The Economic Times

Wall Street stocks fell as rising oil prices intensified inflation fears and pushed U.S. bond yields higher. The S&P 500 dropped 0.7%, while the Dow Jones fell 0.6% and the Nasdaq slid 1.4%. A sell-off in U.S. government bonds added to pressure on equities.

The Indian bond market saw a downturn, reflecting a broader global selloff in debt markets. Escalating geopolitical conflicts and soaring oil prices raised inflation fears in India, leading to intensified speculation regarding potential interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of India. Additionally, foreign investors experienced their first month of securities outflows in August. Yet, sufficient liquidity in the banking sector helped to stabilize bond demand.

Japans 30-year high bond yields, hawkish US Federal Reserve policies, and rising crude oil prices are straining global liquidity. These factors exert pressure on Indian equities, challenging investor sentiment despite Indias resilient 7.8% GDP growth.

India's power consumption rose 12.85 percent in August, reaching 169.01 billion units. High humidity levels increased cooling appliance usage across many regions. Peak power demand also jumped to 258.27 GW last month. Experts predict steady power demand through September due to continued humid conditions. Projected weather patterns may further influence power demand and consumption.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has handed over the reins to John Ternus after a 15-year tenure that transformed Apple into a $4.6 trillion company. The stock has surged 2,275% since Cook succeeded Steve Jobs in 2011, as he diversified Apple beyond the iPhone. Ternus now faces the daunting task of sustaining that growth and delivering further value to shareholders.

Jewellery stocks fell after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to avoid non-essential gold purchases. The appeal, aimed at conserving foreign exchange, follows a similar call made by Modi in May to avoid gold purchases for weddings for a year.

In the Nifty500 pack, 11 stocks' closing prices crossed below their 200 DMA (Daily Moving Averages) on August 31, according to stockedge.com's technical scan data. Trading below the 200 DMA is considered a negative signal because it indicates that the stock's price is below its long-term trend line. Traders use the 200 DMA as a key indicator to determine a stock's overall trend. Take a look:

Brent crude extended gains in early Asian trading to over $91 a barrel after renewed fighting in the Middle East. The US and Iran exchanged strikes for the first time in about a month as American forces hit an island in the Strait of Hormuz and the Islamic Republic responded by launching attacks on the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

Foreign investors have shown a strong preference for India's primary market, channeling $4.9 billion into initial public offerings, which sharply contrasts with the $28.9 billion outflow from the secondary market. The momentum in primary market inflows picked up after July, highlighted by substantial contributions to major IPOs. Alongside this, domestic fundraising from a plethora of new offerings has also risen.

India's primary market anticipates a strong September with IPOs worth twenty to twenty-five thousand crore. Nearly twenty-five companies are preparing to launch offerings before their approvals expire. This surge reflects improved issuer sentiment after a cautious first half of the year. Companies are capitalizing on better market conditions and recent successful listings. This activity aims to complete fundraising plans before regulatory approvals lapse.

September historically favors mid- and small-cap stocks over large-caps. Analysts anticipate this trend continuing, expecting limited upside for the Nifty. Heavyweight sectors show recent weakness, and foreign investor selling has resumed. Domestic fund flows remain concentrated in mid- and small-cap stocks. Market action is expected to remain stock-specific until fresh triggers emerge.

US stocks declined on Monday as oil prices surged. This jump revived inflation concerns and increased monetary policy tightening expectations. Investors processed hawkish comments from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh. Despite the day's losses, major indexes posted monthly gains for August. Financial markets anticipate a potential rate hike at September's meeting.

JPMorgan Chase traders are now tactically cautious on US stocks for upcoming weeks. This shift follows Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh's hawkish comments on interest rates. Traders cite uncertainty over rate outlook and potential AI stock unwinding as key risks. Despite near-term caution, the broader market backdrop is expected to remain supportive. Economic data and corporate earnings will influence market direction in the coming period.

US Treasury yields rose significantly, with the 10-year rate exceeding 4.75 percent. Rising oil prices and persistent inflation fueled expectations of a Federal Reserve rate increase. Short-term yields surged after Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh signaled potential action to control inflation. Investors are now closely watching employment and consumer price data for policy clues. Upcoming corporate bond supply also adds pressure to longer-term Treasury yields.

GRT Jewellers will acquire a 74.12% controlling stake in TBZ for up to Rs 1,033.71 crore, expanding its store network and national footprint. The deal combines two longstanding jewellery brands, subject to regulatory approvals and a mandatory open offer.

