The Economic Times

The dollar experienced a decline following disappointing US economic indicators, leading to less anticipation for interest rate hikes. Treasury yields dropped universally as retail sales saw a significant downturn. Meanwhile, oil prices reversed their upward trend as traders sought new market signals. In Asia, stock markets showed little variation amid careful monitoring of Middle Eastern affairs, with ongoing geopolitical tensions impacting global investor confidence.

In the June quarter, Indian companies celebrated remarkable revenue growth, reaching a nine-quarter high. Despite this, profits grew by only eleven percent, largely due to rising input costs. Key sectors such as auto, banking, metals, and pharma played a pivotal role in this expansion. Notably, small and midcap firms showcased impressive earnings per share. Looking ahead, revenue is anticipated to gain momentum from upcoming festivals and premiumization strategies.

In the June quarter, Indian companies celebrated remarkable revenue growth, reaching a nine-quarter high. Despite this, profits grew by only eleven percent, largely due to rising input costs. Key sectors such as auto, banking, metals, and pharma played a pivotal role in this expansion. Notably, small and midcap firms showcased impressive earnings per share. Looking ahead, revenue is anticipated to gain momentum from upcoming festivals and premiumization strategies.

Mumbai's primary market anticipates a busy week with seven mainboard IPOs. These offerings aim to collectively raise approximately 7,100 crore in capital. Horizon Industrial Parks plans the largest IPO, seeking 2,600 crore. Lalithaa Jewellery Mart follows, intending to raise 1,700 crore. The SME segment will see two smaller issues raising over 50 crore.

The Nifty index has reached a temporary halt following a robust upward surge, positioning itself at critical support and resistance zones. Analysts are divided in their approaches: some suggest capitalizing on price dips, while others lean towards profiting from price spikes. Notably, the Bank Nifty remains strong, indicating potential for additional growth.

The Reserve Bank of India is defending the rupee at 95.45 against the dollar. Traders are closely watching crude oil prices amid West Asia crisis concerns. Dollar demand from importers and oil companies is expected to increase significantly. The FCNR(B) deposit drive's final stretch may offer some rupee support. The rupee's movement depends on RBI intervention and cooling oil prices.

Indian stock markets experienced a range-bound week with minor losses for Sensex and Nifty. Analysts are watching four key factors that will influence Dalal Street's action this week. Cochin Shipyard reported a profit decline, while Voltas saw a significant profit surge. Patanjali Foods and Kwality Wall's also posted profit increases. PhysicsWallah narrowed its net loss, and NMDC reported a profit rise.

Indian equity markets closed lower on Friday, August 14, as investors awaited clarity. The Nifty50 and Sensex experienced slight declines, ending the trading session down. Investors will closely monitor crude oil prices and global economic data for future direction. Foreign portfolio investors and domestic institutional investors were net buyers of shares. The Indian Rupee traded with a weak bias, influenced by rising inflation concerns.

According to Raamdeo Agrawal of Motilal Oswal, Indian equities may yield a promising fifteen percent annual return over the upcoming five years. However, foreign investors are currently drawn to more dynamic markets like South Korea and the US, deterred by India's capital gains tax and currency instability.

Horizon Industrial Parks plans a

As central banks worldwide, notably in Japan, Canada, and the euro zone, signal plans for sharper interest rate increases than the US, global markets prepare for potential volatility. This transition puts traditional bond safety under strain while anticipating a ripple effect on stock valuations and currency fluctuations. Investors are left grappling with the challenges posed by rising inflation and growing geopolitical uncertainty, making this a precarious investment climate.

India's economy likely grew over seven percent in the first quarter of fiscal year twenty twenty seven. Resilient consumption and exports supported this robust economic expansion during the period. Government capital expenditure also played a significant role in driving overall economic activity. High frequency indicators suggest healthy domestic volume growth across sectors. Economists anticipate a slight moderation in growth during subsequent quarters.

Prime Minister Modi encouraged MSMEs to utilize India's numerous free trade agreements. These pacts offer significant opportunities for small businesses to expand globally. Exporters believe converting agreements into actual export orders is now the key. India has finalized trade pacts with approximately forty countries since 2014. This expansion aims to increase the global reach of Indian products.

The government is discussing a 50 basis point reduction in interest subvention for Kisan Credit Card loans. This move aims to align subsidies with recent policy rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India. Banks currently receive a 1.5% subsidy to offer loans at a 7% interest rate. Discussions are preliminary and part of extending the scheme until 2031-32. Farmers repaying promptly will continue to receive additional interest benefits.

