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The Economic Times

Business / The Economic Times

India-EU FTA to open new avenues for trade, investment: PM Modi, Greek counterpart

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis met on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit. They agreed that the India-EU FTA will boost trade and investment, and discussed strengthening cooperation in new areas. Both leaders also appreciated the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

19 Feb 2026 10:20 pm
US stocks: Some US investors pivot to infrastructure amid broader AI selloff

As AI tech giants face investor scrutiny, a shift towards infrastructure companies benefiting from AI capital spending is emerging. Investors are focusing on chipmakers, data center builders, and utility firms, with many of these stocks posting significant gains.

19 Feb 2026 10:15 pm
US stocks: Trump-themed ETF manager scoops up MAGA fund

Yorkville America Equities LLC, manager of Truth Social-branded ETFs, announced plans to acquire the Point Bridge America First ETF. This follows a similar deal to acquire the God Bless America ETF, expanding Yorkville's values-aligned offerings. These acquisitions are expected to significantly boost the Truth Social ETF franchise's assets.

19 Feb 2026 9:56 pm
US Stocks: Bain Capital explores sale or IPO of Dessert Holdings, sources say

Bain Capital is considering a sale or initial public offering of its portfolio company Dessert Holdings that could value the maker of cakes, pies and cookies at over $3 billion, according to three people familiar with the matter.

19 Feb 2026 9:25 pm
Access pass for fishing in India's EEZ to be launched in Gujarat's Veraval

A new access pass framework for fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone will be launched by Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh. This initiative aims to provide legal, transparent, and sustainable entry for fishers into the EEZ. It will empower traditional fishers and cooperatives to access high-value marine resources.

19 Feb 2026 9:18 pm
Ahead of Market: 10 things that will decide stock market action on Friday

Indian markets fell sharply as US-Iran tensions triggered broad selling. Nifty dropped 365 points below key moving averages, with auto, financials, IT, and consumer stocks leading losses. India VIX surged, signaling heightened volatility and potential further downside.

19 Feb 2026 9:16 pm
US trade deficit in goods widens to new record in 2025

The US trade deficit in goods expanded to a new record in 2025, government data showed Thursday, despite sweeping tariffs that President Donald Trump imposed during his first year back in the White House.

19 Feb 2026 8:47 pm
US Stocks: Etsy shares jump 10% after Depop sale; demand pressures weigh on results

Etsy shares jumped about 10% on Thursday, after the online marketplace sold off its Gen Z-focused fashion resale platform Depop to EBay, with investors looking past dour quarterly results and forecasts.

19 Feb 2026 8:42 pm
US Stocks: Deere lifts full-year profit forecast as construction, sales rebound; shares soar 8%

Farm-machinery maker Deere & Co raised its annual profit forecast and beat first-quarter results estimates on Thursday citing cost-cutting initiatives to protect margins and recovery in its construction and small agriculture units.

19 Feb 2026 8:38 pm
Market Trading Guide: ONGC among 2 stocks to buy on Friday for up to 16% returns

Nifty ended sharply lower as US-Iran tensions sparked a broad sell-off, breaking its three-day gain streak. Stock picks include ONGC and Biocon, showing strong bullish momentum on short-term charts. Traders are advised to follow breakout levels with prudent stop-losses.

19 Feb 2026 8:34 pm
US stock markets today: US stocks slide lower after recent gains as tech stocks slip

Wall Street's main indexes opened lower on Thursday, following a three-day winning streak for the S&P 500, as heavyweight technology stocks slipped, while Walmart shares see-sawed after the retail giant issued a conservative outlook.

19 Feb 2026 8:05 pm
India-France to set up National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Kanpur

The centre, to be set up as part of the Rs 60,000 crore Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme of the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship (MSDE), will impart skills training in aeronautics and defence.

19 Feb 2026 7:54 pm
US weekly jobless claims fall more than expected amid labor market stability

The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, consistent with a stabilizing labor market.

19 Feb 2026 7:19 pm
India calls for deeper cooperation in R&D, biotech, pharma with Switzerland

India is seeking enhanced collaboration with Switzerland in research, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. This move aims to bolster economic relations between the two nations. Swiss investments are also being encouraged in areas of Switzerland's technological expertise.

19 Feb 2026 6:49 pm
Gaudium IVF raises Rs 49 crore in anchor round ahead of IPO opening tomorrow. Check key investors

Gaudium IVF and Women Health raised Rs 49.5 crore from anchor investors at the upper price band before its Rs 165 crore IPO opening. Proceeds will fund IVF centre expansion, debt repayment and corporate needs, with the issue comprising fresh equity and offer for sale.

