The Economic Times

Union Bank of India expects the RBI to raise the repo rate to 5.75-6% in H2 FY27, from the current 5.25%, with the rate-hike cycle likely beginning in December.

Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill has backed an early interest rate hike to prevent temporary inflationary pressures linked to the Iran war from becoming entrenched. While markets see limited odds of a September hike, expectations for a November increase have risen sharply, keeping inflation, wages and energy costs in focus.

Jefferies warned that persistent pressure on US Treasury yields could create a challenging environment for equity markets, particularly for bond-sensitive assets such as REITs. While higher yields have weighed on Singapore REITs, the brokerage sees selective opportunities in the sector and remains constructive on gold and gold-mining stocks as a hedge against potential dollar debasement.

J.P. Morgan and BNP Paribas now expect the European Central Bank to deliver another 25-basis-point rate hike in December, reversing their earlier calls for the tightening cycle to end without a December increase. Persistent inflation risks, elevated energy prices and resilient economic growth are driving the shift, while markets are already pricing in a near-certain 25-basis-point hike at the ECBs September meeting.

Indias value-stock universe is showing signs of recovery after a sharp decline during the previous bull run. ICICI Securities has identified 10 stocks, led by Vedanta, ONGC and Indian Oil, that meet its value criteria based on earnings yield, return on equity, valuations, earnings trends and potential catalysts.

JM Financial has initiated coverage on OnEMI Technology Solutions with a Buy rating and a target price of Rs 385, implying around 28% upside from its reference price of Rs 301. The brokerage values the stock at 2x estimated FY28 book value, citing its digital lending platform Kissht and mass-market borrower focus.

Indias balance of payments (BoP) is likely to post a $60-65 billion surplus in FY27, despite a widening current account deficit, HDFC Bank said.

India's manufacturing sector requires a 13.1 percent annual growth rate to reach USD 7.5 trillion by 2047. This ambitious target is crucial for India's goal of becoming a USD 30 trillion economy. Workforce productivity is identified as the most underleveraged growth lever for the nation. Many companies need operational changes to meet productivity targets and overcome hidden factors. Reimagining work, redesigning organizations, and remodelling the workforce are key suggested strategies.

Tesla shares rallied more than 5% ahead of the companys closely watched Cybercab event in Austin, as investors focused on its robotaxi ambitions. The two-seat autonomous vehicle, designed without a steering wheel or pedals, is central to Teslas plans to scale its robotaxi network, although pricing, competition and regulatory hurdles remain key concerns.

Expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut at its September 16 meeting have weakened sharply, with traders now pricing in less than a 50% chance of a reduction, according to CME FedWatch data. Comments from Fed officials, including Christopher Waller and Kevin Warsh, have reinforced uncertainty over the policy path, while elevated global bond yields and inflation concerns continue to weigh on markets.

Nomura warned that the AI boom may be masking growing US risks, as heavy global exposure to dollar assets leaves markets vulnerable to an AI-driven shock. The brokerage said a setback in AI could trigger a sharp correction in US equities, weaken the dollar and potentially turn into a broader global risk-off event.

Indias festive season is expected to drive a strong consumption boost, with analysts identifying sectors and stocks that could benefit. The period from Ganesh Chaturthi through Navratri, Dussehra, Dhanteras, Diwali and the wedding season typically brings higher footfalls, orders, ticket sizes and margins.

Chinas mainland stocks gained on Friday, but major benchmarks remained on track for weekly losses as fading momentum in AI shares and elevated US Treasury yields weighed on sentiment. The CSI300 and Shanghai Composite rose 0.4%, while Hong Kongs Hang Seng advanced 2.1%, led by a rebound in technology stocks.

Indian government bond yields remained steady on Friday morning, with traders eyeing an impending debt sale that could reveal market demand. The recent stabilization of oil prices and U.S. Treasury yields is providing some influence on local markets. Banks are strategizing to cope with surplus liquidity, as ongoing global risks and inflation worries cast a shadow over bond market stability.

