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Business / The Economic Times
These laggards were identified using specific filters: a market cap below Rs 1,000 crore, a stock price under Rs 20, and a minimum recent trading volume of 5 lakh shares.
Meeshos Rs 5,421.20 crore IPO, subscribed 79 times, is set to list on December 10, making it one of the most closely watched tech offerings of the year. The book-built issue, comprising a fresh issue of 38.29 crore shares and an offer for sale of 10.55 crore shares, saw overwhelming demand, signalling strong investor interest and grey-market gains of over 38%.
SoftBank-backed digital-commerce ecosystem AceVector Ltd has filed updated draft papers with markets regulator Sebi for an initial public offering (IPO), which will include a fresh issue of shares worth Rs 300 crore.
The combined market valuation of five of the top-10 most valued firms surged by Rs 72,284.74 crore last week, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys emerging as the biggest winners.
China has regained global investor confidence in a stellar year for stocks, with the MSCI China Index rising about 30%, adding $2.4 trillion in value and outperforming the S&P 500. Fund managers including Amundi, BNP Paribas, Fidelity and Man Group expect further gains in 2026, driven by AI innovation and market resilience, as both passive and active inflows fuel the rally.
Nifty crossed 26,000 on November 26, 2025, followed by the SENSEX breaching 86,000, signalling market optimism. However, investors portfolios tell a different story. While Nifty rose 67% over the past year, the BSE SmallCap index fell 5% and the MidCap index gained only 2%. This divergence highlights why index highs arent uniformly reflected across all portfolios.
Nifty ended the week flat with a mildly negative bias, but Fridays 0.59% surge to 26,186.45 signalled continued strength. Analysts say the indexs bullish structure supports a buy-on-dips approach. With RSI at 63 and MACD positive, momentum remains firm. Key resistance lies at 26,350, and a breakout could take Nifty toward 26,600 as markets eye crucial cues this week
India took a major step to strengthen its export ecosystem with the launch of the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), a unified framework approved in the Union Budget 2025-26. The Mission was designed to provide Indian exporters, especially MSMEs and first-time exporters, with simpler, faster, and more coordinated support.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed confidence in India's economy growing at 7% or more this fiscal year, despite global headwinds. She also highlighted plans to reduce import duties and improve the income tax regime, while cautioning fiscally strained states against financing 'freebies' through borrowings.
FIIs sold 11,820 crore in the first week of December, continuing heavy 2025 outflows, but strong DII inflows offset the pressure. Rupee depreciation drives foreign selling, while pro-growth policies, liquidity measures and earnings optimism keep domestic investors steadily buying.
Nifty traded range-bound, closing nearly flat despite an RBI rate cut, as resistance near 26,300 capped gains. Weak market breadth and muted broader indices signal caution, though the primary trend remains upward with selective sector strength.
ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company has set the price band for its Rs 10,603 crore initial public offering (IPO) at Rs 2,061 - Rs 2,165 per share. The public issue will open for bidding on Friday, December 12 and close on Tuesday, December 16.
BSE has reconstituted 28 indices, including the BSE PSU index, effective December 22. RailTel is the sole addition, while MMTC, ITI, Punjab & Sind Bank and KIOCL are removed following weak performance trends.
The BSE 500 index will undergo a significant overhaul from December 22, with 32 additions and 32 exits as part of the semi-annual reconstitution. Changes span 28 indices, affecting large, mid and small companies across sectors.
Ashi Anand says Indias 18-month market consolidation is easing as growth improves, earnings strengthen and sentiment turns optimistic. He favours domestic themes, banks and digital plays while remaining cautious on global cyclicals, pharma and IT amid valuation and macro uncertainties.
The market currently favours index trading as only heavyweight stocks support the upside, while broader segments weaken. Private banks, financials, IT and autos show strength, whereas consumer durables, tourism, media, realty and defence are expected to underperform.
India's economy is set for strong growth this year, with projections at least 7 percent. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the economy's fundamentals are robust. Consumer spending is expected to remain resilient. The Reserve Bank of India has also raised its GDP growth forecast. This positive outlook comes despite global uncertainties and trade pressures.
