The Economic Times

Bharat Coking Coal Ltds IPO has garnered strong grey market interest ahead of its Monday listing, indicating a potential 54% listing gain. One of the most oversubscribed PSU offerings in recent years, the companys strategic position as Indias largest coking coal producer underscores investor confidence despite the brief delay.

Rising FII short positions in index futures and a near-record low longshort ratio point to heightened volatility in the January series. However, a sharp build-up in index futures longs hints at possible short covering. Market focus remains on key Nifty levels, PSU banks, metals and select trading ideas.

Amid continued market volatility in 2026, HDFC Securities has identified seven technically strong stocks for accumulation across small-, mid- and large-cap segments. Spanning multiple sectors, these picks are based on technical indicators, defined buying ranges, targets and stop-loss levels, offering investors structured ideas for the year ahead.

State-run Punjab & Sind Bank on Saturday reported a 19% increase in net profit to 336 crore in the December quarter as bad loans declined. The Delhi-headquartered bank had earned a net profit of 282 crore a year ago.

Digilogic Systems Limited, a city-based automated test equipment systems and application software provider to the defence and aerospace sector, on Saturday announced that its Initial Public Offering (IPO) will open for subscription on January 20.

So far in FY26, 12 penny stocks have delivered sharp gains, with returns ranging from 40% to 589%, including six multibaggers. Selected using strict filters based on market capitalisation, price, and liquidity, the analysis highlights low-priced, actively traded micro-cap stocks that show strong momentum, while underscoring the high risks involved.

Axis Securities has identified three stocks Bank of India, Tata Steel, and HCL Tech with strong technical setups for potential short-term gains of up to 19%. These picks are based on favorable risk-reward trends and recent chart breakouts, suggesting opportunities amid market volatility.

Markets are poised for a volatile week influenced by Q3 earnings, with over 230 companies set to announce results. Geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran are expected to weigh on global sentiment, while FII outflows continue. Technical indicators suggest a consolidative bias with immediate support at 25,55025,600.

India-US trade deal: US senators are urging President Trump to push India to remove tariffs on American pulse exports. This demand touches upon India's agricultural policies and its goal of self-reliance in pulses. India's decision to impose tariffs was to protect its farmers. This could complicate the ongoing trade deal negotiations.

Indian markets enter 2026 balancing growth optimism with risks from a massive IPO pipeline and weak FII flows. HDFC Securities sees policy support, domestic liquidity, easing global risks and valuation corrections driving a potential Goldilocks recovery, with 16% earnings growth.

Foreign institutional investors sold Rs 22,530 crore of Indian equities in early January, accelerating outflows despite selective Q3 earnings optimism. Analysts cite tariff uncertainties, geopolitical risks, high valuations and AI-led global shifts, urging cautious positioning and focus on quality large-cap and select midcap stocks.

Industry leaders are urging the government to use the upcoming Union Budget for 2026-27. They want reforms in infrastructure, innovation, digital systems, and finance. This aims to keep India as the world's fastest-growing economy. Business confidence is high, driven by domestic demand. The budget proposals focus on capital expenditure and talent attraction.

Indian markets consolidated in a narrow range during the truncated week, with Nifty ending marginally positive. The index remains below its recent high, awaiting a decisive catalyst. Traders are advised to be cautious and focus on stock-specific opportunities with risk management.

Crypto markets stayed stable in mid-January with total capitalization at $3.22 trillion. Bitcoin consolidated near $95,000, while select altcoins gained. Analysts see a bullish structure, improving macro conditions, rising institutional participation, and potential upside if key resistance levels break.

Rajat Sharma of Sana Securities favors value investing. He sees buying chances in HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank. Long-term prospects are strong for IT stocks like Infosys and Birlasoft. Defence stocks are viewed with caution due to high valuations. FMCG sector may see earnings-led upside. Sharma's strategy focuses on fundamentals for long-term gains.

IDBI Bank reported a marginal 1.4% rise in Q3 net profit to Rs 1,935 crore year-on-year, but profit fell sharply quarter-on-quarter. Interest income and NII declined, while deposits, advances and total business recorded steady annual growth during the December quarter.

