Business / The Economic Times
US equity futures climbed as optimism for Federal Reserve rate cuts grew, boosted by reports of potential Nvidia AI chip sales to China. Bitcoin saw a slight dip after a weekend rally, while oil prices extended their slump. Markets remain cautious despite improved risk sentiment due to recent volatility.
TCS' significant investment in AI data centers, including a 18,000 crore partnership with TPG, raises dividend payout concerns for some investors. However, the company's strong cash generation and consistent high payout ratios suggest its commitment to shareholder returns remains intact, even as it expands its AI infrastructure.
Most Indian individual investors saw their net worth decline in the July-September quarter due to market downturns. While benchmark indices like the Nifty experienced losses, midcap and smallcap indices fell more significantly. Nemish Shah's portfolio, however, bucked the trend with a substantial gain, while other prominent investors like Vijay Kedia and Madhusudan Kela also reported positive returns.
Truhome Finance, supported by Warburg Pincus, is preparing for a public listing in the next financial year. The company aims to secure the position of the second-largest affordable housing financier in India. Truhome Finance expects significant growth in its assets under management.
Indian banks witnessed their first operating profit decline in 13 quarters during July-September, primarily due to sluggish net interest income growth. This dip, a 1% year-on-year fall to 1.5 lakh crore, stemmed from faster loan repricing downwards than deposits, squeezing margins. Analysts anticipate this contraction phase is nearing its end, with stabilization expected soon.
NaBFID is seeking a credit guarantee from MIGA for its inaugural $500 million dollar bond sale, aiming to finance green and renewable projects. This guarantee is expected to enhance NaBFID's rating, allowing it to secure funds at a cheaper rate, potentially reducing issuance costs by 50 basis points. The move is part of NaBFID's strategy to diversify its funding sources.
The microfinance sector is prioritizing asset quality stabilization and cautious credit expansion, implementing guardrails like limiting lenders per borrower to three and capping household loan exposure at 2 lakh. These measures have led to a stabilizing portfolio and consistent repayment behavior, with gross loan portfolio contracting and short-term delinquencies falling.
Nifty is poised for new record highs if it surpasses 26,250-26,300, with support at 25,500-25,800. Analysts suggest upside targets of 26,500-27,200, but a dip below 26,000 could trigger selling. Tata Consumer is a top pick, alongside Shriram Finance, with bullish technical indicators supporting potential gains.
Stock markets face a volatile year-end. Investors are worried about Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and the high valuation of artificial intelligence companies. This has caused market slides and increased anxiety. The holiday season is expected to be challenging for investors. Volatility has picked up significantly, indicating persistent investor unease.
TotalEnergies plans to sell up to a 6% stake in Adani Green Energy, according to people familiar with the matter. The French energy company holds nearly 19% in the renewable energy firm and is looking to book gains after its $2.5-billion investment in 2021 rose in value to about $8 billion. The proposed stake may be offered to Adani Green for evaluation.
The Indian Rupee's future movement depends on a trade deal with the US. A positive agreement could strengthen the currency. Delays might lead to a weaker Rupee. Experts predict a volatile period ahead. The Reserve Bank of India may intervene to manage currency fluctuations. Investors are watching tariff updates closely.
Multi-asset investing helps investors navigate market cycles by combining equities, debt, and commodities in a single portfolio. This approach balances growth, stability, and protection, reducing reliance on timing and minimizing risk. Through disciplined asset allocation and regular rebalancing, multi-asset funds offer steady, long-term wealth creation, making them ideal for investors seeking consistent returns and financial security across market conditions.
According to Trendlyne data, multiple Sensex stocks show significant upside potential over the next 12 months, based on average analyst target prices.
InterGlobe Aviation Ltd will be added to the 30-stock BSE SENSEX effective December 22, 2025.
The Indian market ended lower on Friday as profit-taking weighed on indices near record highs. The Sensex fell 400.76 points to 85,231.92, while the Nifty dropped 124 points to 26,068.15. Banking stocks, led by ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank, dragged the market amid a global selloff triggered by mixed U.S. jobs data. Mid- and small-caps faced sharper corrections.
Goel told PTI in an interview said the IPO will be an important milestone as it institutionalises the company that has evolved from being a shipping partner to an end-to-end e-commerce enablement platform for Indian merchants
Leaders from India, Brazil, and South Africa convened in Johannesburg, reviving the IBSA forum to counter US President Trump's aggressive trade policies and targeted attacks. This trilateral grouping aims to foster closer ties and push for a more representative multilateral system, signaling a move towards independent economic integration among emerging economies.