The National Stock Exchange

HSBC has picked Titan Company and Kalyan Jewellers as its preferred jewellery stocks, citing growth opportunities from daily-wear jewellery and B2B manufacturing. The brokerage has retained Buy ratings on both stocks, with target prices of Rs 5,550 and Rs 770, respectively, while highlighting key risks including gold price volatility and competition.

Tropical storm Karina latest update: Where is the powerful 145 mph Category 4 hurricane now? Karina is moving west across the Pacific, far from Mexico, while its powerful swells could affect Mexico and Southern California. Heres the latest on the storms location, strength and forecast. The tropical disturbance in the eastern Pacific now has a 90% chance of becoming a tropical depression within 48 hours.

Aurobindo Pharma shares rose sharply after its subsidiary Lannett Company launched the generic equivalent of Advair Diskus in the US. The inhalation product, available in two strengths, marks the first commercialised product from Aurobindos inhalation pipeline. The stock has gained 41.16% year-to-date in 2026.

The Indian rupee hit its highest level in almost four weeks against the US dollar, buoyed by fresh investments due to stock index adjustments and central bank actions. Closing the month in the green, the currency rebounded from previous losses. Additionally, foreign bank offers tied to MSCI index inflows offered support. Experts predict that the USD/INR pair may continue to weaken in the upcoming months.

India's fiscal deficit reached 4.5 lakh crore rupees through July. This figure represents 26.8% of the annual budget estimates for this year. The deficit narrowed significantly compared to the previous year's comparable period. Total receipts stood at Rs 1.31 lakh crore rupees during this time. Overall expenditure also amounted to Rs 1.31 lakh lakh crore rupees.

Indias GDP grew 7.8% in Q1 FY27, up from a revised 6.9% a year earlier, driven by strong consumption, exports and government capital spending. Growth beat the 7.3% forecast in an Economic Times poll and the RBIs 7% estimate.

European shares opened lower on Monday as renewed US-Iran military tensions pushed oil prices and bond yields higher, although the STOXX 600 remained on track for its fifth consecutive monthly gain. Energy stocks rose as Brent crude climbed above $90 a barrel, while Germanys DAX fell ahead of key inflation data. Investors are also watching upcoming eurozone inflation and US payrolls figures for clues on interest rates.

Prime Minister Modi met Iranian President Pezeshkian in Bishkek. They committed to strengthening India's long-standing friendship across diverse sectors. Both leaders aim to expand and diversify bilateral trade in the coming times. They also discussed the prevailing regional situation and lasting peace efforts. India will continue supporting initiatives for uninterrupted energy and goods movement.

Oracle layoffs 2026: Employees are reportedly bracing for another round of job cuts after Oracle eliminated around 21,000 positions earlier this year in March. With managers allegedly asked to identify roles for possible cuts, workers fear another wave of the companys infamous 6 a.m. email could arrive as Oracle continues pouring billions into AI and cloud infrastructure.

Indian Oil Corporation increased LPG production by nearly thirty percent. Refineries operated above full capacity to ensure energy supply continuity. The company diversified crude sourcing and adjusted refinery operations. Record operating performance was achieved for the year ended March 2026. Investments are increasing to expand refining capacity and diversify energy businesses.

Systematix Research has initiated coverage of five affordable housing finance companies with Buy ratings, seeing 28-48% upside from current levels. The brokerage expects the sector to benefit from low mortgage penetration, rising incomes and urbanisation, with most covered companies projected to deliver loan growth in the low-to-mid-20% range through FY29.

Bank of India Mutual Fund has launched the Bank of India Value Fund, an open-ended equity scheme that follows a value investment strategy. The NFO is open from August 28 to September 11, 2026, and will invest predominantly in equity and equity-related instruments across market capitalisations.

Hollywood actor James Cagney and his brother William once owned hundreds of acres near Ramona, California. Decades later, 417 acres of the former Cagney Ranch became a conservation priority because of its rare grasslands, vernal pools and threatened wildlife. The Nature Conservancy purchased the property for $2.7 million in 2003, helping protect a key part of Southern California's remaining grassland habitat.

Chinas IPO market is gaining momentum, fuelled by strong investor appetite for AI, robotics and advanced technology companies. Hong Kong and Shanghai have already raised over $54 billion through IPOs and secondary listings in 2026, while blockbuster debuts such as CXMT and Unitree highlight the enthusiasm for tech stocks.

