The Economic Times

Zerodha has revised its brokerage plan, now applying higher charges only to derivative traders with a cash collateral shortfall exceeding 5 lakh. This change, effective April 1, impacts less than 1% of its active equity derivative clients.

Financial services firms achieved record fundraising in FY26, raising 49,795 crore through IPOs, the highest in a decade. Despite a struggling finance sector index, these new listings significantly boosted the primary market. Major IPOs from Tata Capital and HDB Financial Services led this surge, accounting for a substantial portion of the total funds raised.

ET looks at how the proposed amendments to the decade-old law, blamed by critics for causing inordinate delay in the rescue or liquidation of bankrupt firms, is going to shape the countrys insolvency ecosystem.

New rules for four labour codes are ready for notification. These codes consolidate 44 laws into 29 provisions. Implementation is expected in April. This will bring social security to unorganised workers, including gig and platform workers. Mandatory health check-ups and unemployment benefits will be introduced. A social security fund will be established for 400 million unorganised workers.

The Serious Fraud Investigation Office is investigating IndusInd Bank's accounting irregularities. Key former executives have been summoned for questioning. This probe follows earlier findings by auditors and forensic reports. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing is nearing the closure of its preliminary inquiry, finding no evidence of fund diversion.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Canada in May 2026. This visit coincides with ongoing talks for a free trade agreement between India and Canada. Discussions will focus on expediting these negotiations. Both nations will explore cooperation in clean energy, nuclear energy, agriculture, and critical minerals. The minister also met with UK and EU officials regarding trade pacts.

India is actively pursuing trade agreements with the EU and UK. Discussions are underway to finalize a free trade deal with the EU. The UK has completed its parliamentary approval for the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. New Zealand is preparing for Prime Minister Modi's visit with key deliverables. Canada and India are expediting their trade negotiations.

India urged the WTO to prioritize the development dimension of the Doha Work Programme, emphasizing mandated issues like Public Stockholding and Special Safeguard Mechanism. New Delhi stressed these should be addressed independently, not contingent on other reforms, and called for strengthening special and differential treatment for developing nations.

India's government is considering further economic relief for vulnerable sectors and MSMEs. This comes as the West Asia crisis continues, impacting global crude prices and supply chains. Measures like excise duty cuts on fuel and support for exporters are already in place. The government aims to shield the economy from rising costs and potential disruptions.

Indian markets ended a two-day rally as Iran-US tensions and elevated energy prices weighed on investor sentiment. Nifty fell 2.09% to 22,819.60, Sensex down 2.25%. US and European indices also declined amid geopolitical uncertainty. Financials, autos, and consumer stocks led losses, while volatility remained elevated.

Well-timed trades ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's major policy surprises during his second term have potentially led to millions of dollars in profits for unknown traders, leading some legal experts to say they should be investigated to protect fair markets and ascertain whether information is leaking.

India's fertiliser supply remains steady despite the West Asia crisis. Production and distribution are proceeding without disruption. Senior officials confirm ample stock to meet farmers' needs for the upcoming season. The government is actively monitoring the situation and has contingency plans in place. Diversified raw material imports are also being secured to ensure continued availability.

Global trade ministers are nearing a World Trade Organization reform agreement, with crucial talks underway in Cameroon. A key sticking point remains the extension of a moratorium on customs duties for digital downloads, a move vital for U.S. support. India's stance on a shorter extension is creating tension, potentially impacting the WTO's future relevance amidst ongoing trade disputes.

India has sent 38,000 metric tons of fuel to Sri Lanka. This shipment arrived on March 28, 2026, after discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayaka. The fuel includes diesel and petrol. This support comes as Sri Lanka faces supply disruptions due to the Middle East conflict.

The combined market valuation of seven of the top-10 most valued firms tumbled by Rs 1.75 lakh crore in a holiday-shortened last week, with Reliance Industries taking the biggest hit, in tandem with a weak trend in equities.

India's economy faces growing external pressures. Trade dynamics are weakening, with imports surging and exports declining. This widens the trade deficit significantly. Capital flows are negative due to global uncertainty. Rising crude oil prices add further strain. These factors are impacting the Indian Rupee.

NCLAT dismissed BSEs appeals against NCLT orders to defreeze demat accounts of insolvent firms, ruling that NCLT has jurisdiction under the IBC. The tribunal said dues leading to account freezes qualify as debt, allowing resolution professionals to access shares and proceed with recovery during insolvency proceedings.

