The Economic Times

Manilam Industries India's Rs 40 crore SME IPO opens for subscription on Friday. The issue closes on February 24. Listing is scheduled on the NSE SME platform on February 27. The company is engaged in manufacturing decorative laminates and trading plywood. Proceeds will fund capital expenditure, loan repayment, and working capital.

Gaudium IVF's Rs 165 crore IPO opens for subscription on February 20. Analysts are positive, expecting a moderate listing. The company plans to use funds for new IVF centers and debt repayment. Gaudium IVF operates in the growing fertility services segment. Its financial performance shows improvement. Investors can gain exposure to this high-growth market.

The dollar strengthened significantly, poised for its best weekly gain in over four months, driven by robust U.S. economic data and a hawkish Federal Reserve outlook. Geopolitical tensions with Iran also provided safe-haven support, while the euro and sterling weakened against the greenback.

Wall Street closed lower on Thursday, impacted by declines in private equity firms and tech giants Nvidia and Apple. Concerns over AI's disruption and high valuations weighed on tech stocks, while mixed earnings and economic data kept investors cautious about the Federal Reserve's future rate decisions.

Asian equities declined as escalating US-Iran tensions impacted market sentiment, while oil prices surged to their highest point since August. Markets reopened lower in Japan and Australia, with caution resurfacing due to fresh geopolitical risks. Stocks have not yet fully priced in these tensions, with expectations leaning towards a diplomatic resolution.

Indian stock markets saw a sharp selloff on Thursday, ending a three-day winning streak. Geopolitical risks and potential oil supply disruptions are expected to keep markets cautious. Any escalation involving Iran could impact oil shipments, affecting India's crude imports. Foreign investors were net buyers, while the Rupee saw a slight gain.

Indian markets experienced a downturn on Thursday, with profit-taking and a risk-off sentiment leading to a decline. Key stocks like Federal Bank, ICICI Pru Life, and HUL are in focus due to significant corporate developments, including tax refunds, demands, capacity expansions, and new product launches, impacting investor sentiment.

Some top money managers are disagreeing with market expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. They believe the US economy is strong and inflation may remain high. This view leads them to bet against US government bonds. They anticipate fewer rate reductions than the market is pricing in for later this year and into next year.

Indian stock markets experienced a sharp decline on Thursday. This downturn was driven by escalating tensions between the US and Iran, which pushed Brent crude oil prices above $71 a barrel. The Indian economy's reliance on oil imports makes it vulnerable to such price hikes. The Indian Rupee also weakened against the US Dollar.

MAS Financial Services (MFSL) has seen a 9% stock gain, outperforming its sector index, driven by double-digit disbursement growth and improving margins. The company aims for 1,00,000 crore AUM by 2036, with analysts maintaining a 'buy' rating and raising targets due to attractive valuations and strong growth prospects.

Bajaj Finserv's alternative investment arm plans to raise up to $1 billion across private equity, liquid alternatives, listed equity, and real estate. The platform aims to expand beyond traditional financial services, with capital deployment expected to begin next fiscal year. The firm is building a 40-member team and seeks to deliver consistent outperformance in its strategies.

Geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, including joint naval drills and temporary Strait of Hormuz closures, have fueled concerns of oil supply disruptions. This led to a surge in crude prices, boosting shares of oil exploration companies like Oil India and ONGC, while impacting oil marketing firms.

Europe's wealthiest investors are increasing their allocation to liquid alternative UCITS funds, seeking higher yields as interest rates fall. These retail-friendly products, mimicking hedge fund strategies, saw a 22% asset rise in 2025, reversing a previous decline. This trend highlights a shift away from fixed income towards strategies offering attractive returns and greater liquidity.

Foreign investors poured significant funds into capital goods, financials, and oil & gas sectors in early February. This marked their highest fortnightly purchases since April 2025. Conversely, IT stocks saw substantial selling pressure. This shift reflects a move from services to real economy sectors. The IT sector has experienced a notable decline this year.

IndusInd Bank's top leadership is focused on rebuilding trust and strengthening the bank's operations. Decisions on strategic investors or mergers will be made by the board. The bank is prioritizing growth in affordable housing, gold loans, and MSME lending. Efforts are underway to improve liability generation and reduce costs. Technology and control gaps are being addressed, with completion expected soon.

The Labour and Employment Ministry has prepared a list of nearly two dozen compliances for employers under four new labour codes. These reforms aim to increase accountability and minimize legal disputes. The codes, which replaced 29 old laws, mandate foundational, monthly, annual, and event-based compliances. Employers must ensure timely wage payments, social security contributions, and adherence to safety regulations.

India's market regulator Sebi has issued a show cause notice to Zee Entertainment Enterprises and its top executives. The notice alleges fund diversion and governance lapses. Zee Entertainment has denied all allegations. The company plans to file a response and take legal steps to protect shareholder interests.

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).

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.

Federal Bank is set to receive a substantial Rs 686 crore tax refund, marking the resolution of a long-standing tax dispute. This significant financial boost, covering assessment years 2012-13 and 2013-14, is expected to positively impact the bank's profitability in the upcoming quarter. The development follows recent orders from the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.