The Economic Times

The world's largest oil company, Saudi Aramco, has launched a $4-billion four-tranche bond, drawing robust demand from investors for its first foray into global debt markets this year.

Amid market volatility and corrections, investors are debating whether to favour largecaps or riskier mid- and small-caps. Gurmeet Chadha advises taking a medium- to long-term view and focusing on accumulating fundamentally strong companies, irrespective of their market size.

Tata Consumer Products Q3 Results: Tata Consumer Products reported a robust 38% year-on-year increase in net profit for the December quarter, reaching Rs 385 crore. Revenue from operations also saw a significant 15% jump to Rs 5,112 crore, driven by strong volume growth across its India Branded business, including notable performance in coffee and the Tata Sampann portfolio.

Budget 2026: As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, Tamil Nadu faces a political tug-of-war. The DMK alleges fiscal step-motherly treatment and political budgeting by New Delhi. The BJP-AIADMK alliance refutes these claims, pointing to DMK's alleged mismanagement and highlighting recent development projects. The state's demands for the budget focus on metro funding, Tamil language allocation, and railway projects.

India has significantly opened its auto market to European automakers, offering a quota of 250,000 vehicles with reduced tariffs under a new trade pact. This agreement, which includes phased tariff cuts for both combustion-engine and electric vehicles, aims to deepen trade ties and boost exports for both regions.

The U.S. dollar is facing renewed pressure in early 2026 due to a confluence of factors, including Washington's desire for a weaker currency and President Trump's unpredictable policies. This has led investors to reassess their optimistic outlook, with the dollar experiencing a significant slide against major currencies.

Eternal's stock faces pressure due to leadership changes, overshadowing optimism in quick commerce. Market expert Sandip Sabharwal likens the situation to past leadership transitions that impacted valuations. He believes the stock remains fundamentally expensive, with the CEO's potential distraction being the primary driver of the correction.

Indias landmark FTA with the European Union, dubbed the mother of all deals, is reshaping investor focus as tariff cuts and regulatory easing promise a structural export boost. Textiles, pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals are the biggest near-term winners, while shrimp exporters, auto ancillaries and jewellery retailers offer secondary plays. Automakers and Sula Vineyards face near-term pressure.

India and the European Union have inked an innovative free trade agreement, marking a new era in economic collaboration. This pact will dramatically cut tariffs on a wide array of EU imports to India, setting the stage for a massive trade bloc of two billion individuals.

India and the European Union have finalized a Free Trade Agreement. Tariffs on cars will significantly decrease from 110% to 10% for 250,000 vehicles annually. This agreement marks a significant step in bilateral trade. Total trade between India and the EU exceeded 190 billion US dollars in 2024-25. India's exports to the EU reached 75.

India and the European Union have finalized an 18-year-long Free Trade Agreement, featuring extensive tariff cuts on over 90% of EU goods. This pact aims to double EU exports to India by 2032 and includes 500 million in climate support funding for India's emissions reduction efforts.

Axis Securities expects a weak Nifty trend this week and recommends buying APL Apollo while advising sells on IEX and Hero MotoCorp based on bearish technical signals.

As global markets outperform India, diversification is gaining urgency. Subho Moulik explains why a 70:30 India global portfolio improves risk adjusted returns, reduces concentration risk, and provides access to long term global growth themes such as AI, defence, and quantum computing.

OneSource Specialty Pharma shares plunged 18% after reporting a net loss of Rs 47 crore for the December quarter, a significant reversal from the previous year's profit. Revenue dropped 26% year-on-year, impacted by delayed semaglutide approvals in Canada. Despite the weak quarter, the company reaffirmed its FY28 revenue guidance.

Maruti Suzuki is expected to deliver a strong Q3 performance, driven by robust volumes, an improved product mix and operating leverage. Brokerages forecast a 2435% surge in net profit and over 30% revenue growth, though margin trends may vary. The automaker will announce its OctoberDecember earnings on January 28.

Budget 2026 is crucial for India's manufacturing sector. It faces global headwinds and policy choices. The budget must focus on industrial strategy, infrastructure, and trade deals. Execution quality is key to boosting investor confidence. The government aims to reinforce manufacturing as a growth engine. This budget will determine if India transitions to a manufacturing-led economy by design.

