The Economic Times

Indian IT stocks including TCS and Infosys are in focus following Accenture's strong Q4 results and above-estimate revenue guidance. While the outlook signals potential recovery in discretionary technology spending, analysts warn that Indian IT firms may still report their weakest Q2 growth in three years amid AI-led pricing pressures.

The U.S. military recently conducted an attack on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea. This strike resulted in the deaths of four individuals, contributing to an escalating military campaign against narcotics trafficking. Since September 2025, the U.S. has reportedly killed at least 235 people in similar operations targeting alleged traffickers. The Trump administration asserts this military action is essential for reducing drug-related fatalities in the United States.

Trump is 'hell-bent and determined' on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons: Hegseth

The Rs 552-crore Orient Cables IPO was a book-built issue comprising a fresh issue of 1.18 crore shares worth Rs 320 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 85.29 lakh shares worth Rs 232 crore.

The Rs 420-crore public issue was priced in the range of Rs 3032 per share, with the upper end of the price band at Rs 32. The issue comprised a fresh issue of 8.97 crore shares aggregating to Rs 287 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 4.16 crore shares worth Rs 133 crore.

In the grey market, the IPO is currently commanding a premium of Rs 20, or 9.09%, over the upper end of its price band, indicating expectations of a premium listing.

Elections on November 3 will determine control of Congress, affecting Trump's agenda as he finishes his term. Voters will decide on all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats in this midterm election. Democratic candidates currently have an advantage according to recent polls among registered voters. Major spending on campaign advertisements is expected to surpass previous records for midterm elections.

Only 12% of NSE 500 stocks are trading above their 20-day moving averages, while just 16% are above their 50-day averages, conditions similar to those seen near the end of the March correction. Yet medium- and long-term breadth is not as depressed, suggesting that any rebound may be a short-covering rally within a broader corrective phase rather than the start of a durable market bottom.

Ekadashi kab ki hai: Indira and Papankusha Ekadashi 2026 will be observed on October 6 and October 22, respectively, during the month of Ashwin. Indira Ekadashi falls during Pitru Paksha and is considered significant for prayers and rituals dedicated to ancestors. Check the exact Ekadashi tithi timings, auspicious muhurat and Parana details for the two Ashwin Ekadashi observances.

EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic is set to visit Beijing for crucial discussions regarding trade relations. As European leaders express concerns about unfair competition from Chinese industries, a potential trade war looms. The EU aims to reduce its significant trade deficit with China, which reached around 360 billion euros last year. Sefcovic seeks action on export surges from China and plans to enhance EU's trade defense measures.

Brent crude futures fell 70 cents, or 0.69%, to $101.60 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $90.15 a barrel, down 90 cents, or 1.07%.

Indian wrestlers received a grand welcome after their impressive performance at the Asian Games 2026. Sujeet Kalkal and Aman Sehrawat won gold medals, while Nitesh Kumar secured silver. The wrestlers expressed their determination to win medals at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. They credited their success to rigorous training and the support of their coaches and the nation.

As inflation concerns rise, investors are putting their faith in the Reserve Bank of India to implement an interest rate hike. A survey reveals that nearly 60% of economists believe a 25-basis-point increase is likely at the coming policy meeting. With an eye on foreign investment, expectations are growing for a tightening cycle to kick off in October, setting the stage for how future capital flows will be managed.

Nifty has dipped significantly, nearing a critical support range of 22,000 to 22,600, catching the attention of traders looking for a potential technical rebound in the oversold market. Analysts recommend buying Indian Hotel and Mankind Pharma stocks, highlighting ambitious targets and stop-loss settings. Conversely, caution is warranted for IOC and Torrent Pharma, which display signs of decline. The market strategy appears optimistic for October, tapping into seasonal recovery prospects.

S Jaishankar engaged with young diplomats at the Raisina Forum discussing India's expanding global influence and trade. He emphasized the importance of diaspora welfare and the responsibilities towards skilled professionals abroad. Additionally, he noted the evolving India-Africa partnership characterized by technological transfer and shared experiences. Jaishankar addressed challenges in foreign policy in the social media age and the dynamics of emerging middle power cooperation.

The 2026 Nobel season is set to reveal the winners of various prestigious awards, starting with medicine. The medicine prize is anticipated to acknowledge research on appetite-regulating hormones related to weight-loss drugs. Alongside this, other fields such as skin regeneration and immunology are also potential candidates for recognition. The peace prize is expected to generate significant interest due to last year's controversial winner.