Berkshire Hathaways Alphabet stake has surged $415 million in just a week, reaching nearly $5.35 billion as shares climbed 8.4%. The move has reignited debate over whether the traditionally cautious firm is warming to high-risk, AI-driven growth. Alphabets rally was boosted by Berkshires disclosure and positive reception of Googles new Gemini 3 AI model, even as other tech stocks lagged.
Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, has warned that the biggest crash in history has begun, affecting the U.S., Europe, and Asia. He advised investors to seek refuge in gold, silver, Bitcoin, and Ethereum, highlighting silver as his top pick. Kiyosaki said the crash he predicted in 2013 has now arrived.
Global oil markets have entered a bearish phase, with U.S. crude sliding below $60 per barrel, down over 20% from January highs. Surging U.S. output, gradual unwinding of OPEC+ cuts, and tepid demandespecially in Chinahave created persistent oversupply. With inventories at multi-year highs, near-term prices are expected to remain under pressure, while structural factors cap any sustained rallies in 2026.Global oil markets have entered a bearish phase, with U.S. crude sliding below $60 per barrel
Nifty faces resistance near 26,200, with range-bound action expected into the November expiry, while Bank Nifty shows signs of fatigue. PSU Bank may weaken after a bearish setup, and news-driven stocks like JP Power remain unpredictable. Key trading ideas include selling Hindalco and Bajaj Finance, and buying Five-Star. Short-term volatility offers selective opportunities for technical traders.
While Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), State Bank of India, Infosys and Hindustan Unilever were the gainers, Bajaj Finance, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and ICICI Bank faced erosion in their valuation
Selling pressure was broad-based, with financials, metals, and realty stocks hit the hardest.
India and Georgia are strengthening ties in textiles and silk production. A delegation from India's Ministry of Textiles visited Georgia to explore new partnerships. Discussions focused on silk farming, apparel, and carpet trade. India showcased its diverse silk heritage with a unique silk stole. The visit aimed to boost joint ventures and research collaborations.
Lakshya Sen secured a commanding victory at the Australian Open Super 500, defeating Yushi Tanaka in straight games. This title marks a strong return to form after a challenging post-Olympics period, following a gritty semifinal win. The triumph is a significant confidence booster for the Commonwealth Games champion and crucial for India's 2025 campaign.
Despite muted 2025 returns, markets showed interest in niche themes like data centers, PEBs, and semiconductors. Strong drivers include financialization, digitalization, rising affluence, and healthcare demand. With Nifty trading below intrinsic value and earnings growth expected in double digits for FY2627, selective stock picking across BFSI, consumption, healthcare, and platform businesses offers long-term opportunities, while short-term volatility may present buying windows.
Indias equity market faces a critical juncture as the Nifty nears its record high, just 210 points away, while the rupee plunges to a lifetime low near 89.5. Friday saw foreign investors turn net sellers and forex volatility spike, with the steepest daily rupee fall since May. The coming sessions will test the resilience of Indias equity rally.
Domestic brokerage firm Axis Securities has identified three stocks with strong technical setups for the week, highlighting opportunities amid the markets recent volatility.
At least six stocks will be in focus this week as their shares will trade ex-dividend
InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of IndiGo, will enter the 30-stock Sensex from December 22, replacing Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles following its recent demerger. BSE Index Services announced the overhaul as part of a wider reconstitution across major indices, with changes also set for the BSE 100, Sensex 50 and Sensex Next 50, prompting portfolio realignments by index-tracking funds
India and Israel are planning a phased free trade agreement. This approach aims to deliver early benefits to businesses in both nations. Negotiations for the agreement have formally begun. Both countries will focus on immediate opportunities. Sensitive issues will be addressed later. This strategy seeks to accelerate trade and investment growth between India and Israel.
India's Board of Trade will meet to strategize export growth. This comes as US tariffs impact shipments. Exports fell in October, and the trade deficit widened. A bilateral trade agreement with the US is being negotiated. The government has approved an export promotion mission. The meeting aims to boost trade and address global uncertainties.
While retail investors appetite for defence stocks remained strong in the September quarter, with ownership rising in 13 out of 18 stocks in the Nifty India Defence Index, five counters saw a decline in retail shareholding.
While penny stocks often entice investors with low entry prices and the prospect of quick gains, they carry significant risks.
