The Economic Times

Goldman Sachs has identified seven Indian companies as AI enablers, citing their role in supporting power, data centre and semiconductor infrastructure amid rising demand from the global AI build-out.

JioBlackRock Mutual Fund has filed draft documents with Sebi for an income plus arbitrage omni FoF, which will invest in debt-oriented and arbitrage funds. The open-ended scheme will offer regular and direct plans with growth options, a Rs 500 minimum investment and a benchmark combining debt and arbitrage indices.

Nifty

Crude oil has crossed $100 a barrel as Saudi Arabia faces disruptions to its alternative export route following attacks on the East-West Pipeline. Prolonged outages could tighten global supplies, raise prices and increase risks for oil-importing economies such as India, while a sustained disruption could push Brent towards $115-$125 a barrel.

Warren Buffett has stepped down from his role as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, marking the end of an era defined by remarkable investment success. Known for his shrewd yet patient approach to bargain-hunting, he outperformed the US stock market time and again. Beyond finance, his down-to-earth advice resonated with countless individuals, earning him a legacy of honesty and trust, inspiring a holistic understanding of success in life.

Ashish Kacholia

Japan is witnessing a surge in underlying inflation, driven by escalating producer prices and wage growth. While government subsidies are currently easing the consumer burden from rising energy costs, inflation expectations continue to climb, indicating a potential wage-price spiral. Analysts predict that the Bank of Japan could implement a twenty-five basis points rate increase in 2026, with more hikes anticipated in 2027, possibly reaching 1.75%.

Five smallcap stocks, including Himadri Speciality, GMDC and IIFL Finance, saw the highest net selling by mutual funds in August, according to Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

Warren Buffett has stepped down as Berkshire Hathaway chairman after more than 60 years, handing the role to his son Howard Buffett while Greg Abel continues as CEO. Abel said Buffetts culture and values will remain central to the $1.1 trillion conglomerate as it moves into its next chapter.

Ten BSE SmallCap stocks, led by Moneyboxx Finance with a 47% gain, rose in each of the five trading sessions through September 18 despite broader market weakness.

CAGR, XIRR and IRR are commonly used to measure mutual fund returns, but each serves a different purpose. While CAGR is suited to lumpsum investments, XIRR helps calculate returns from irregular cash flows such as SIPs. IRR can be used to assess returns from investments involving multiple cash flows over time.

Midcap and smallcap stocks are hitting record highs, but rising valuations and higher US Treasury yields could challenge the rally. ICICI Prudential Life Insurance CIO Manish Kumar discusses earnings visibility, domestic liquidity, FII selling, IPO supply and valuation discipline, while explaining why investors should avoid chasing growth at any price.

Tata Group stocks witnessed sharp volatility this week as developments around the Tata Sons IPO triggered strong buying and selling. Tata Chemicals led the gains with a 13% rise, while Tata Investment Corp gained 8%. Tata Power, IHCL and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles also ended higher despite Friday

Three stocks, including Taal Tech, Midwest Energy and Naturite Agro Products, will turn ex-split next week, with investors needing to buy before their respective record dates.

Following the Bank of Japan's decision to increase interest rates, the dollar saw a rise against the yen. Some policymakers expressed skepticism regarding further hikes, while Japanese officials monitored exchange rates, hinting at possible intervention. Additionally, the US Federal Reserve's assertive approach contributed to the dollar's strength, with energy prices and Fed communications attracting significant market attention.

On Friday, US Treasury yields experienced an upward movement as investors expressed concerns regarding inflation. The Federal Reserve's recent increases in interest rates and indications of more hikes in the future contribute to this shift. With traders predicting additional adjustments in upcoming meetings, there is a growing focus on global central banks tightening their monetary policies to address escalating price pressures.

European stocks took a downturn on Friday, primarily influenced by the disappointing outlook from Volkswagen and considerations surrounding Airtel Africa's IPO. This trend notably affected auto and telecom sectors. Despite oil prices stabilizing, energy shares were down on the week, alongside increased caution from central banks amid inflation worries. Meanwhile, healthcare and insurance sectors managed to thrive, contrasting sharply with the struggles faced by banks and automobile stocks.

On Friday, gold prices surged to reach a one-week peak, hinting at a potential weekly gain. This rally was bolstered by falling oil prices, which alleviated inflation concerns. Nonetheless, the appreciation of the US dollar restrained further growth in gold values. Market sentiment remains shaped by the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes, with silver, platinum, and palladium also posting gains alongside gold.