The 200 DMA is used as a key indicator by traders for determining the overall trend in a particular stock.

The dollar's ascent continues, climbing to a 17-month peak as the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate increase diminishes. Meanwhile, European currencies face challenges, notably the euro, burdened by rising concerns over Frances debt and political instability. Recent employment statistics from the U.S. hint at a cooling labor market, leading traders to adjust their rate expectations for October.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi denied reports about the expulsion of Iranian diplomats from the United States. Following the UN General Assembly, he stated all but one diplomat left as scheduled. Reports suggested two members defied a US State Department order to leave the country. The Iranian delegation was instructed to ensure full compliance with exit directives.

Tamil Nadu weather: Rain with thunderstorms and lightning is likely in 17 districts, including Chennai, over the next three hours, according to the Chennai Meteorological Centre. The IMD has also forecast isolated heavy rain in the ghat areas of Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Theni, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri, along with gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph in one or two places.

During early Monday trading in Asia, gold prices surged due to lackluster US job growth figures. This disappointing employment data notably diminished the Federal Reserve's likelihood of raising interest rates in October, prompting investors to pivot towards safe-haven assets. Spot gold climbed to $4,153.32 per ounce, while silver and platinum also experienced price increases as market reactions unfolded. Economic trends are steering investment behaviors in precious metals significantly.

On Monday, oil prices surged following missile and drone strikes from Yemen's Houthis aimed at Saudi Aramco facilities in Riyadh and the Khurais region. This escalation has sparked fears over potential disruptions in oil production from one of the world's primary exporters. Consequently, Brent crude futures climbed by 0.79%, hitting $103.06 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude increased by 0.50% to reach $91.57 per barrel.

The UK Green Party has formally adopted an anti-Zionist position at its recent conference in 2026. This decision has led to Israel barring the party's leader, Zack Polanski, from entering the country. The resolution defines Zionism as an ethnonationalist political project and not to be confused with antisemitism. Israel's Foreign Ministry criticized the resolution, stating it legitimizes violence against the state.

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan highlighted the significance of voting rights during a recent address at NALSAR University. He stated that disenfranchisement of citizens undermines the constitutional order established by the Indian Constitution. Bhuyan emphasized that the right to vote is a fundamental constitutional right tied to democracy. He also referenced Supreme Court judgments regarding voter registration and deletion processes.

A woman has filed a lawsuit against Cornell University students, alleging they drugged and raped her in 2024. Her lawyer reports receiving threats aimed at silencing the accuser and himself. The university president has vowed to review the role of fraternities on campus due to the controversy. New York's Governor has appointed a special prosecutor to investigate the allegations more thoroughly.

The US-Iran war, which commenced on February 27, caused significant volatility in the equity markets, impacting key benchmarks. By October, the Nifty 50 index exhibited a dramatic shift, rising from 22,421 to 25,178. Midcaps and smallcaps mirrored this pattern amid the turmoil. Interestingly, certain stocks across various sectors maintained stable growth even post-ceasefire, showcasing remarkable resilience despite the market fluctuations.

AkzoNobel is close to finalizing a deal with Nippon Paint for its Southeast Asian decorative paints business. This potential agreement is expected to surpass $1 billion and may be announced soon. The divestment would involve operations across several countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Nippon Paint has previously shown interest in acquiring the entire decorative paints division of AkzoNobel.

Schneider Electric is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire US-based software company PTC for about $20 billion. The Financial Times highlighted that negotiations might result in an announcement by Monday. PTC, based in Boston, has a current market value of approximately $15.63 billion as per LSEG data. In July, the company increased its revenue forecast following strong demand for its industrial software.

Avinash Mishra secured victory in Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, becoming the champion after weeks of challenges. He expressed his emotions as Rohit Shetty announced him as the winner during the grand finale. Avinash's win is major as it marks a decade-long journey in his acting career. Read on!

Donald Trump held a rally in Ohio to support Republican candidates Jon Husted and Vivek Ramaswamy. He criticized Democrats and emphasized the need for voters to participate in the midterms. Trump warned that he would be less inclined to assist Democratic officials if they win key races. Husted faces a tough race against former Senator Sherrod Brown, while Ramaswamy battles Amy Acton.

Britain is contemplating the implementation of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports in the near future. This consideration arises from concerns regarding the potential flooding of the market with state-subsidised vehicles. Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds is preparing a package of potential tariffs for Chinese vehicle imports. British officials are eager to align their strategy with the European Union to protect the national car industry.

