The Economic Times

Rather than locking into long-duration bonds at current yields, Puneet Pal, Head Fixed Income at PGIM India Mutual Fund, believes investors should stay nimble and wait for potentially higher yield levels as the rate cycle evolves.

The U.S. dollar weakened against major currencies as traders scaled back tightening expectations. Soft economic data, including retail sales and job losses, influenced these shifts. Traders now see a lower chance of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September. Elevated oil prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are causing market fragility. Bond yields globally are rising due to concerns over debt and fiscal discipline.

The IPO has generated some interest ahead of its launch, although grey market signals remain muted. Shankesh Jewellers shares are currently commanding a mild 2% premium in the grey market over the upper end of the issue price band, pointing to expectations of a modestly positiveor largely flatlisting.

The Rs 1,553 crore IPO was priced at Rs 140 per share, comprising a fresh issue of 10.20 crore shares worth Rs 1,428 crore and an Offer for Sale (OFS) of 89 lakh shares valued at Rs 125 crore.

Adani Enterprises stock has rebounded strongly, becoming the top performer on India's equity benchmark. Investor confidence is growing after the conglomerate faced significant challenges and allegations. Recent legal dismissals and index adjustments have further boosted the company's standing. The group's infrastructure businesses are seen as a proxy for India's economic growth. This resurgence has propelled Gautam Adani back to Asia's richest man list.

As long as the stock is priced above the 200-day SMA on the daily time frame, it is generally considered to be in an overall uptrend.

Gold prices advanced for a third straight session on Tuesday, with investors keenly anticipating the forthcoming Federal Reserve meeting minutes that could shape monetary policy. The softness in U.S. economic indicators has sparked optimism that the Fed may maintain rates. In light of escalating geopolitical uncertainties, gold is once again being viewed as a safe-haven investment, alongside gains in silver and platinum.

Oil prices climbed as Middle East war peace talks stalled significantly. Iran announced a shift to a fully offensive military posture. The United States ruled out extending a temporary ceasefire agreement. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has drastically decreased following recent attacks. This situation heightens worries about global energy supply stability.

Resilient Asset Management plans to sell nearly five percent of Paytm shares. This stake sale is valued at approximately five thousand crore rupees. Proceeds will go to Chinese investor Ant Financial under an existing agreement. Resilient acquired the stake from Ant Financial in twenty twenty-three. This move helps reduce Chinese influence within the fintech company.

Sebi has cautioned investors regarding social media accounts offering live trading strategies. These platforms often feature unregistered investment advisory services and real-time stock market tips. Individuals on social media portray themselves as market experts, providing detailed investment analysis. Live market data sharing is restricted by the regulator, except for specific purposes. Investor education and awareness can involve market data with a thirty-day lag.

In a recent update, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) confirmed that clients engaged in discretionary portfolio management have the right to pledge their securities. They will still be considered beneficial owners and are permitted to utilize these assets as collateral. This flexibility allows clients to secure personal loans, alleviating prior worries regarding restrictions on borrowing by portfolio managers.

After a disappointing quarterly performance, Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services saw its stock reach a 52-week low. Despite an increase in revenue, profits dwindled, affecting how investors perceive the firm. Experts highlighted ongoing concerns about the long-term cash generation capabilities relative to reported profits. This situation is compounded by the company

As peace prospects in the Middle East worsen, oil prices surged, reigniting fears about supply disruptions. Concurrently, US Treasury yields climbed to their highest levels in years, revealing investor anxiety over increased government expenditure. Asian markets showed positive movement, particularly in the tech sector, as chipmakers benefited from growing AI optimism.

Mid and small-cap firms achieved their sharpest revenue growth in sixteen quarters. Aggregate revenue climbed twenty percent, and operating profit rose twenty-seven percent. Net profit surged twenty-three percent, marking a second quarter of double-digit growth. Small-cap companies reported even stronger net profit jumps of forty-two percent. These robust results fueled significant gains in their respective stock indices.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India is set to assess the implications of the newly implemented Closing Auction Session. Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey affirmed that this mechanism will remain in place and will undergo enhancements. Designed to ascertain closing prices for stocks in the futures and options market, the system has faced scrutiny from market participants who have reported losses.

Domestic equities opened the week lower, with the Nifty closing down at 24,287 points. Analysts anticipate range-bound trading as focus shifts to global macro and geopolitical developments. The Strait of Hormuz and crude oil prices are key near-term drivers, raising price risks. Investors will also monitor US Federal Reserve meeting minutes for interest rate outlook. Foreign portfolio investors net sold shares, while domestic institutions were net buyers.

