The Economic Times

The government is pushing states to quickly approve and implement projects under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure scheme. Over 1.04 lakh crore has already been released. With the March 31 deadline approaching, the focus is on timely utilization of the remaining funds. This initiative supports infrastructure spending by states.

Fewer top corporate executives could be subject to extensive investor disclosures about their compensation under pending regulatory reforms, Wall Street's top regulator said Tuesday.

The U.S. Federal Reserve could approve several more interest rate cuts this year if inflation resumes a decline to the central bank's 2% target, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said on Tuesday, downplaying a recent weak consumer price report as masking strong service price increases.

eToro surpassed fourth-quarter profit expectations, driven by robust capital market activity that boosted trading income. The platform saw a notable shift as crypto-native customers began trading commodities, indicating a convergence of investment strategies. Despite a dip in net contribution, the company's assets under administration grew significantly.

India's global trade presence has transformed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. New trade agreements are opening markets in Europe, the Gulf, Oceania, and North America. These deals ensure preferential access for Indian exports, boosting sectors like IT, textiles, and gems. Sensitive agricultural products remain protected.

Pulsar International reported a significant surge in net profit, reaching Rs 3.29 crore in Q3 FY2025-26, a nearly four-fold increase from the previous year. Revenue from operations also saw a substantial jump to Rs 39.64 crore. The Gujarat-based firm recently concluded a Rs 35.70 crore rights issue to fuel expansion, including cold storage development and contract farming initiatives.

Indian benchmarks extended gains for a second session, led by IT, consumer and financial stocks. Nifty faced resistance near its 50DMA, while easing volatility supported sentiment. Analysts advise buy-on-dips amid rangebound movement and selective stock activity.

Shares in Raspberry Pi rose as much as 42% on Tuesday in a record two-day rally after CEO Eben Upton bought stock in the beaten-down UK computer hardware firm, halting a months-long slide, as chatter grew that its products could benefit from low-cost artificial-intelligence projects.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had drawn up a tentative list of 24 road assets to be monetised in 2025-26 with the total length to be monetised pegged at 1,472 km. The central government releases funds to NHAI for monetization primarily to unlock the capital value of operational highway assets and to reinvest these funds into building new, critical infrastructure.

A significant basmati rice deal has been struck. An Indian Rice Exporters Federation member will supply 5,000 tonnes to the United States. This agreement follows the finalisation of the India-US trade deal. America has agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods. This development is a positive step for Indian rice exports.

The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq opened lower on Tuesday after the long weekend as worries about AI-triggered disruptions rattled market confidence and investors focused on developments in nuclear talks between the United States and Iran.

Nifty posts consecutive gains led by IT, consumer, and banking stocks, though resistance near 50DMA may trigger minor pullbacks. Analysts recommend LG Electronics, Bank of India, and MRPL for short-term bullish trades.

Danish brewing giant Carlsberg is considering listing its India business, as it looks to unlock shareholder value in the country where it is witnessing strong growth, said its Group CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen.

Engineers India Limited posts over threefold Q3 net profit jump, driven by turnkey project revenue. Board to meet for second interim dividend, with record date set for March. Shares remain volatile amid profit booking.

Digital lending platform Kissht, operated by Onemi Technologies, on Tuesday said its NBFC arm Si Creva Capital Services has received a credit rating upgrade from Crisil Ratings, reflecting strong business momentum and a healthy capital position.

Indias capital markets are evolving as S45 launches the nations first AI-enabled investment banking platform. It streamlines IPO workflows, improves transparency, accelerates listing processes, and combines AI with human expertise to optimize execution.

The BSE Sensex rose nearly 174 points, supported by strong momentum in key counters. State Bank of India, Larsen & Toubro, Indus Towers, and Lupin reached 52-week highs, signaling bullish sentiment.

Seven large-cap companies recorded a Turnaround Story YoY, moving from net losses to profits in December 25, reflecting strong financial recovery and improved operational performance, signaling investor confidence in their growth trajectory.