On Friday, the Indian rupee managed to break its losing streak, thanks to active dollar sales by the Reserve Bank of India and a decrease in oil prices. The currency closed at 95.87, reflecting a minor uptick from its previous closing value. Nevertheless, the firm dollar index and ongoing importer demand curtailed major gains, with the rupee down 1.05% so far this fiscal year.

As the new week approaches, US stock investors are set to prioritize developments in interest rates and Middle Eastern unrest. Attention will also shift toward growing pressures to pause advancements in artificial intelligence. The market is still processing the Federal Reserve's latest decision on interest rates, while investors keenly await insights from the pivotal discussions between President Trump and President Xi Jinping.

India's foreign exchange reserves faced a considerable downturn last week, plunging by $4.9 billion to a total of $780.7 billion. This decrease was influenced by lower valuations of gold reserves and a drop in foreign currency assets. To counteract rupee depreciation, the Reserve Bank of India is likely to have intervened by selling dollars. Some analysts speculate that FCNR(B) inflows pending conversion may have already been swapped.

On Friday, traders faced significant challenges due to a delay in end-of-day trade files from MCX, which hindered their ability to see positions and average prices on brokerage platforms. This situation led to an outcry on social media as traders were unable to settle their positions. MCX acknowledged the delay in dispatching the daily trade file for September 17, 2026, although all other exchange operations proceeded without disruption.

Shapoorji Pallonji Group is negotiating with lenders for a bond repayment extension. The group seeks three to six months to continue its debt refinancing plans. Proceeds from July financing were expected to cover the maturity. SP Group's dollar bond has gained in the secondary market recently. Investors are monitoring developments around the group's Tata Sons holding.

Tata stocks plummeted on Friday due to opposition from Tata Trusts, who contested the reappointment of N Chandrasekaran as chairman by the Tata Sons board. This leadership tug-of-war has raised concerns among investors, uncertain about its implications for multiple group companies. The potential for Tata Sons to go public remains a pivotal opportunity for stakeholders, with future resolutions between the board and Trusts likely affecting market sentiment.

US stocks ended mixed on Friday as Treasury yields topped 5% and crude oil stayed above $100 a barrel, keeping inflation worries alive. The Nasdaq gained as semiconductor stocks rallied, while the Dow slipped. Investors also assessed the Fed's rate outlook, triple witching volatility and fresh corporate developments.

Investor sentiment fell to its lowest level since May 2025, according to the latest AAII survey. Bearish investors rose to 53.3%, while bullish sentiment dropped to 28.8%. The bull-bear spread fell to -24.5%, as elevated oil prices, a Fed rate hike and market volatility fuelled caution among individual investors.

Howard Buffett is set to become Berkshire Hathaway's new chairman, succeeding his father Warren Buffett, who will become chairman emeritus. The 71-year-old has served on Berkshire's board for 33 years and is expected to focus on preserving its culture. His career spans business, farming, conservation, law enforcement and philanthropy.

Amid rising investor concerns surrounding France's fiscal health leading up to next year's elections, risk premiums on French government bonds have surged to levels not seen since the euro zone debt crisis. The country grapples with a tough budget situation, prompting plans for a substantial savings initiative aimed at mitigating the increasing budget deficit, which has impacted French banking stocks and the main stock index significantly.

As investors analyze the economic landscape, US Treasury yields have seen an uptick, fueled by discussions around future rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. The Bank of Japan has also joined the trend, elevating interest rates to their highest point in thirty-one years. Meanwhile, global inflation pressures are exacerbating the situation, propelling a new phase of rate tightening.

HDFC Mutual Fund bought 13.90 lakh Entero Healthcare Solutions shares worth Rs 235.6 crore through a block deal at Rs 1,695 apiece. Prasid Uno Family Trust sold the shares, representing about 3.19% of the companys equity, amid recent stock gains.

Bitcoin has gained 61.7% over five years, outperforming Ethereum and Solana, which declined 26.2% and 27.9%. Analysts attribute Bitcoins lead to institutional adoption, ETF flows, liquidity and scarcity, while Ethereum and Solana remain more sensitive to network activity and crypto narratives.

The Federal Reserve will soon finalize changes to its bank stress tests. These reforms aim to increase transparency and predictability for lenders. The central bank will reveal more details about its testing models and scenarios. A new rule will average recent stress test results for capital requirements. This overhaul seeks to reduce volatility in bank capital buffers.