Jio Financial Services (JFS) is hoping to start general and life insurance businesses this year, a top company official has said.

Zerodha clarified its brokerage fee hike to Rs 40 per order, affecting only a small fraction of intraday derivatives traders using collateral margin with a significant cash shortfall. This move aims to align with SEBI regulations and reduce the broker's capital exposure, as many traders pledge stocks without sufficient cash.

Intellius Recode has filed its DRHP with SEBI for an IPO comprising a Rs 117 crore fresh issue and promoter OFS. The company plans to invest in digital worker development and operations. Backed by AI-driven solutions, it serves over 100 clients and competes with listed mid-tier technology firms in India.

Vedanta is preparing to split into five distinct listed companies next month. This significant restructuring aims to unlock substantial shareholder value. The demerger will allow each new entity greater autonomy for growth. Vedanta's market value is projected to increase considerably following this strategic move. The company's debt will also be managed across the new firms.

India faces economic challenges due to the West Asia conflict. Remittances from the Gulf may decline, impacting overseas Indians. Higher crude oil prices could widen the current account deficit. The Indian rupee might weaken further. Government finances could be strained by rising subsidy costs, particularly for fertilizers. These factors signal potential pressure on India's external sector and financial markets.

Intellius Recode Ltd has filed preliminary papers with the markets regulator Sebi to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO).

India reimposed export duties on diesel and ATF, impacting refining margins and government revenue. A key uncertainty remains whether Reliance Industries' SEZ refinery exports will be exempt, as they were previously. This decision will significantly influence Reliance's margins and the government's fiscal outlook.

Amid rising Iran-US-Israel tensions and surging oil prices, Robert Kiyosaki warned that wars, while tragic, are financially profitable for some. He highlighted inflation risks, rising debt, and wealth erosion, urging financial education and disciplined investing. Kiyosaki also reiterated that market crashes could create opportunities for prepared investors.

Around 12 stocks will turn ex-date this week for corporate actions including dividends, bonus issues, rights issues, and stock splits. Key companies like TVS Motor Company, Triton Valves, and IRB Infrastructure Developers are among those with upcoming ex-dates for dividends and bonus issues.

Analyst estimates highlight select BSE mid-cap stocks with strong upside potential over the next year. Based on Trendlyne data, these stocks offer projected gains driven by improving fundamentals and positive sentiment. With consensus Buy or Strong Buy ratings, they present compelling opportunities for investors seeking high-growth mid-cap ideas.

The report notes that economic activity in India remained robust up to February 2026, with strong performance across both supply- and demand-side indicators, underscoring resilience built on domestic demand, infrastructure expansion, and policy support. High-frequency indicators reinforced this narrative, with manufacturing and services activity remaining in expansionary territory, while consumption indicators such as vehicle sales and digital payments showed strong growth.

Nifty snapped its two-day rally amid weak sentiment driven by Iran-US tensions, high energy prices, and a falling rupee. Technical indicators signal continued bearish momentum. Experts suggest a sell-on-rise strategy, while recommending ACME Solar and Dalmia Bharat as bullish breakout trades with near-term upside potential.

Amid global market uncertainty, contrarian investing is gaining relevance as overlooked stocks offer hidden value. Bill Ackmans strategy focuses on buying unpopular yet fundamentally strong businesses, emphasising long-term growth, valuation discipline, and conviction. In volatile conditions, opportunities often emerge where sentiment is weakest, and investor attention is limited.

In FY26, 13 penny stocks plunged between 50% and 90%, highlighting severe downside risks in low-priced equities. Screened for liquidity and size, these stocks underscore volatility, weak transparency, and manipulation concerns. Despite speculative appeal, such investments demand disciplined strategies and strong risk management to avoid significant capital erosion.

The Bihar government is preparing to list its power transmission company on the stock market in a move aimed at enhancing public participation in the state's growth, a senior official said.

Indian stock markets have seen a significant correction. Valuation indicators like the Sensex-to-Gold ratio are now at historical support levels. Many stocks are trading near 52-week lows and below key moving averages. This widespread pessimism suggests a favorable setup for future equity returns. Investors should consider systematic participation for long-term gains.

The Indian stock market faces a holiday-shortened week with significant headwinds. Geopolitical tensions from the Iran-Israel conflict, elevated crude oil prices, and a depreciating rupee are expected to weigh on investor sentiment. Foreign institutional investors continue their selling spree, adding to market uncertainties.