19 Feb 2026 6:21 pm
Stock market quote of the day by Jim Rogers | Bottoms in the investment world don't end with four-year lows; they end with 10 or 15-year lows.

Patience is key in stock markets. True market bottoms are long cycles, not short corrections. Investors need a broad time horizon to find value. Markets move in cycles shaped by growth, liquidity, rates, and psychology. History shows major bottoms form after prolonged pessimism. Quality assets are often mispriced then. This wisdom is vital for emerging markets like India.

19 Feb 2026 6:00 pm
Euro zone yields rise, await US data, Middle East tensions in focus

Euro zone government bond yields rose on Thursday, staying close to their multi-month lows and echoing moves in U.S. Treasuries, while markets continued to price less than a 50% chance of a European Central Bank rate cut in 2026.

19 Feb 2026 5:46 pm
Tata Steel among 5 stocks that hit 52-week highs and rallied up to 10% in a month

Despite the Sensex plunging 1,236 points to 82,498, five BSE 100 stocks touched fresh 52-week highs. Indus Towers, Tata Steel, Eicher Motors, Bajaj Auto and Marico showed strong momentum, signaling investor confidence and potential for further upside amid broader market weakness.

19 Feb 2026 5:35 pm
Gainers & Losers: Tata Investment, Newgen among 8 stocks that moved most on Thursday

Indian equity markets tumbled as US-Iran tensions triggered broad-based selling. Select stocks like Newgen, Netweb and Tata Investment gained.

19 Feb 2026 5:22 pm
India's agri products, auto exports making greater inroads in EU

India's exports to EU: Of India's USD 19.3 billion in global automotive exports during the first nine months of 2025-26, the EU's share rose to 11.6 per cent from 9.8 per cent in April-December 2024, the data showed.

19 Feb 2026 5:14 pm
Valuation Alert: 10 largecap stocks trading well above Industry PE

Top 10 large-cap stocks are trading well above their industry P/E, signaling high investor confidence, growth expectations, or potential overvaluation across sectors including power, finance, insurance, and consumer goods.Top 10 large-cap stocks are trading well above their industry P/E, signaling high investor confidence, growth expectations, or potential overvaluation across sectors including power, finance, insurance, and consumer goods.

19 Feb 2026 4:40 pm
Samco Securities: Gold and silver bull forecaster spots strong upswing in crude oil

Samco Securities, which accurately forecast the gold and silver rally, now sees crude oil entering a strong uptrend. Apurva Sheth highlights bullish technical patterns and favourable supply-demand dynamics, with near-term targets at $72 to $73. He also outlines evolving trends in gold and silver amid the ongoing commodity supercycle.

19 Feb 2026 4:26 pm
Brent hits 6-month high; will $5$10 war premium push prices higher? Peter McGuire answers

Brent crude has unexpectedly surged to $70 a barrel, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. This war premium is overshadowing earlier oversupply fears. Analysts warn that any disruption in the vital shipping lane could severely impact global markets, especially Asia. The Russia-Ukraine conflict also contributes to this underlying risk.

19 Feb 2026 4:03 pm
Major FTAs done; focus now on their effective utilisation

India has significantly advanced its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) strategy, prioritizing deals with Western developed economies like the EU and USA. While these agreements offer substantial market access, the key challenge lies in effectively utilizing them for export growth, moving beyond traditional sectors and attracting FDI.

19 Feb 2026 3:39 pm
Is MCX stock too expensive after doubling money in just 1 year? A CME case study explains it

Multi Commodity Exchange of India shares surged over 100% driven by a bullion price rally. Following sharp corrections in gold and silver, exchanges increased margin requirements to curb volatility. While futures activity contracted, options trading picked up, mirroring past trends and raising questions about the stock's valuation.

19 Feb 2026 2:21 pm
Market volatility calls for selective trading, focus on PSU stocks: Rahul Sharma

Indian equities are testing a crucial 25,650 support level for the Nifty, with analysts suggesting a potential bounce if it holds. However, a break could trigger further declines. PSU banks are highlighted as a strong sector, with Punjab National Bank a top pick. Investors are advised to be selective, favoring public sector enterprises amidst market volatility and geopolitical concerns.

