are divided on how a potential easing of Indias restrictions on Chinese firms bidding for government contracts could affect Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. While Jefferies flags competitive risks if curbs are lifted, JM Financial argues that any relaxation, especially at the component level, would lower costs, improve execution and leave BHELs market position largely intact, underpinning its positive long-term outlook on the stock.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed that a stalled India-US trade deal was due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi not calling President Donald Trump. Lutnick stated the deal required leader-to-leader political signaling, which did not occur, leading to India's discomfort and the lack of a call.

Export-oriented stocks, including Kitex Garments and Avanti Feeds, declined for a second day as US political signals raised fears of higher trade barriers. A bipartisan Russia sanctions bill, potentially impacting India's trade with Russia, intensified selling pressure. Seafood and textile exporters faced significant drops amid concerns of disrupted shipments and weaker US demand.

Sunil Subramaniam of Sense and Simplicity outlines how to play Indias power, pharma, auto and banking themes amid market volatility. He highlights EPCs and financiers as key power bets, explains a four-part pharma strategy, and shares why markets may stay cautious in the first half before improving later in the year.

Bharat Coking Coal IPO is creating buzz. Coal India shareholders have a special quota. Applying in this reserved portion can increase allotment chances. Investors can also apply in retail or employee categories simultaneously. Careful application and avoiding errors are key. BCCL is India's largest coking coal producer. The IPO is an offer for sale. The issue closes soon.

After a 17% correction in Eternal shares, Goldman Sachs said it disagrees with the level of bearishness priced into the stock and sees potential upside of 33% to Rs 390. The recent decline has been driven by concerns over a near-term slowdown in quick-commerce growth, rising competition, and the possible impact on Blinkits margins.

Coal India's value has tripled in five years. Now, its subsidiary Bharat Coking Coal's IPO is set to unlock more value. BCCL holds significant coking coal reserves, crucial for India's steel production. The listing offers clearer price discovery and better transparency. Investors can expect incremental gains as Coal India explores further subsidiary listings.

Elecon Engineering Company's shares plunged 13.2% after reporting a 33% drop in Q3 FY26 net profit to Rs 72 crore, despite a marginal 4.3% revenue increase. The company cited order inflow delays and increased employee costs impacting EBITDA margins. However, management expressed confidence in future recovery due to healthy open orders and steady demand from key domestic and overseas industries.

Indian equities opened higher on Friday but quickly turned lower as investors adopted a cautious stance. The Sensex and Nifty experienced marginal declines within minutes of trading. This cautious sentiment stems from anticipation of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the legality of U.S. tariffs, which have recently impacted market performance.

CLSA has unveiled its 2026 focus portfolio, featuring 15 stocks including ITC and Eternal, with a strategic tilt towards consumption, rate-sensitives, IT, and value plays. The brokerage anticipates bottom-up opportunities driven by improving earnings visibility and compressed stock valuations, despite potential index upside limitations.

India Inc anticipates its strongest earnings growth in two years. However, several companies are expected to face significant profit declines. IndusInd Bank, PI Industries, Welspun Living, GAIL India, NATCO Pharma, Orchid Pharma, Bajaj Electricals, Sapphire Foods India, and KNR Construction are projected to see profits drop by 50% or more.

Gold and silver prices traded flat to mildly higher on MCX amid global volatility and cautious sentiment ahead of key US jobs data. Analysts advise waiting for stability, even as long-term fundamentals and central bank buying continue to support bullion prices.

Vodafone Idea share price: Vodafone Idea shares saw a significant jump on Friday. The company announced a repayment plan for its telecom dues to the Department of Telecommunications. This includes adjusted gross revenue liabilities. The dues will be frozen as of December 2025 and repaid over 15 years. This offers crucial cash flow relief to the company.

Reliance Industries shares are expected to gain attention. The company may buy Venezuelan crude oil. This depends on US regulations. India's refiners could import Venezuelan oil again. This oil might be cheaper. It could also be a safer alternative to Russian oil. Reliance has paused Russian oil deliveries.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders shares are poised for attention as India and Germany near an $8 billion submarine manufacturing deal. This landmark agreement, involving Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, promises technology transfer for indigenous production, bolstering India's maritime capabilities with advanced air-independent propulsion systems and aligning with the nation's 'Make in India' defence strategy.

As of January 8, five stocks in the NSE F&O segment saw a sharp increase in futures open interest, signalling rising derivatives activity. Higher open interest suggests fresh positions or expansion of existing bets, indicating growing trader participation and strengthening conviction around near-term price expectations.

When a stock closes below its VWAP, it means the closing price is lower than the average price at which the stock traded during the session, with the average weighted by trading volume.

A 5-year swing high refers to the highest price a stock has achieved over the past five years.

Rail Vikas Nigam shares are in focus after the company secured a Rs 201.23 crore order from East Coast Railway to set up a wagon Periodical Overhauling workshop in Odisha. The 18-month domestic project is expected to bolster RVNLs order book even as the stock ended lower in the previous session.

Global markets face 2026 with high valuations and geopolitical risks. Investors are advised to shift focus from broad US ETFs to selective stock and sector investments. Geopolitical events may cause short-term volatility, impacting energy and defense stocks. Disciplined stock selection and valuation sensitivity will be key to navigating the US market cycle.

Following the exciting revelation of new orders valued at Rs 569 crore, shares of Bharat Electronics have seen a notable upturn. The contracts, which involve state-of-the-art drone detection and jamming equipment as well as mobile communication terminals, signify a positive boost to BEL's already substantial order book.

Bansal Wire Industries shares are poised for attention as a significant lock-in period expires on January 9, freeing up nearly 20% of its outstanding equity for trading. This development follows the company's recent announcement of record sales volumes for the December quarter, indicating strong operational performance. Market participants will be closely monitoring any potential trading activity.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited is set for a busy Friday. The company secured a major Rs 5,400 crore order for a coal gasification project in Odisha. Additionally, BHEL has begun supplying traction converters for the new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. This marks BHEL's entry into the semi-high-speed propulsion market. Other train components are also in production.

Indian Energy Exchange shares are under scrutiny today. The Electricity Appellate Tribunal hears arguments in the market coupling case. This case could change how electricity prices are discovered. The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission is willing to take directions from the tribunal. Investor sentiment has improved following recent developments. The outcome will shape the future of power exchanges.