Bankers said some lenders now plan to borrow more short-term funds, possibly at a higher rate, to finance the promised leverage to FCNR(B) clients after the Reserve Bank of India advanced the deadline for swap support. These funds will have to be replaced with a long-term loan or bond later, leading to a temporary mismatch between banks' foreign deposits and borrowings.

Nearly four hundred infrastructure projects have been recommended for approval under the PM GatiShakti initiative. These projects, valued at approximately eighteen lakh crore rupees, aim to boost national connectivity. The Network Planning Group has evaluated these proposals, with many already sanctioned and under implementation. This initiative seeks to integrate infrastructure and reduce overall logistics costs across the country. Experts believe Gati Shakti will enhance business competitivene

Geneva: A horse-drawn carriage carrying tourists ran out of control in a Swiss resort killing one person and injuring 12, police said Sunday.About 40 people were on two carriages in woods in Val Roseg, near the border with Italy, on Saturday when the driver lost control, police said. A 73-year-old woman was killed and two of the injured were in serious condition.Also Read: Four Antonello da Messina artworks stolen in Renaissance painter's hometownOn a sloping stretch of the route, the driver rea

Geraldine Weiss built a disciplined value-investing strategy around buying financially strong blue-chip companies when their dividend yields rose above historical norms. Her approach combined reliable dividend growth, reasonable valuations, moderate debt and patience to generate income and identify undervalued stocks.

Six food companies have corrected misleading labels and trademarks after FSSAI notices. Livyor Ventures Pvt Ltd withdrew its 'vegan and healthy' claims on edamame beans. Honest Innovations For You Pvt Ltd and Heliostone Specialities Pvt Ltd revised their trademarks. Rajasthan Agro and General Industries removed all misleading claims and stopped PPM usage. Iota Nanotechnology Pvt Ltd removed claims and stopped non-standardized water production.

Sensex and Nifty ended last week lower amid range-bound trading, with broader markets also under pressure. Analysts identified four key factors that could drive Dalal Street this week, placing Nifty support at 24,200-24,230 and resistance at 24,500-24,550.

Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Sachin Tendulkar are among investors in Purple Style Labs, the parent of Pernias Pop-Up Shop, which is gearing up for a 660 crore IPO by August-end. The company has received Sebi approval and has expanded from an online platform into physical retail, with 14 Experience Centres across India and London.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns will lead an official delegation to New Delhi and Mumbai from August 31 to September 3 to deepen trade, investment, education and cultural ties with India. The visit will focus on sectors including clean energy, critical minerals, technology, tourism, agri-food and advanced industries.

Bangladesh said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not visit India until New Delhi extradites former premier Sheikh Hasina. Dhaka said a suitable environment for the visit depends on progress over its extradition request, which India says remains under examination.

Berkshire Hathaway's successor Greg Abel is deploying its large cash reserves. The firm recently bought back shares and invested heavily in equities. Alphabet stock saw a significant purchase, becoming a major holding. Berkshire's cash pile decreased after these strategic acquisitions. The company reported strong quarterly operating profit and net income increases.

Bangladesh and India are discussing a potential visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. This visit's scheduling is affected by a recent press event involving Sheikh Hasina. Dhaka has formally requested India's action on extradition requests for Hasina. India clarified its non-involvement in the private media event. Bilateral relations will continue to be guided by sovereign equality and mutual benefit.

Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia, with Moscow saying it destroyed 822 drones. At least six people were killed in Russia, while separate Russian strikes on Ukraine killed three people and injured several others.

After the retreat of Russian forces from Latvia, a concealed Soviet-era radio telescope came to light. Astronomer Juris Zhagars dedicated his efforts to repairing the damaged equipment for research purposes. Alongside his wife, he revitalized a forsaken structure within the old military zone. Now, this telescope supports international scientific initiatives, focusing on terrestrial measurements and astronomical exploration, thriving as a modernized radio astronomy hub.

Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, the legendary

India's tax amnesty scheme for small taxpayers opened Sunday and runs until December 2026. This one-time measure aims to bring undeclared foreign assets and income into the tax net. Taxpayers with undisclosed foreign income up to one crore rupees can declare it.

Last week witnessed a drastic shift in the market, with five leading Indian firms losing a collective Rs 1 lakh crore in valuation. Tata Consultancy Services faced the brunt, seeing its market cap plummet the most. In contrast, five other companies thrived, experiencing notable valuation gains. Despite this volatility, Reliance Industries sustained its position as the most valuable domestic entity amidst the overarching bearish trend in equities.