Gold-to-silver ratio fell to 50, lowest since 2012, as silver surged 170% since 2025, far outperforming golds 76% rise. Silver hit record MCX highs, narrowing valuation gaps and reshaping precious metal investment signals amid global uncertainty for investors worldwide today.

India and the EU are on the cusp of a landmark Free Trade Agreement, potentially dubbed the 'mother of all deals.' This pact, two decades in the making, aims to boost bilateral trade and investment, offering a crucial diversification avenue amidst rising protectionism. Key sticking points include market access for automobiles and agriculture, but a breakthrough could reshape global trade.

ICICI Bank Q3 Results: India's second largest private lender ICICI Bank on Saturday reported a 4% fall in its December quarter standalone net profit at Rs 11,318 crore compared to Rs 11,792 crore reported in the year ago period. The profit after tax (PAT) was below ET Now estimates of Rs 12,346 crore.

HDFC Bank Q3 Results: India's largest private lender HDFC Bank on Saturday reported an 11% jump in its December quarter standalone net profit at Rs 18,654 crore compared to Rs 16,735 crore reported in the year ago period. It was above Street's estimates of Rs 18,473 crore.

Indian merchandise exports face challenges from the US-India trade deal stalemate and possible US sanctions on Russian crude oil. Tea and basmati rice may see pressure. However, the current account deficit is projected to stay manageable due to strong services trade and remittances.

RBL Bank reported a 555% jump in Q3 net profit to Rs 214 crore, driven by advances growth, strong retail and wholesale lending, better asset quality, and higher deposits despite a slight dip in net interest margin.

Dolly Khanna acquired a 1.13% stake in IFB Agro Industries following strong Q2 results and a 105% stock rally. She trimmed holdings in GHCL, Emkay, Prakash Industries, Som Distilleries, and Coffee Day Enterprises.

Vijay Kedia acquired a 1.14% stake in Advait Energy Transitions, a renewable-focused Ahmedabad firm, diversifying his smallcap portfolio. Shares have fallen sharply, but Kedia also invested in Patel Engineering and increased Om Infra holdings.

India saw gross FDI inflows rise to USD 81 billion in FY25. However, increased profit repatriation and outflows significantly reduced net FDI to just USD 1 billion. Despite this, India's return on inward FDI remains strong. Emerging sectors like semiconductors and EVs are attracting foreign investment. Global FDI flows are lagging GDP growth.

A free trade agreement between India and the European Union is set to boost exports in textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and engineering goods. Exporters anticipate a doubling of shipments to the EU within three years. This pact offers a stable framework for Indian businesses, aiding long-term investments and market access. It also helps diversify export markets, reducing reliance on single regions.

Yes Bank Q3 Results: Yes Bank on Saturday reported a 55% increase in its December quarter standalone net profit at Rs 952 crore compared to Rs 612 crore reported in the year ago period.

Despite declining retail participation in 68 small-cap stocks over three quarters, many delivered strong gains, with 12 surging 40130%. This highlights a disconnect between ownership trends and market performance.

Over five sessions ending January 16, Sensex slipped 0.73%, with 47 BSE 500 stocks losing value consecutively. Ten stocks fell sharply, posting cumulative declines of 10%22%, highlighting persistent short-term weakness.

Indian markets rebounded modestly as IT and banking gains offset global risks. Nifty consolidates near key averages awaiting heavyweight earnings, while Bank Nifty outperforms. Analysts see range-bound action turning directional post-results, with IT, metals and banks favored in coming sessions.

Ahead of Budget 2026, Indias crypto industry is seeking regulatory clarity and tax rationalisation, especially relief from the 1% TDS and 30% flat tax, to boost liquidity, compliance, investor confidence and growth of the domestic Web3 ecosystem.

India's Union Budget 2026 arrives as the nation focuses on AI execution. Industry leaders seek structural reforms for power, approvals, and policy certainty. Clear governance, risk frameworks, and scalable compute access are crucial. The budget must foster domestic AI growth, support Indian languages, and position the government as a key customer to drive innovation and global leadership.

American lawmakers have asked President Trump to seek better terms for pulse crops in trade talks with India. They state that Indian tariffs put US producers at a disadvantage. India is a major consumer of pulses like lentils and chickpeas. The lawmakers recall past efforts to address this issue. They believe favorable provisions will benefit both countries.