Indias primary market enters its busiest phase with 11 IPOs worth Rs 13,807 crore opening between December 817. Key issues include Corona Remedies, Wakefit, Nephrocare and the awaited ICICI Prudential AMC launch, amid strong domestic liquidity but cautious FPI sentiment.
Nifty hit a new high before a brief pullback, finding support at its 20-day EMA. Heavyweight sectors like banking and IT are driving resilience, while small-caps lag. Analysts expect Nifty to target 2635026500, with Bank Nifty also poised for further upside.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a comprehensive overhaul of India's customs framework as her next major reform. The initiative aims to simplify and enhance transparency in customs procedures, making compliance less burdensome for businesses and individuals. This move follows successful tax reforms and seeks to reduce administrative hurdles while maintaining robust checks against illicit trade.
India and the United States are set to begin three-day trade talks in New Delhi on December 10 to finalise the first phase of their proposed bilateral trade agreement. The discussions, led by US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer, are crucial for addressing reciprocal tariffs and boosting bilateral trade, which aims to reach $500 billion by 2030.
SAR Televenture has secured 208.46 crore through warrant issuance to investors including Madhusudan Kelas fund, Choice Advisors, and promoters, boosting working capital, CAPEX needs, telecom infrastructure expansion, and readiness for large-scale 4G/5G projects.
Sudip Bandyopadhyay says Nifty can decisively break 26,000 only when FIIs return, while NBFCs and real estate stand to benefit from rate cuts amid ongoing volatility in global cues.
Union Budget: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present India's Union Budget 2026 in February. The budget's core is projecting nominal GDP growth. This estimate drives calculations for tax revenue, government spending, and borrowing needs. Key figures are often percentages of projected nominal GDP. Crude oil prices also significantly influence budget allocations, especially for subsidies. Realistic projections are crucial for budget credibility.
Smartworld Developers is investing Rs 2,000 crore in its first Noida project, a mixed-use development on a 6-acre site acquired for Rs 414 crore. This expansion into the key Delhi-NCR micro-market aims to strengthen the company's presence beyond Gurugram, with estimated revenues exceeding Rs 3,000 crore. The project will feature premium residences, retail, and serviced homes.
Indias massive household gold holdings, worth $3.8 trillion, far exceed decades of FDI inflows. Redirecting even part of this unproductive wealth through proposed procurement and gold-bond schemes could ease trade deficits, boost capital formation, and lessen dependence on foreign investment.
ADIAs India equity portfolio rose just 0.7% in FY26, though 13 stocks gained and seven surged 2070%. Several holdings fell sharply, while CMS Info Systems and M B Engineering were new additions.
Sberbanks launch of a Nifty 50-linked mutual fund gives Russian investors direct access to Indian equities. Experts say the move can expand global capital inflows, enable similar partnerships with BRICS and other regions, and deepen India-Russia financial cooperation.
Meeshos Rs 5,421 crore IPO allotment will be finalised Monday after massive 81.76x subscription. With a 42% GMP and record retail participation, investors now await listing on December 10.
The RBI has reduced inflation projection for 2025-26 to 2.0 per cent from the October estimate of 2.6 per cent and February estimate of 4.2 per cent.RBI has also revised real GDP growth for 2025-26 and is projected at 7.3 per cent now.
Wakefit raised Rs 580 crore from anchor investors at the top price band, with domestic mutual funds taking over half the book. Strong institutional demand boosts confidence ahead of its Rs 1,288 crore IPO opening on December 8.
Gold surged over 60% in 2025 on geopolitical risks, a weaker dollar and strong safe-haven demand. The World Gold Council sees 2026 playing out through moderately bullish, strongly bullish or bearish scenarios, shaped by global growth, Fed policy, and shifting investor behaviour.