Indian equity markets are experiencing foreign investor outflows, driven by global asset reallocation rather than weak fundamentals. Market expert Sandip Sabharwal suggests this trend is temporary, with underlying corporate performance showing stability and even improvement, creating buying opportunities in select stocks.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited shares surged following a significant 98% rise in December quarter net profit. The company announced a Rs 10 per share interim dividend for FY26. Improved refining margins and a stronger balance sheet contributed to the positive outlook. Analysts maintain a buy rating with a potential upside.

The crypto market is stabilizing after a volatile week. Bitcoin is trading near $88,300, showing a rebound. Investors are cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve's policy meeting. Major altcoins are also seeing gains. Global crypto market capitalization has risen. The market is focused on big-tech earnings and the Fed's update. This consolidation reflects waiting for clarity on monetary policy.

Budget 2026 date: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget for 2026-27 on February 1, a Sunday, marking her ninth budget. Stock exchanges BSE and NSE will remain open for trading on this day. The Budget session of Parliament is set to commence on January 28, 2026, following the President's address.

Global markets remain resilient despite tariff threats and Fed uncertainty, says Port Shelter Investments Richard Harris. US equities are supported by strong economic data, while investors increasingly discount aggressive trade rhetoric. With central banks in focus, markets favour equities over bonds but are also hedging through gold and other commodities amid lingering geopolitical and policy risks.

Adani group shares rebounded up to 5% after a significant sell-off, following news of Adani executives' willingness to negotiate with the US SEC regarding summons. Lawyers are discussing an agreement to resolve service of process, with the SEC seeking court permission for direct email delivery after India rejected official requests.

IndusInd Bank reported a sharp year on year profit decline in Q3FY26, broadly in line with estimates. Brokerages offered mixed views, with ratings ranging from Outperform to Reduce, citing elevated stress, muted growth and a gradual recovery outlook.

India's foreign investment landscape has seen net outflows recently, despite strong market returns. To counter this, Budget 2026 is urged to offer competitive tax rates on long-term investments for both FPIs and FDIs. Lowering taxes on capital gains and dividends, along with making debt markets more attractive, could stabilize inflows and boost reserves.

India and the European Union have signed a major free trade agreement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it the mother of all deals. This pact represents a significant portion of global GDP and trade. It is expected to create many opportunities for businesses and consumers in both India and the EU. Key Indian sectors like textiles and jewellery will benefit.

Jefferies has cut its price target on Paytm to Rs 1,450 after removing PIDF incentives from estimates, trimming EBITDA forecasts for FY27 and FY28. Despite the downgrade, the brokerage maintained its Buy rating, citing strong core business traction.

Auto stocks fell sharply as investors reacted to reports that the India EU free trade agreement could significantly lower import tariffs on European cars. Concerns over increased competition weighed on shares of Mahindra, Tata Motors, Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki.

President Trump's $5 billion lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase over alleged politically motivated account closures highlights the complex interplay between his administration's policies and the financial sector. While banks benefit from deregulation, they face uncertainty from proposed caps on credit card interest. Increased lobbying and cautious strategies are emerging as institutions navigate these challenges and opportunities.

Vodafone Idea is expected to report a weak December-quarter showing, with revenue growth remaining muted and losses widening as modest ARPU gains are offset by continued subscriber erosion. An average of five brokerages forecasts revenue growth of about 1% YoY in Q3, while losses are seen expanding to around Rs 6,700-7,000 crore.

Geojit Financial Services' Gaurang Shah sees a mixed earnings season for banks, with some near-term challenges but long-term opportunities. Despite weaker results from IndusInd Bank, Shah remains positive on the BFSI sector's overall loan growth and outlook for the upcoming financial year, recommending several private and public sector banks, as well as NBFCs.

Adani Green Energy shares rebounded 6% as investors bought the dip after a sharp sell-off triggered by regulatory concerns and weak Q3 results. Sentiment improved following company clarification and updates on capacity additions.