19 Feb 2026 2:10 pm
MSEDCL to get leaner before IPO, demerge agri biz by April; aims listing by end-2026

Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company plans a major restructuring. The agriculture business will be separated by April. This move precedes a planned Initial Public Offering by December. The company aims to reduce its debt significantly. This will strengthen its financial position for the listing. The company is also shifting towards renewable energy sources.

19 Feb 2026 1:36 pm
Pernod has no plans for now to list India unit, CEO says

Pernod Ricard has nothing new on the horizon in terms of an initial public offering of its Indian unit and this is one of a long list of options the company reviews annually, CEO Alexandre Ricard told Reuters following reports the company was mulling a listing.

19 Feb 2026 1:33 pm
Invitation Homes forecasts annual FFO below estimates on higher costs

U.S.-based Invitation Homes forecast annual funds from operations (FFO) below Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, as the real estate investment trust navigates higher costs in an inflationary environment.

19 Feb 2026 1:26 pm
JGB yield curve continues to flatten as 20-year action draws firm demand

Japan's government bond (JGB) yield curve maintained its flattening trend on Thursday, as foreign investors supported demand for a 20-year bond auction, the first after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's tax-cut pledge had sent its yield to record highs last month.

19 Feb 2026 1:21 pm
Patience and discipline key as market navigates structural shifts: Samir Arora

Market veteran Samir Arora expresses cautious optimism for India's equity market, expecting a stable trajectory with reasonable earnings growth. He advises investors to remain disciplined, particularly in the IT sector, urging patience until visibility improves and valuations adjust. Arora prefers steady sectors like financials and consumption over areas with high disruption risk.

19 Feb 2026 1:16 pm
Mainboard IPO: Omnitech Engineering to launch Rs 583 crore offer next week. Check dates and other details

Omnitech Engineering, a Gujarat-based precision components maker, has filed its RHP for a Rs 583 crore IPO comprising a Rs 418 crore fresh issue and a Rs 165 crore offer for sale by promoter Udaykumar Arunkumar Parekh. The issue will be offered via the book-building route, with up to 50% reserved for QIBs and anchor bidding opening on February 24, followed by the main offer from February 2527.

19 Feb 2026 1:15 pm
Global Markets | South Korea shares close at record high as chips rally

South Korean shares surged to a record high, driven by a tech-led rebound on Wall Street. The benchmark KOSPI closed up 3.09%, with major tech and auto companies seeing significant gains. Meanwhile, the won weakened against the dollar, and benchmark bond yields rose.

19 Feb 2026 1:09 pm
10+ MFs added 11 stocks in January 26; 50100% surge in a year, one turned multibagger

Mutual funds sustained strong buying momentum in January 2026, investing over Rs 42,000 crore in equities. ETMarkets analysis shows 31 stocks were added across multiple schemes, with 11 delivering 50100% returns over one year, including a multibagger, highlighting continued institutional conviction in select banking and financial stocks.

19 Feb 2026 12:59 pm
Global Markets | Australian shares hit record high on earnings optimism; banks, miners lead broad rally

Australian shares reached an all-time peak on Thursday. Strong company earnings fueled widespread gains. Banks and miners led the advance. The S&P/ASX 200 index climbed significantly. Investors are watching upcoming earnings reports. Unemployment data also influenced market sentiment. Copper prices boosted mining stocks. Some individual companies experienced sharp movements.

19 Feb 2026 12:56 pm
ITC's worst is behind, but patience required: Abneesh Roy names better FMCG bets for 2025

Consumer analyst Abneesh Roy sees a real FMCG revival driven by GST cuts, steady rural demand, and recovering urban consumption. He highlights Nestle, Britannia, Marico, and Tata Consumer as near-term beneficiaries, while positioning ITC as a one-to-two-year recovery play after a tax shock. Hindustan Unilever's premium beauty investment is also noted as a structural re-rating catalyst.

19 Feb 2026 12:52 pm
Rs 3 lakh crore selloff! Sensex tanks 700 pts, Nifty below 25,650. 4 factors behind the plunge

Indian markets slumped on Thursday as Nifty and Sensex reversed early gains, dragged down by heavy selling across banking, metal, auto and FMCG stocks. Investor wealth fell by 2.73 lakh crore. A hawkish US Fed outlook and a sharp rise in crude prices further pressured sentiment, triggering broad-based declines.

19 Feb 2026 12:17 pm
Indonesia bond auction weak but not distressing, central bank policy decision awaited

Indonesia's recent bond auction saw softer demand, attributed to Lunar New Year holidays, despite market jitters from MSCI's downgrade warning and Moody's outlook cut. While foreign sentiment for rupiah bonds remains stable, concerns over policy predictability and central bank independence persist, impacting the currency. Authorities raised more than targeted, but bid-to-cover ratios dipped.