A homecoming party in Vienna, Georgia, turned violent as gunfire erupted, leaving two men dead. Over thirty attendees sustained injuries from the shooting, with victims ranging from 14 to 51 years old. Law enforcement reported more than 50 shots fired during the incident at what was intended to be a celebratory event. Deputies were present when the shooting began but were unable to prevent the violence.

US Stock Market prediction: As the fourth quarter kicks off, the stock market is already on pace for a solid year. The benchmark S&P 500 as of Friday had gained nearly 13 per cent in 2026, and sat about 1 per cent below its mid-August record high.

Hanuman Ansh continues to shine at the box office even after 57 days, raking in a remarkable Rs 419 crore worldwide. The film remains steadfast amidst stiff competition, with the makers prioritising its theatrical success. Read on to know more about when it will start streaming online.

Brazil's presidential election is heading to a runoff on October 25 after no candidate won in the first round. Flavio Bolsonaro is currently leading with 47.45 percent of the votes, while Lula secured 44.66 percent. Around 160 million registered voters participated in the election, which also included other political contests. Concerns over crime, insecurity, and the economy dominated the election campaign leading to this runoff.

Given the current market dynamics, investors are encouraged to reassess their asset allocation strategies. The evolving US AI landscape combined with heightened geopolitical tensions presents challenges to global markets. While the short-term earnings outlook is promising, the future growth trajectory will largely depend on how the US AI cycle evolves. Gold continues to be a recommended investment choice, yet caution is advised regarding international investments.

Cutting through money jargon, one topic at a time. This week, Sanket Dhanorkar explains why yields on US Treasury bonds matter, and what it means for Indian investors. Rising US bond yields mean investors are demanding a higher return to buy and hold that debt. This reflects concerns over the weak fiscal position of the US and the inflationary impact from steep oil prices.

Working Indians across generations are increasingly proactive towards retirement planning, even as most believe they are not adequatelyeither financially, physically or emotionally prepared for their twilight years, the latest edition of an annual study by Axis Max Life Insurance shows. 1 in 2 respondents think they should start plan ning for retirement from their 1st pay cheque.

In this edition, we present a 10-year performance tracker of various domestic market sectors. The annual returns are ranked for 9 key NSE Sector indices. Metals lead 10-year sector gains; Real Estate, Energy follow. By Sameer Bhardwaj.

Bala had saved 2,000 for headphones. He spotted a pair at 40% off, but the prompt, Only 2 left! and Add 500 more for FREE shipping! nudged him into adding a phone cover and a notebook. He ended up spending more than he had planned. During festive sales, around Dussehra and Diwali, such offers can push us to buy faster, spend more or buy things we dont really need.

Cover the risks between your old payslip and the new one, says Devashish Chakravarty. Read the print on your offer before you re sign. Routine conditions are fine, such as background verification, document checks and reference calls. Speed them up. Watch out for clauses that can delay or withdraw the offer, like a joining date to be confirmed, or a role tied to a client contract, or a probation that is extendable.

Investor enthusiasm around the sector is visible in the performance of nine EMS stocks covered by multiple brokerages. The group has delivered an equal weighted average return of 55.3% so far in 2026, compared with 1.1% for the Nifty 500 Equal Weighted Index. Seven of the nine stocks have delivered posi tive returns, while three have gained over 100%. The analysis is based on closing prices as of 28 September 2026.

The software can analyse thousands of funds and figure out that the three or four you are researching have almost identical portfolios. However, the investors real challenge lies in the middle stage. Choosing a good fund is the easy part because there are actually a lot of good funds and distinguishing the good from the bad is not black magic, nor is it guesswork.

Recent incidents highlight the increasing threat of compromised WhatsApp accounts among financial advisers in India. These attacks exploit trust, as fraudsters impersonate advisers through hacked accounts. Financial firms have implemented strict new security measures to mitigate future attacks and protect client information. Advisers urge their clients to adopt safer communication practices when handling sensitive financial information. Staying vigilant and verifying communications can prevent p

While the higher ceiling does have an impact on immediate net cash take-home of the employee due to increased contribution, it will certainly support building of future corpus for retirement and higher pension by way of contribution to the provident fund and pension scheme.

The recent adjustment to the Employees' Provident Fund wage ceiling significantly widens eligibility for benefits, raising the contribution limit from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000. This revision aims to enhance social security, but it might pose complexities for pension contributions. Employees should verify the accuracy of their EPS records to prevent issues, as the swift rollout of the new ceiling could lead to unforeseen challenges.