Nine Sensex stocks offer a potential upside of 20% to 41% over the next 12 months, based on average analyst targets compiled by Trendlyne. HDFC Bank leads the list, followed by Axis Bank, Reliance Industries and NTPC.

Veteran Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen, best known for his National Award-winning debut film Damu, died at 71 at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata on Sunday after prolonged illness. Sen, who worked across Bengali cinema, television and documentaries for decades, had been undergoing treatment for multiple complications involving his lungs, heart and kidneys.

Russia has introduced a new multiple-entry talent visa for highly skilled foreign nationals, offering an easier route to temporary and permanent residence, according to a report by Fragomen.The visa is open to talent in fields including science, creative industries and sports, as well as graduates of top universities, professionals with rare skills and entrepreneurs who can contribute to Russias technological development.Also Read: Landing your first job is getting more expensive in the UKApplic

Mutual funds raised their cash holdings by Rs 7,856 crore to Rs 1.90 lakh crore in July, recovering from a 19-month low in June. PPFAS held the most cash at Rs 25,291 crore, followed by SBI and HDFC Mutual Fund.

The finance ministry has asked ministries and departments to adopt the Producer Price Index (PPI) instead of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for price escalation clauses in future government contracts once PPI becomes available. The move follows the launch of monthly PPI data and aligns with international practices and IMF recommendations.

India must treat maritime insecurity as a long-term trade risk as the Red Sea crisis crosses 1,000 days, GTRI said. Longer shipping routes have raised freight, insurance and working-capital costs, particularly hurting MSME exporters trading with Europe and the US.

India could reach a $20 trillion economy by 2036 with reforms. This requires sustained rupee growth and appreciation, according to a research report. Services will become the principal engine of economic expansion, growing significantly. Proposed reforms span multiple sectors, including capital markets and human capital. Successful execution across many fronts will determine achieving this ambitious economic milestone.

In the upcoming week, nearly one hundred companies have announced record dates for dividends, making it crucial for investors to hold shares prior to these dates for eligibility in corporate actions. Notably, companies like Bandhan Bank and LIC Housing Finance are part of this corporate movement, which includes dividend payments, bonus issues, and stock splits, reflecting significant adjustments across the market.

AI has raised the stakes of taking your first step up the career ladder - and made it tougher and costlier than ever. Georgie Blackburn, a Gloucestershire-based career coach, is one of the few beneficiaries. In a two-decade career advising everyone from senior executives to military leavers, she says most of her clients today are young people fresh out of university, up from just one in 10 two years ago. I have seen it as a growth area for my business, said Blackburn, whose early-careers service

A parliamentary committee highlighted a significant 43 percent vacancy rate within DIPAM. This shortage severely impacts the department's ability to manage public assets. The committee urged the finance ministry to form a task force for filling vacant positions. DIPAM oversees public assets valued at over Rs 42.76 lakh crore. The ministry is also developing a roadmap for CPSE REITs.

Jindal Stainless plans a Rs 900 crore investment to expand its cold rolling capacity. This expansion will support rising demand from key industrial sectors. The company is also planning a significant Rs 40,000 crore manufacturing facility in Maharashtra. This new plant will produce specialized steel grades for emerging strategic sectors. Jindal Stainless reported strong financial performance and progress towards sustainability goals.

Indian equities are likely to remain range-bound in the week of August 1721, with elevated crude prices, global uncertainty and shifting US Fed expectations keeping investors cautious. Sensex fell around 500 points and Nifty 205 points last week, while broader markets declined further. Analysts highlight four key factors that could drive Dalal Streets direction this week, including crude prices, global cues, inflation risks and geopolitical developments.

Anticipation is high in the primary market as six firms prepare to launch IPOs this week, including Blackstone-backed Horizon Industrial Parks and Lalithaa Jewellery Mart. With an increase in public issues, these companies aim to secure funds for growth and development. Following several recent market activities, this wave of IPOs could significantly enhance the total listings for the year.

Mutual funds reduced their exposure to several small-cap stocks in July, with Amara Raja Enterprises witnessing the highest net selling. Welspun Corporation, NBCC, IIFL Finance and Physicswallah were the other major names on the list, according to Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Monthly shareholding changes ranged from a 10.5% decline to an 8.5% increase.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly blamed predecessors and others for economic, foreign-policy and domestic problems, drawing scrutiny over his approach to presidential accountability. The issue is gaining attention as Republicans prepare to defend their congressional majorities in the November midterm elections.