19 Feb 2026 12:06 pm
Godfrey Phillips India shares rocket 31% in just 3 sessions! Heres whats fuelling the rally

Godfrey Phillips India shares are surging. Companies are raising cigarette prices to cover higher costs, in light of the new tobacco tax regime. The price hikes aim to reduce expected profit declines. Marlboro Compact prices have increased. ITC is also expected to raise prices. Retailers are selling existing stock at higher rates.

19 Feb 2026 11:53 am
TCS shares rise 2% after Tata Group and OpenAI announce strategic partnership

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) shares surged after announcing a strategic partnership with OpenAI to build AI infrastructure in India and offer joint market solutions. This collaboration aims to boost productivity, enhance software engineering, and position India as a global AI hub by developing AI-ready, green-energy-powered data centers.

19 Feb 2026 11:41 am
Stock picking key as markets navigate AI uncertainty: Amit Khurana

India Inc.'s third-quarter earnings show a steady performance with easing operating pressures, suggesting improving earnings visibility. While domestic consumption remains a preferred theme, caution persists regarding AI cycle uncertainty and valuation dispersion. Infrastructure and IT sectors await clearer order flows and disruption timelines.

19 Feb 2026 11:37 am
Indian brokers' lobby seeks 6-month freeze on new RBI rules: Report

Indias brokers lobby has urged the Reserve Bank of India to defer its newly issued lending norms for six months, citing operational challenges.

19 Feb 2026 11:16 am
Tata Investment Corp shares jump 13% on buzz around N Chandrasekarans third term at Tata Sons

Shares of Tata Investment Corporation rose sharply after Tata Sons was reported to be preparing an EGM to clear N. Chandrasekarans third-term reappointment. With Tata Sons holding a majority stake, the move has heightened investor interest amid wider group-level developments and shifting market conditions.

19 Feb 2026 11:02 am
FIIs turn big bear on IT stocks, pull out another Rs 11,000 crore in 2 weeks

Foreign institutional investors are rapidly exiting Indian IT stocks, pulling out nearly Rs 11,000 crore in early February and over Rs 74,000 crore so far in 2025, amid fears that advanced AI tools from firms like Anthropic and Palantir Technologies could disrupt traditional software services models.

19 Feb 2026 10:57 am
US Stock Market | Foreign buying of US stocks jumps 134% in 2025 despite tariffs

Foreign investors more than doubled their purchases of US equities in 2025, defying market volatility triggered by President Donald Trumps tariffs. Net buying surged 134% to $720.1 billion from $307.5 billion in 2024, according to US Treasury Department data. The strong inflows highlight sustained global appetite for American stocks despite trade tensions and uncertain corporate outlooks.

19 Feb 2026 10:54 am
US single-family housing starts rebound in January, building permits decline

U.S. single-family homebuilding saw a rebound in December, with starts increasing. However, a decline in future construction permits signals underlying weakness. Higher mortgage rates, material costs, and builder sentiment deterioration are constraining the housing market, despite government efforts to improve affordability.

19 Feb 2026 10:50 am
Japan's 20-year bonds take first super-long auction since election in stride

Japan's 20-year bond yield remained stable following a moderately firm auction, showing little reaction to a previous tax-cut pledge that had sent yields soaring. Foreign investors are reportedly leading demand, attracted by higher yields on hedged bonds. Market concerns over political instability have eased after a significant election win, with reduced issuance also supporting investor appetite for super-long JGBs.

19 Feb 2026 10:48 am
Strong earnings: Trent, Vedanta among 10 largecaps that clocked highest profit growth of up to 125% YoY in Q3

Several Indian largecap companies showed strong financial results in the December quarter. Trent and Vedanta were among ten firms that achieved substantial profit growth, with some seeing increases up to 125 percent year-on-year. Other companies like Muthoot Finance, Siemens Energy, and TVS Motor also reported healthy profit jumps.

19 Feb 2026 10:20 am
Green push gathers pace as IDFC First Bank sees rising traction in deposits and EV financing

Banks are witnessing a surge in customer interest for green products and lending, particularly driven by younger demographics' environmental consciousness. IDFC First Bank reports significant adoption of green deposits and profitable electric vehicle financing, indicating a growing movement towards sustainable finance.

19 Feb 2026 10:08 am