The US dollar is under fresh pressure in early 2026 as investors reassess its strength amid shifting US policies, geopolitical risks and central bank moves. Signals that Washington may prefer a weaker currency have added to the strain.

Hindustan Zinc shares surged to a fresh 52-week high of Rs 731, driven by a sharp rally in silver prices which crossed $100 per troy ounce. The company, a leading global silver producer, saw its stock climb as analysts like HSBC upgraded it to 'Buy' with an increased target price, citing strong fundamentals and a positive outlook for metal prices.

Bond investors are preparing for a prolonged Federal Reserve pause, selectively adding risk as expectations for only shallow rate cuts grow. With markets eyeing Jerome Powells guidance and speculation over his possible successor, investors are extending duration cautiously amid resilient economic conditions, tight credit spreads and ongoing geopolitical and fiscal uncertainties.

Shares of Indian textile and shrimp companies surged following the conclusion of a free trade agreement with the European Union. This pact, a result of 18 years of negotiations, is expected to boost bilateral trade. Additionally, renewed optimism for an India-US trade deal emerged after US President Donald Trump's positive remarks. These developments signal potential growth for export-focused sectors.

Government capital spending is set to surge past Rs 12 lakh crore by FY27. This marks a significant increase, reflecting a strong focus on infrastructure development. The report highlights a steady rise in government-led capital expenditure over the years. This sustained push aims to fuel economic growth and build national assets.

Retail investors bruised by small-cap losses are increasingly considering selling equities to chase soaring gold and silver ETFs. With precious metals sharply outperforming stocks, the temptation is strong. However, wealth managers warn that reallocating based on recent returns reflects recency bias and risks undermining disciplined asset allocation by turning portfolio hedges into concentrated bets near a potential cycle peak.

Gold and silver prices hit fresh lifetime highs on the MCX amid strong safe haven demand, geopolitical tensions and a weaker dollar. Analysts see continued volatility, with bullion expected to remain firm and buying on dips advised.

Gold and silver hit fresh lifetime highs on the MCX on Tuesday amid strong safe-haven demand and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Gold February futures traded above Rs 1.58 lakh after breaching $5,100 globally, while silver March futures rallied nearly 6%. International prices also stayed firm, supported by a softer dollar and robust investor demand. Analysts see continued volatility, with bullion expected to remain firm and buying on dips advised.

Citi has upgraded Axis Bank to Buy from Neutral and raised its target price to Rs 1,463 from Rs 1,323, citing strong core earnings and improved return metrics, with RoA at 1.5%.

Waaree Renewable Technologies shares are in focus after its board approved acquiring a 55% stake in Associated Power Structures Limited for Rs 1,225 crore, a move expected to strengthen its power infrastructure presence and act as a near term stock trigger.

UltraTech Cement reported a strong Q3FY26 with a 32% YoY profit jump to Rs 1,792 crore and a 22.5% rise in net sales. Brokerage firms like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Elara Capital have reiterated positive ratings, raising target prices due to robust volume growth, pricing power, and cost efficiencies.

Hyundai Motor India shares are under scrutiny following US President Trump's threat to hike tariffs on South Korean autos to 25%. This move stems from alleged delays in South Korea's legislative approval of a trade deal. Despite a sequential sales dip in December 2025, Hyundai's exports saw significant year-on-year growth.

Indian stock markets opened lower on Tuesday. Global cues, including US tariffs and upcoming Federal Reserve decisions, influenced trading. Sensex and Nifty saw declines. Kotak Mahindra Bank and Axis Bank reported their Q3FY26 earnings. Foreign institutional investors continued selling, impacting the rupee. Global markets showed mixed trends. Oil prices remained flat.

Adani Energy Solutions was among stocks dipping below key technical levels after its share price slid under intraday benchmarks, reflecting short-term bearish pressure in the session.

Kaynes Technology was one of the top F&O stocks seeing a sharp surge in futures open interest, signaling heightened trader positioning and interest in its near-term derivatives activity.

MCX reported a sharp jump in Q3FY26 earnings, driven by strong growth in trading volumes and operating leverage. Revenue and profit rose sharply year on year and sequentially, supported by higher derivatives activity, improved margins and new product launches in the bullion segment.