XED Executive Development is set to launch GIFT Citys first-ever IPO, aiming to raise $12 million through a dollar-denominated listing on NSE IX and India INX. The offering marks a key milestone for IFSCs global fundraising ambitions as XED plans to accelerate international expansion and deepen academic partnerships

Fractal Analytics rebounded after a weak market debut, rising over 9% intraday after Prabhudas Lilladher initiated coverage with a 40% upside target. The brokerage cited strong account mining, steady growth across tiers, deep AI capabilities, and improving prospects for Fractal Alpha as key drivers supporting long-term momentum.

Indian benchmarks logged a second straight gain, supported by IT, financial and consumer stocks. The BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 edged higher as select counters like Infosys and Fractal Analytics saw strong action.

Indian government bonds continued their winning run, ending the day higher on Tuesday after stronger-than-expected demand for state debt sale lifted sentiment, while benign U.S.

Jaipur-headquartered Moustache Group of Hotels on Monday announced its rebranding, aiming to operate 100 more properties by 2030.

NBFC firm IIFL Finance Ltd on Tuesday said that the base issue of its secured redeemable non-convertible debentures (NCDs) has been fully subscribed within the first half of the opening day.

The Indian rupee ended Tuesday little changed, as intermittent intervention by the Reserve Bank of India slowed the currency's drift toward the psychologically important 91-per-dollar mark.

Benchmark indices reversed early losses to end higher on Tuesday, supported by gains in IT and PSU bank stocks. The Sensex rose 174 points, and the Nifty closed above 25,700, while broader markets also advanced. Analysts said the index holds strong support at 25,600, with momentum likely to sustain.

Copper prices have seen a significant drop from their peak. Experts believe this is a temporary consolidation phase. Global demand concerns and Lunar New Year holidays in China are impacting prices. However, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Traders are advised to watch for stabilization before entering new positions.

PhonePes proposed IPO at a $1315 billion valuation could become a landmark fintech listing in India and may trigger a valuation re-rating for Paytm, according to Macquarie. The company dominates the UPI ecosystem with about 45% market share, supported by over 657 million registered users and 47 million merchants, staying ahead of rivals like Google Pay and Paytm.

India's ambitious Great Nicobar infrastructure project has received a green light. This mega project, centered around a new transshipment port, aims to boost India's role in global shipping. It will reduce reliance on foreign ports and strengthen India's strategic presence near vital sea lanes.

Infosys shares jumped up to 5% after announcing a strategic AI collaboration with Anthropic, easing fears that next-gen AI could disrupt Indian IT. The partnership blends Claude models with Infosys Topaz to build agentic AI solutions for regulated industries, shifting the narrative from AI threat to AI-driven opportunity.

Nearly half of Indias smallcap stocks trade over forty percent below peaks after a sharp correction, says Abakkus Mutual Fund. Despite volatility, smallcaps have outperformed Nifty 50 long term, offering attractive accumulation opportunities.

Aerospace firm Aequs is investing 1,900 crore in Tamil Nadu over ten years. This move focuses on advanced engine manufacturing, a high-margin segment. The project aims to build a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in India. Initial investment will be 200-300 crore. Commercial production is expected by FY28. This initiative strengthens India's aerospace capabilities.

Kwality Walls shares fell sharply on Tuesday, extending their post-listing slide to 30% after a weak debut. The stock faced heavy selling despite LIC acquiring a 6.62% stake. The demerged ice-cream business from HUL also saw an open offer launched at Rs 21.33 per share by a Dutch promoter entity.

European shares were steady on Tuesday, echoing a cautious tone in global markets as key bilateral talks between the U.S. and Iran were underway, while investors scoured for clues on how AI disruptions could upend traditional business models.

Japan's Nikkei share average fell on Tuesday as investors booked profits amid few fresh trading cues, while the post-election euphoria was ebbing and the earnings season was winding down. The Nikkei was down 0.4% to close at 56,566.49 on the day, and declining 1.9% over four consecutive sessions.