Indian stock markets will trade for only three days this week. This shortened trading period, combined with settlement holidays, is expected to increase market volatility. Investors should be aware of potential deferred reactions to global events. Nifty IT shows resilience, while PSU banks are in a corrective phase.

Nations are discussing an extension for the e-commerce moratorium. India may end its opposition to prolonging the agreement. The US seeks a permanent ban on tariffs for digital trade. Businesses need predictability for cross-border digital commerce. This WTO meeting is a crucial test for the organization's relevance amid global trade challenges.

India's economic growth forecast of 7-7.4% for 2026-27 faces considerable downside risk due to the West Asia conflict, according to Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran. The ongoing war threatens inflation, fiscal deficit, and external balances, necessitating reprioritized spending and enhanced preparedness.

Indian investments in Azerbaijan saw strong growth in 2025. Investments reached $56.047 million, a rise of 29.8 percent. Over the past decade, total Indian investments in Azerbaijan have climbed substantially. This trend highlights a growing economic partnership. Azerbaijan also assisted in repatriating Indians from Iran. No direct investments from Azerbaijan into India were recorded.

India has strongly opposed the China-led Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement. Minister Piyush Goyal stated its incorporation into the WTO framework risks undermining foundational principles. India stood alone on this contentious issue at the WTO ministerial conference in Cameroon. The agreement would only be binding on signatory members. India remains open to comprehensive discussions on WTO reform.

India backs World Trade Organization talks to limit fishing subsidies. The nation stresses that developing countries and small fishermen must not be unfairly impacted. India highlights its own sustainable fishing practices and conservation efforts. The goal is to protect marine resources and livelihoods through equitable decisions.

A significant agreement on digital trade rules is moving forward. Several World Trade Organization members have decided to implement the pact among themselves. This move aims to create a more open environment for digital commerce globally. The decision comes after previous attempts to adopt the agreement were blocked. This development marks a crucial step towards establishing international digital trade standards.

India's economic growth faces challenges. Higher energy costs and supply disruptions from the Middle East conflict pose risks. The government's economic report highlights these concerns. The current account deficit is expected to worsen. Targeted relief is needed for affected businesses and households. The Indian rupee has weakened amid these pressures. Clearer growth prospects will emerge from April and May data.

Foreign investors sold Indian shares worth over Rs 1.27 lakh crore in March. This marks the worst month for such outflows. Global tensions and a weakening rupee fueled this trend. Investors are also pulling out from other Asian markets. The situation may improve if West Asian hostilities cease and crude prices fall. Indian markets saw significant drops on Friday.

A significant rift has emerged at the WTO ministerial conference in Cameroon over the e-commerce moratorium on customs duties, with the US advocating for a permanent extension while India and other developing nations resist due to revenue and policy concerns.

Indian markets experienced a significant downturn this week, with the Nifty losing over 1.28% and breaching key support levels. Volatility surged as the India VIX climbed, indicating heightened investor caution. While Indian equities showed resilience against global peers, the near-term trend appears weak, suggesting a cautious approach and focus on capital preservation for the upcoming trading sessions.

Indian stock markets faced a sharp decline in March. Geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices impacted investor sentiment. Financials, auto, and consumer stocks saw significant drops. Analysts suggest caution and disciplined risk management. The Nifty and Bank Nifty experienced substantial losses. Investors are advised to monitor key support and resistance levels closely.

Markets are experiencing sharp swings due to global tensions. Experts advise against selling, suggesting this is a time to buy in small parts. Investors should deploy capital gradually over the next few months. Crude supply disruptions will impact corporate earnings in the coming quarter. Volatility is expected to remain high in the near term.

Indian markets face continued downward pressure as technical signals suggest a bearish trend. Analysts highlight that every rise is being sold, with Nifty potentially breaking 22,450 and heading towards 22,000. Global factors and currency concerns are weighing heavily. However, select stocks like Coal India show relative strength, while Ather Energy presents a buying opportunity and BDL is flagged for shorting.

E-marketplace Rentomojo Limited has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus with Sebi for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), aiming to raise Rs 150 crore through fresh equity issuance. The company, a leader in the home furniture and appliance rental segment, plans to utilize the proceeds for debt repayment, lease rentals, and general corporate purposes.

Bitcoin is trading near $66,000, stuck in a range for 50 days. The cryptocurrency market saw a dip of nearly 3% in the last 24 hours. Major altcoins also experienced declines. This weakness is linked to rising Treasury yields and global geopolitical tensions. Experts suggest a sell-on-rise phase unless Bitcoin and Ethereum reclaim key levels.