NASAs Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy, beginning a mission to survey vast areas of the universe. With a field of view at least 100 times larger than Hubbles, Roman will study dark matter, dark energy, distant galaxies and thousands of exoplanets.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reassured markets by minimizing concerns over turbulence and debt. He emphasized that robust economic growth is boosting the countrys fiscal health. In defense of the Treasury's increased bond buyback initiative, Bessent pointed to larger international interventions as a valid reason for this approach. The expanded buyback operations are set to commence in September.

Mahajan Imaging and Neuberg Diagnostics have formed a strategic joint venture. This partnership aims to expand pathology and genomics services across North India. The collaboration will leverage combined infrastructure and expertise for enhanced diagnostic capabilities. Organised diagnostic players anticipate significant revenue growth in the coming years. The venture prioritizes early diagnosis and prevention for improved public health outcomes.

Manoj Jarange has urged Maratha community members to quietly move towards Mumbai. He set a September 12 deadline for the government to meet their demands. The activist is continuing his indefinite hunger strike in Jalna district. He seeks Kunbi caste certificates and reservation benefits for the community. Jarange warned of a major agitation if the government fails to act.

Several Pacific island leaders are absent from a key regional summit in Palau. This fragmentation complicates efforts to project unity amid rising China-Taiwan tensions. China is pushing back against Taiwan's participation in the forum. The summit's agenda also includes economic development and regional integration. The absences highlight the region's difficulty in speaking with one voice.

African proverb of the day: This proverb, If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together, highlights the importance of teamwork, trust and shared effort in achieving long-term success. While working alone may help complete tasks faster, collaborating with others can bring diverse skills, reduce pressure and create stronger, more lasting results in both professional and personal life.

India's August rainfall registered sixteen percent below average, its lowest in three years. The El Nino weather pattern suppressed the monsoon, widening the rainfall deficit. This August shortfall increased the seasonal monsoon deficit to fourteen percent. Data compiled by the India Meteorological Department showed these figures on Monday. The deficit was thirteen percent at the end of July.

During an income tax search operation (raid) Rs 16 lakh cash was seized; Man says its family cash; tax officer does not believe him and calls it unexplained cash; he wins case in ITAT Mumbai. Read the article to know how.

Around 19 equity mutual funds delivered over 20% returns on lumpsum investments over the last one year, according to an ETMutualFunds analysis. Small-cap funds dominated the list, with TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund topping the chart with a 33.73% return. Invesco India Smallcap Fund also featured among the top performers, delivering a 20.39% return during the period.

Chinese and Hong Kong stocks declined as weak economic data highlighted a fragile recovery, while new measures to reform Chinas housing presale system triggered a sharp selloff in property shares. Gold stocks also weakened after hawkish Fed signals, while strong first-half earnings from major banks offered some support.

European central bankers left the Jackson Hole symposium concerned that recent US Treasury interventions could strain long-standing norms of global financial cooperation. Unannounced yen intervention, Treasury bond buybacks and uncertainty over Fed dollar swap lines have raised concerns about Washingtons growing role in global financial markets.

State governments have implemented over 40,000 reforms in the past decade. Gujarat leads these efforts, enhancing the ease of doing business significantly. India is recognized as a fast-growing economy and attractive investment destination. Government initiatives and free trade agreements promote industrial competitiveness and quality. Gujarat aims for a USD 3.5 trillion economy with strong growth momentum.

Northern Arc Capital shares surged after 1.21 crore shares changed hands in a large block deal during the morning session. The stock hit an intraday high of 315 and remained above its opening price and VWAP around noon, indicating that the early gains held through the session.

Indias new 20-minute closing auction system is facing renewed scrutiny after the Sensex briefly plunged nearly 3% during Thursdays session, highlighting concerns over thin liquidity and price volatility. Introduced on August 3 to improve price discovery and align India with global markets, the system has also come under SEBIs lens following an alleged market-manipulation case.

Jefferies prefers Kaynes Technology over Dixon Technologies as India pushes to deepen domestic electronics component manufacturing. The brokerage has a Buy rating on Kaynes Tech, while maintaining Hold calls on Dixon and Syrma SGS Technology. It expects stronger competition for mobile assembly players and advises caution on Syrma after its sharp rally.

The stock market saw marked declines on Monday, particularly among smallcap and midcap shares. Persistent Systems and National Aluminium Company experienced prominent losses, contributing to the negative performance of the Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 indices. Influenced by the Federal Reserve's remarks and increasing oil prices, investors are pivoting to prioritize growth opportunities over traditional value stocks.