Indias residential real estate market stayed resilient in Q2FY26, with top-listed developers recording strong pre-sales, solid collections and disciplined balance sheets, despite a steep 61% YoY drop in new launches. Nuvama Institutional Equities reports that pre-sales for the top 23 players surged 31% YoY to 4.05 lakh crore, driven largely by strong sustenance demand and marquee launches from major developers.Indias residential real estate market stayed resilient in Q2FY26, with top-listed deve
Nifty gained 0.6% for the week, briefly approaching its record high of 26,277 before ending Friday lower at 26,068.15. Analysts expect the index to be guided largely by global cues in the coming week, with no major domestic data releases. Sensitivity to global markets, currency movements and FII flows is expected to remain high as investors look for a breakout above record levels.Nifty gained 0.6% for the week, briefly approaching its record high of 26,277 before ending Friday lower at 26,068.15
India quality control rules: As the number of products under mandatory quality control jumps to almost 800, Delhi is rolling back some provisions. This gives MSMEs room to breathe, but raises concerns about dumping and Indias zero defect promise.
Aditya Kumar Halwasia acquired 38 lakh shares in Karnataka Bank for Rs 71 crore, a deal executed at a premium. The smallcap lender, supported by Quant Mutual Fund, saw its stock jump nearly 8% amid significant volume spikes. Karnataka Bank's net profit improved quarter-on-quarter, while NPAs moderated.
Eternal, a food delivery and quick-commerce platform, has stated that the new social security code will not negatively impact its long-term business prospects. The company is actively seeking clarity from the government on the exact financial and operational implications. Eternal anticipates these changes and is committed to the well-being of its gig workers, already providing insurance and welfare benefits.
Shankar Sharma, founder of GQuant FinXray, argues that timing the macro cycle is essential for investment success, stating that most returns are driven by market trends. He points to the 2014-2020 period as an example of poor returns due to a lack of macro tailwinds, with significant gains only occurring in the last 4-5 years.
Mangal Electrical Industries' shareholder lock-in is expected to end soon. This could see nearly ten lakh shares become available for trading. The company manufactures components for transformers. Its shares have seen a decline since its market debut. Anchor investors include Abakkus Diversified Alpha Fund and Societe Generale. The company reported a profit fall in its September quarter results.
India's alternative investment sector is booming, with PMS and AIFs now managing over Rs 23.43 lakh crore. This remarkable growth, fueled by institutional investors and affluent individuals seeking alpha, has seen PMS assets surge sevenfold and AIF commitments skyrocket by nearly 50% annually. These investment avenues are becoming mainstream for wealth management.
HDFC Asset Management Company and Thyrocare Technologies will trade ex-bonus next week. Record dates are set for November 26 and November 28. HDFC AMC offers a 1:1 bonus share. Thyrocare Technologies provides a 2:1 bonus issue. These events will determine shareholder eligibility for bonus shares. Investors should note these upcoming dates.
Gold prices have shown resilience this week, ending with a modest gain. The Indian Rupee's record low against the Dollar is creating new challenges for traders. Experts anticipate continued volatility in the coming week. Gold is expected to trade within a specific range. Strong US jobs data has reduced expectations for a December Federal Reserve rate cut, impacting global sentiment.
Motilal Oswal Asset Management is strategically overweighting large private banks, anticipating improved net interest margins, reduced credit costs, and strong credit growth. Executive Director Akhil Chaturvedi highlights the sector's readiness to outperform after years of underperformance, driven by strengthening balance sheets and accelerating earnings momentum.
Bitcoin plunged to a seven-month low near $80,000, mirroring a broader market retreat from riskier assets due to stretched tech valuations and interest rate uncertainty. Analysts warn of steeper losses if the $82,000 support breaks, though some see signs of dip-buying. Ether also experienced significant declines.
DRA Homes is preparing for a public listing within three years, joining a trend of real estate firms tapping capital markets. The company has launched a 125 crore employee stock ownership program, granting 5% ownership to 325 employees. This move aims to strengthen governance and align stakeholders as DRA Homes targets expansion and a wider national presence.
Foreign investors continue to sell Indian shares. November saw outflows of Rs 3,788 crore. This follows significant selling throughout 2025. Experts note improved sentiment but tentative flows. Valuations and earnings clarity are key concerns. Investors await earnings growth to catch up before increasing exposure. Year-end portfolio rebalancing will offer clues.
Indian markets remain volatile, but opportunities are emerging across banking, autos, digital platforms, and consumption themes, says Sudip Bandyopadhyay of Inditrade Capital. He sees value in IndusInd Bank, Reliance, M&M, Mahindra Lifespaces and select PSU banks, while urging caution on Asian Paints, IT majors and richly valued new-age listings. Read his full market outlook and sector strategy.
Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki sold $2.25 million in Bitcoin, bought at $6,000 per coin, for approximately $90,000. He's reinvesting this into two surgery centers and a billboard business, expecting significant monthly income. Kiyosaki views this as a strategic move to acquire income-generating assets with tax advantages, not an exit from Bitcoin.

12 C