Markets extended their losing streak for a fifth consecutive session on Monday. Airtel Payments Bank appointed Shabnam Sinha as its new chairperson. Paytm's parent company will see a significant share sale on Tuesday. SpiceJet's bankruptcy petitions were deferred after a settlement was reached. ONGC secured a US license to resume operations in Venezuela.

ICICI Bank now leads mutual fund portfolios, surpassing HDFC Bank in July. This shift reflects investor concerns over HDFC Bank's leadership succession and governance issues. ICICI Bank has shown a steadier stock performance and stable results recently. Mutual funds have increased holdings in both banks, while overseas ownership has reduced. Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel, and Axis Bank follow as top mutual fund holdings.

Sebi is enhancing transparency in the mutual fund industry by requiring comprehensive disclosures from fund sponsors. The new single application form simplifies the registration for new funds, compelling sponsors to elaborate on their ownership structures, financial stability, and governance practices. Moreover, this revised process mandates compliance with established eligibility criteria and experience norms, ensuring a more robust foundation for mutual fund establishments.

Aegis Logistics is in advanced discussions to acquire Tristar for $1.5 billion. This consolidation could be one of the industry's largest efforts. Aegis is seeking acquisition financing from lenders for the deal. Tristar operates across many countries, complementing Aegis's expansion plans. The companies are currently holding bilateral negotiations under an exclusivity period.

As investors braced for retail earnings reports, major stock indexes fell, signaling caution in the market. Oil prices surged, driven by concerns over Iran alongside global supply uncertainties. Recent economic data from July amplified the cautious atmosphere, as Home Depot and Walmart's earnings loom ahead, promising key insights into consumer spending trends. Technology stocks, however, exhibited a mixed performance in the face of AI investment risks.

Axis Bank is broadening its corporate banking services beyond just lending. The lender targets fee income and low-cost deposits from corporate ecosystems. It handles collections, payments, trade finance, and salary accounts for businesses. Investment banking and wealth management services are also offered to companies and their promoters. This strategy aims to build liability and fee franchises by managing more corporate cash flows.

Gold has recovered nine percent, signaling renewed investor and central bank interest. The precious metal is now positioned for further gains after market shocks. Lower oil prices and softer inflation data support gold's upward trajectory. Institutional demand and rebuilding of positions are likely driving this trend. However, stalled peace efforts and weak demand could limit future price increases.

Investors are channeling significant funds into small and mid-cap stocks this fiscal year. Small-cap funds have seen inflows nearly matching last year's total in just four months. Mid-cap funds also show strong investor interest, attracting substantial capital inflows. Large-cap funds, conversely, have experienced considerably lower investment amounts. This trend reflects improved earnings momentum and increased market liquidity for smaller companies.

The number of microfinance borrowers with multiple loans has significantly decreased. These borrowers still hold substantial outstanding loans, posing a higher credit risk. Portfolio at risk for these stretched borrowers is higher than others. The microfinance market saw a record peak in loans outstanding recently. Stricter underwriting practices are helping the sector recover from past challenges.

Gold prices advanced Monday, supported by a weaker dollar and fewer rate hike expectations. Investors are monitoring Middle East geopolitical tensions, which could influence markets. Markets reduced bets on a Federal Reserve rate increase after recent economic data.

Copper prices reached their highest level in over six months on Monday. This surge occurred as London Metal Exchange inventories dropped significantly. Meanwhile, stocks in Comex warehouses have climbed substantially since last year. Other industrial metals also saw gains, supported by a weaker U.S. dollar.

Indian equities extended losses, with Sensex falling 281 points and Nifty declining for a fifth session. Analysts flagged crude prices, Strait of Hormuz tensions and Fed minutes as key drivers. Broader markets gained, while market breadth remained bearish with more declines than advances.

ICICI Bank raised $750 million through five-year dollar bonds at 105 basis points over US Treasuries, marking its second dollar issuance in a month. Strong institutional demand helped tighten pricing, while Kotak Mahindra Bank and Yes Bank prepare international bond issues.

Bain Capital recently sold a 5.64% stake in Embassy Office Parks REIT for Rs 2,325 crore, offloading more than 53 million units. In response, Embassy REIT is gearing up to purchase between ten to twelve million square feet of additional office space, while also developing 6.2 million square feet of new office environments. The company celebrated a 17% yearly growth in net operating income, highlighting its strong performance.

EyePoint's experimental drug Duravyu failed a late-stage trial for a serious eye disease. The company's shares dropped significantly after the disappointing trial results were announced. This failure impacts EyePoint's goal to compete with Regeneron's successful Eylea treatment. Analysts suggest investors will await further study confirmation for the drug's viability. EyePoint plans a new trial and FDA submission for approval in 2027.