The benchmark S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq indexes opened slightly higher on Friday, while the Dow was flat as investors digested conflicting signals from lower oil prices and

The Japanese yen faced a sharp decline against the dollar in the aftermath of the Bank of Japan's recent interest rate hike. This decision, which did not sit well with two dissenting policymakers, has sparked skepticism about forthcoming monetary policy adjustments. On a different note, easing oil prices reflected diminished supply concerns in Saudi Arabia, with overall currency markets exhibiting relative steadiness as traders evaluated global economic conditions.

Bitcoin has gained 61.7% over five years, outperforming Ethereum and Solana, which declined 26.2% and 27.9%. Analysts attribute Bitcoins lead to institutional adoption, ETF flows, liquidity and scarcity, while Ethereum and Solana remain more sensitive to network activity and crypto narratives.

Hi-Tech Flow Solutions has filed its DRHP for a Rs 300 crore IPO comprising a fresh issue and offer-for-sale. The company plans capacity expansion, debt repayment and corporate purposes, while targeting growing demand for HSAW pipes across infrastructure sectors.

Bhumika Realty has secured a 24,000 sq ft lease with Lifestyle, marking a significant milestone for their new project, 'The Icon', currently under development in Faridabad. With this mixed-use venture, Faridabad is quickly positioning itself as a key player in the NCR's retail landscape. This deal underscores the rising interest of prominent brands in organized retail within the city, setting the stage for further growth.

Indian government bonds have fallen for five consecutive weeks. A Federal Reserve rate hike and RBI liquidity measures emboldened bond market bears. Global yields reached multi-decade peaks, and the Fed raised rates by twenty-five basis points. The Reserve Bank of India sold bonds, draining significant liquidity from the system. This situation increases the likelihood of an RBI rate hike in October.

Warren Buffett has stepped down as Berkshire Hathaway chairman and become chairman emeritus, with Howard Buffett taking the role. Greg Abel remains CEO. Buffetts six-decade investment philosophy highlights valuation discipline, patience, competence, emotional control and the power of long-term compounding.

Eurozone bond yields were headed for their first weekly decline since early August as investors pared back expectations of further ECB rate hikes. Meanwhile, US Treasury yields stabilised after the 10-year yield briefly breached 5% earlier this week.

Indian equities ended higher on September 18, led by softer crude prices and supportive Asian cues. Nifty gained 0.31%, while Sensex rose marginally. Midcaps and smallcaps advanced over 1%, volatility eased, and Adani Ports topped Nifty gainers with a 4.94% rise.

SIFs are emerging as a new investment category for investors seeking sophisticated strategies within a regulated fund structure. At ET Alpha Wealth Summit 2.0, Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, will discuss whether SIFs can bridge mutual funds and alternative investments, along with their opportunities, risks and portfolio implications.

Adani group stocks rallied on Friday after Jefferies highlighted growth prospects across energy, ports and power businesses. Adani Total Gas gained over 12%, while Adani Energy Solutions, Adani Green, Adani Power and Adani Ports advanced following positive brokerage commentary and targets.

The Indian rupee witnessed a downturn this week, driven by expectations of rising global interest rates. Following fluctuations, oil prices stabilized amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Analysts project that central bank interventions will prevent the rupee from falling below 96 per dollar. Meanwhile, Asian currencies displayed varied performance, and regional stock markets enjoyed a modest uptick, bolstered by foreign portfolio investments supporting the rupee's stability.

Indian stock markets showed divergence as Sensex closed lower and Nifty ended higher. Sharp swings occurred during the closing auction session, impacting both indices significantly. Broader markets, including smallcap and midcap indices, significantly outperformed the benchmarks. Several large-cap stocks experienced declines, while others saw substantial gains. Investor sentiment improved due to easing crude prices and global yields, despite ongoing uncertainties.

Warren Buffett has stepped down as Berkshire Hathaway chairman, effective immediately. He will now serve as chairman emeritus, retaining board membership and advisory roles. Howard Buffett, a director since 1993, has been elected as the new chairman. Greg Abel continues as chief executive officer, and Susan L. Decker remains Lead Independent Director.

Five listed BSE Commodities Index stocks touched fresh 52-week highs on Friday despite the Sensex closing 20 points lower. Bodal Chemicals led gains with a 174% monthly rise, followed by Valiant Organics, West Coast Paper Mills, GOCL Corporation and Neogen Chemicals.

India signed FTAs with the EU and UK. Is that a problem for the WTO? Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala answers