Adani Group stocks rose sharply after the conglomerate announced a $100 billion plan to build renewable-powered, AI-ready data centres by 2035. The initiative includes a 5 GW data centre platform and ties with global tech giants, positioning India as a major AI infrastructure hub.

The amount of cash circulating in the economy has hit an all-time peak of Rs 40 lakh crore in January, after rising 11.1% year-on-year. Yet, interestingly, the cash-to-GDP ratio has dipped, suggesting that digital payments are playing a much bigger role than before.

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport saw a massive surge in rose exports for Valentine's Day. Over 60 million rose stems were shipped globally and domestically. This marks a significant increase in volume and tonnage. The airport's advanced cold chain facilities ensured the freshness of these perishable goods.

India has offered quotas for most agricultural products in its proposed interim trade agreement with the United States. Officials stated the quantities are largely small and align with import needs. The pact aims for a March signing. India's chief negotiator will visit Washington to finalize the legal text.

Hindalco and National Aluminium Company shares fell Tuesday. A brokerage firm downgraded both companies. They cited weak growth prospects for the coming quarters. Aluminium prices are expected to decline. Hindalco's large capital expenditure could impact its balance sheet. NALCO's expansion coincides with softening alumina prices. Earnings for both companies are projected to fall.

Infosys and Anthropic's AI partnership is generating buzz. Experts caution investors to look beyond the hype and focus on fundamental value. Large and midcap IT firms can benefit from AI advancements. AI is expected to impact IT sector growth over the next three years. Current stock valuations may already reflect AI disruption, creating opportunities for smart investors.

Nilesh Shah of Kotak AMC believes artificial intelligence will transform India's IT sector gradually. He advises retail investors to let experts manage their investments during this period. Shah notes that India's market is currently priced fairly. He anticipates a return to double-digit earnings growth, supported by positive economic indicators. This outlook suggests a period of measured optimism for investors.

India's fast-moving consumer goods sector is recovering well. Experts see continued growth, with rural areas leading. Companies are aiming for more market share. Premium products are also driving sales. This trend is expected to continue, making FMCG an attractive sector for the future.

India is actively engaging with global partners from a strong stance. Recent trade agreements highlight this enhanced international cooperation. These pacts are set to boost commerce and strengthen economic ties. The world is experiencing significant shifts in global order and economic dynamics. India's proactive approach positions it for future growth and influence.

Seven exclusive MF-held stocks fell up to 55% in a year, while four outliers gained up to 125%, ETMarkets analysis shows.

The National Green Tribunal has approved the Great Nicobar Island International Container Transhipment Terminal. The tribunal found that environmental safeguards are in place. This decision follows objections regarding coastal regulations. The project's strategic importance was considered alongside environmental protection measures. Authorities must ensure strict compliance with clearance conditions.

Australian shares climbed on Tuesday. BHP surged to a record, boosting the resources sector. This set the tone as earnings season began. The S&P/ASX 200 extended gains. Focus remained on domestic earnings due to market closures elsewhere. Investors watched for signals on iron ore demand and the sector outlook. Jobs data is now a key focus.

Motilal Oswal has included Growws parent company (Billionbrains Garage Ventures) and Dixon Technologies among its bullish stock ideas in its latest coverage, reflecting confidence in secular growth themes beyond the core index. The brokerages Buy call on Groww underscores its dominant retail broking market share and diversified revenue expansion potential, while Dixon Tech features as a high-conviction pick in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) space with strategic alliances and growth

In an important diplomatic move, Darpan Jain, a senior IAS officer, will spearhead India's delegation in Washington next week. This visit will focus on cementing the legal framework of the proposed India-US Interim Trade Agreement as negotiations transition into the drafting phase. The trip is crucial for solidifying a partnership that promises mutual trade benefits and economic collaboration.

Gaudium IVF has set its IPO price band at Rs 75-79 per share, aiming to raise Rs 165 crore and valuing the company at Rs 575 crore. The fertility services provider's public offering opens February 20, with funds earmarked for expanding its IVF centre network and debt repayment. This marks a significant step for the ART sector in India.