Sebi warned investors against relying on live trading strategies and real-time stock tips shared on social media, saying such sessions may involve unregistered advisory services. The regulator urged investors to avoid such advice and deal only with Sebi-registered intermediaries.

Resilient Asset Management plans to sell up to 4.98% of Paytm parent One 97 Communications through a block deal worth Rs 4,895 crore. The offer carries a 2.9% discount, potentially pressuring shares.

Bond yields in the Euro zone are on the rise amid growing inflation and concerns over fiscal spending, with French yields hitting their highest since June 2009. Investors are anxious as markets expect the US to apply economic pressure on Iran rather than pursue military action. Meanwhile, rising oil prices continue to fuel inflation, and the European Central Bank's deposit rate is projected to increase by March 2027.

Analysts recommend Hindustan Copper and Concord Biotech after both stocks broke key resistance levels with strong price action, volume and bullish momentum. Despite energy-led cost pressures, stronger Q1FY27 earnings and pricing actions could support upgrades, though margin risks remain from higher-cost inventory.

Stock markets opened with caution on Monday as investors considered renewed US-Iran tensions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a slight decrease at the opening bell. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 experienced a modest rise in early trading. The Nasdaq Composite also climbed higher during the opening session. A strong revenue forecast from AI lab Anthropic provided some support for tech stocks.

Stock markets opened with caution on Monday as investors considered renewed US-Iran tensions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a slight decrease at the opening bell. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 experienced a modest rise in early trading. The Nasdaq Composite also climbed higher during the opening session. A strong revenue forecast from AI lab Anthropic provided some support for tech stocks.

Michael Burry revived his AI bubble warnings after a report highlighted roughly $3 trillion in disclosed commitments by technology giants for AI infrastructure. He argued these off-balance-sheet obligations could signal excessive investment, echoing concerns over stretched valuations and market exuberance.

Puravankara posted impressive Q1 FY27 results with a remarkable twenty-eight percent rise in pre-sales. Year-on-year, total revenue soared sixty-three percent, hitting eight hundred seventy-seven crore. Profit after tax rebounded to a positive figure, showcasing a strong turnaround from the previous year. The company successfully delivered seven hundred forty-five homes, sustaining its operational pace, while significantly boosting its Bengaluru land transactions with an added GDV of five thousa

India's Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) could expand two to three times from the existing assets under management (AUM) by 2030, supported by low penetration across several infrastructure segments, according to an Ionic Wealth chartbook.

The Indian government bond market experienced a dip in demand on Monday, leading to higher yields. In an unexpected move, the central bank accelerated the deadline for its diaspora deposit swap program. This decision came after robust foreign deposit inflows from banks. As policymakers weighed domestic liquidity impacts and borrowing costs, the early deadline disappointed investors, shifting their outlook on upcoming surpluses.

Four BSE Midcap stocksKEI Industries, LG Electronics India, Ajanta Pharma and Ipca Laboratorieshit fresh 52-week highs despite the Sensex falling 281 points. Ajanta Pharma led gains with a 98% monthly surge, while KEI Industries rose 20%, highlighting pockets of market strength.

Indias six listed REITs distributed Rs 3,136 crore to more than 4.85 lakh unitholders in Q1 FY27, reflecting strong rental collections and stable cash flows. Their combined AUM exceeded Rs 3.17 lakh crore, while market capitalisation crossed Rs 2.17 lakh crore.

Morgan Stanley retained its positive view on Reliance Industries after its partnership with Rolls-Royce to develop indigenous combat engines for Indias AMCA programme. The brokerage said the move reinforces Reliances evolving strategy.

Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said cybersecurity must evolve into board-level cyber resilience, requiring continuous vulnerability management, tested recovery plans and risk-based patching. He also urged financial institutions to begin migrating toward post-quantum cryptography as quantum threats challenge existing security systems.

India's unemployment rate fell to 5.1% in July 2026, showing positive labor market trends. Both labor force participation and worker population ratios saw notable improvements across the nation. Rural unemployment decreased significantly, while urban rates remained relatively stable during this period. Male unemployment declined month-on-month and year-on-year, indicating positive shifts. Female labor force participation and worker population ratios also experienced a substantial increase.

The Indian rupee slipped against the US dollar on Monday as the central bank's surprise move to shorten its forex swap timeframe rattled the market. Importer demand for dollars continued to exert downward pressure on the rupee. In response to the announcement, dollar-rupee forward premiums spiked significantly, while analysts remain optimistic about potential inflows in light of the revised swap conditions.