Indias building products sector is stabilizing with stronger consumption, healthier pipelines, lower input volatility, and rising premiumization. Demand across wood panels, sanitaryware, tiles, and paints is improving as real estate, renovation cycles, and distribution networks strengthen, supporting a more sustained medium-term upcycle.
The crypto market is shifting from speculation to institutional-grade structure, driven by Bitcoins treasury use, rapid tokenisation, and coordinated global regulation. Indias maturing investor base and expanding access accelerate the need for clearer frameworks and safer, compliant participation in 2026.
The rupees plunge beyond 90 highlights India-specific pressures from FPI outflows, trade deficits and dollar demand. The slide threatens higher imported inflation, costlier commodities and wider external imbalances, even as domestic growth remains resilient amid global uncertainty.
The RBI survey found that fewer households now anticipate price increases across key segments such as food, non-food items, housing, household durables, and services.
Pramod Gubbi of Marcellus Investment Managers expects Indias IT sector to recover in 2026 as valuations turn attractive and global rate cuts revive tech spending. He sees earnings momentum improving across consumption, healthcare and lenders, supported by domestic stimulus and stable flows.
The U.S. dollar dipped as traders anticipated a Federal Reserve rate cut next week, with nearly 90% probability priced in. Soft labor data and dovish central bank remarks fueled expectations for reductions. Meanwhile, the yen firmed on speculation the Bank of Japan might raise rates this month.
Oil prices climbed to a two-week high, fueled by anticipated U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts boosting economic growth and energy demand. Geopolitical tensions involving Russia and Venezuela also contributed to the rise. Investors are closely watching trade talks and potential supply disruptions from these key oil producers.
Gold prices climbed Friday amid strong expectations of a U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut next week, while silver reached a record high. The market anticipates a 25-basis-point cut, driven by dovish Fed commentary and recent economic data. This sentiment weakened the dollar, benefiting gold.
European shares closed the week with modest gains as investors digested a U.S. inflation report reinforcing expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut next week. Autos, retail, and technology stocks led the gains, while Swiss Re and oil and gas lagged. Citigroup set a positive 2026 target for the STOXX 600.
Global shares advanced Friday as U.S. economic data reinforced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut next week, weakening the dollar and boosting gold. Wall Street indices closed higher, marking a second consecutive week of gains, with technology and communication services sectors leading. European markets remained largely unchanged, securing a modest weekly increase.
Indian markets saw a positive close on Friday. Investors are keenly watching for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut next week. Economic data released showed consumer spending rose and consumer sentiment improved. This has boosted hopes for a rate reduction. All eyes are now on the Fed meeting for policy hints.
India-Russia oil trade: Even Januarys low is well above pre-war levels. More importantly, according to traders and refiners, volumes could rebound as unsanctioned suppliers squeeze in and a vast number of new trading intermediaries appear.
In a bold strategy to boost economic resilience, the central bank is channeling a hefty sum into the banking system. By leveraging open market operations alongside dollar-rupee buy-sell swaps, an impressive 1.45 lakh crore will flow in to optimize liquidity and facilitate effective monetary transmission.
Friday saw a remarkable uptick in Indian stock markets as the Reserve Bank of India decided to lower interest rates by 25 basis points. This strategic decision, along with signals of continued easing, infused confidence into investors. The Nifty and Sensex indices experienced a solid recovery, pushing past previous weekly dips.
SpaceX is planning a major step towards going public. The rocket company aims for an initial public offering in the latter half of next year. This move could include its Starlink satellite internet service. This comes as SpaceX is reportedly kicking off a new share sale, potentially valuing it at $800 billion.
The Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting is set to be highly debated. Policymakers are divided on an expected interest rate cut. Investors are watching closely for signals on the Fed's future policy direction and internal dynamics. Economic data has eased fears of labor market deterioration, fueling rate cut expectations. The market anticipates a quarter-point cut.
The Reserve Bank of India has reduced the repo rate to boost economic growth. This move comes as India experiences strong GDP expansion and very low inflation. SBI Research suggests markets should act with maturity. The central bank has lowered its inflation forecast for the fiscal year.

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