Indias primary market gears up for a busy week as four IPOs seek 2,066 crore, led by Shadowfax Technologies. Strong subscription buzz around Bharat Coking Coal and multiple listings underscore firm investor appetite entering 2026.

Indias auto sector shows sustained post-festive momentum, with Q3 volumes up 17% year-on-year across segments. Strong demand, lean inventories and easing discounts are lifting revenues, profits and margins, supporting a positive medium-term outlook for automakers and ancillaries.

The Indian Jute Mills Association has asked the government to stop private raw jute trading after March 31. This move aims to control rising prices and ensure fibre availability for mills. The association claims many mills have shut down, leaving thousands jobless. The proposal seeks to stabilize prices and secure jute bag supply for upcoming seasons.

A new report by GTRI urges India to overhaul its import tariffs and customs administration to boost manufacturing and exports. The think-tank suggests simplifying duties, eliminating complex notifications, and creating a growth-focused customs system. These reforms are crucial as India's trade volume grows and global supply chains shift.

Venezuelan banks will receive 300 million dollars from oil revenues. This money comes from an account in Qatar. The banks will sell these dollars to Venezuelan companies. These companies need foreign currency to import materials. This move aims to ease a dollar shortage. The U.S. had previously seized Venezuelan oil tankers. This action impacted the country's main revenue source.

Oil prices increased on Friday as traders rushed to close short positions ahead of the extended weekend. Heightened fears about a possible US operation against Iran contributed to the fluctuating prices, pushing both Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate to gain ground. The recent deployment of a US Navy carrier group to the Persian Gulf couldn't be ignored either.

Gold prices dropped on Friday after reaching record highs. Investors took profits as geopolitical tensions eased, reducing gold's safe-haven appeal. Despite the dip, gold is set for its second consecutive weekly gain. Silver also saw a decline after hitting an all-time high. Analysts suggest gold could still reach $5,000 this year, with corrections expected.

The dollar strengthened Friday as President Trump's comments suggested economic adviser Kevin Hassett is unlikely to chair the Federal Reserve, boosting political credibility. Meanwhile, Japan warned of currency intervention as the yen weakened significantly against the dollar, with some Bank of Japan policymakers considering earlier rate hikes to combat inflation.

European stock markets ended the week flat. Luxury and mining stocks saw declines. Geopolitical tensions eased, impacting commodity-linked shares. Defence stocks provided some support. Novo Nordisk shares surged on positive news about its weight-loss pill. Investors are navigating a busy earnings season amidst global uncertainties.

Indian markets saw modest weekly losses despite strong tech and banking earnings. The US dollar held firm near a six-week high. President Trump hinted at not appointing a rate-cutting advocate as Federal Reserve chair. Gold prices slowed after a surge in safe haven demand.

Investors await Union Budget 2026-27 amid global and domestic headwinds, assessing whether fiscal prudence, tax relief and growth measures can align bond and equity interests, revive FPI inflows, support earnings, and sustain Indias macro stability through disciplined deficits and reforms.

Indias aluminium prices hit record highs in early 2026, tracking LMEs surge above $3,000/ton, driven by tight global supply, Chinas capacity limits, high energy costs, tariffs, and strong Indian demand, keeping domestic premiums elevated and outlook volatile through the year.

India's upcoming Union Budget is expected to boost electric vehicle adoption. Measures will likely focus on strengthening domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports. Incentives could be recalibrated to encourage investment across the EV value chain. This aims to support sustainable transport and conserve foreign exchange.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals has successfully raised 12,500 crore via debentures, a strategic move to finance its takeover of JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals. By issuing commercial papers and non-convertible debentures with varying maturities, Torrent attracted investments from mutual funds, insurance firms, and pension funds. This financing decision underscores Torrent's ambition to enhance its market presence and broaden its therapeutic offerings.

The Reserve Bank of India has stopped advance payments for gold and silver imports. This move aims to prevent money laundering. Banks will now play a key role in monitoring all import payments. New rules also simplify trade for businesses. These changes take effect from October 1. Stricter rules will apply for future advance payments if contracts are not met.