Japanese government bond yields extended their decline on Friday as a stronger yen and expectations of a hawkish Bank of Japan stance lifted sentiment. The benchmark 10-year JGB yield fell 5.5 basis points to 2.91%. Shifting US rate expectations also weighed on Treasury yields and supported the yen.

Japans Nikkei rebounded on Friday, snapping a four-session losing streak, as a rally in SoftBank Group and gains on Wall Street lifted sentiment. However, the benchmark remained on track for a third straight weekly decline amid expectations of further Bank of Japan rate hikes and continued pressure on Japanese equities.

Senior executives from India's Connected TV and FAST sectors met to discuss forming a new industry council. This proposed India Connected TV & FAST Council aims to improve transparency and foster growth. Participants stressed the need for an independent and inclusive industry institution. Discussions covered standards, measurement, and policy engagement for the growing ecosystem.

IFCI shares surged over 6% as optimism around the long-awaited NSE IPO boosted investor interest in the state-owned financial services company, which indirectly holds more than 4% of NSE through SHCIL. The stock has rallied nearly 35% in a month, while NSEs potential IPO valuation and regulatory risks remain key factors for investors.

Robinhood shares surged as analysts raised targets, citing prediction markets, crypto strength and business diversification. Expanding financial services and upcoming sports-event trading could drive growth, although elevated valuation and volatility remain key concerns for investors.

Following a brief rally, gold and silver prices opened lower on Friday, sparking caution among investors. The market is now focused on the US payrolls report, which may provide insights into Federal Reserve interest rate decisions. Geopolitical concerns in the Middle East are another pivotal factor affecting prices. Experts warn of potential volatility in the precious metals market and recommend long-term investment strategies.

ESDS Software Solution shares more than doubled from their IPO price shortly after listing, hitting the 20% upper circuit following a blockbuster debut. With the stocks sharp gains pushing valuations higher, analysts have outlined strategies for IPO allottees and investors who missed the issue, including profit-booking and entry levels.

Sterlite Technologies shares hit a 5% upper circuit after unveiling ambitious FY29 growth targets, including Rs 20,000 crore revenue and global top-five positioning. The company approved Rs 3,000 crore capex to expand capacity by 50%, supported by strong optical connectivity demand, AI infrastructure growth and a record order book.

Indian rice export prices have reached their highest point in a year. Below-average monsoon rainfall raises concerns about production and tightens supplies. Thailand's broken rice prices have also seen an increase this week. Vietnam's August rice exports experienced a significant year-on-year decline. Bangladesh's rice retail prices continue to remain elevated for consumers.

PhysicsWallah shares surged over 4% after Motilal Oswal initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a Rs 200 target price, implying about 66% upside. The brokerage highlighted the companys capital-efficient model, strong online presence and scalable offline network, while projecting revenue and EBITDA growth through FY28 and flagging competition, execution and AI-related risks.

IEX shares rose on Friday after the exchange reported record monthly electricity trading volume of 13,938 MUs in August, up 20.2% year-on-year. Higher power demand lifted Day-Ahead Market buy bids, while prices also increased. However, REC volumes fell sharply amid lower participation, declining 86.6% year-on-year during the month.

US Treasury yields are rising partly on expectations that R-star, the economys neutral interest rate, may be structurally higher. Heavy government borrowing and AI investment are boosting capital demand, potentially keeping rates elevated longer. A higher R-star could limit Federal Reserve rate cuts, pressure Treasury prices and increase borrowing costs across the economy.

Ceigall India shares rose nearly 4% after the company received a Letter of Intent from REC Power Development and Consultancy for a Rs 5,300 crore power transmission project in Gujarat. The project includes a 765/400 kV AIS substation and around 300 km of transmission lines, with 36 months of execution followed by a 35-year operational period and annual transmission charges of Rs 608.67 crore.

Sebi plans to review the methodology for setting derivative settlement prices on expiry after market participants raised concerns over the new Closing Auction Session (CAS). The regulator will issue a consultation paper next week.

Four U.S. companies have committed $2 billion in South Korea across semiconductors, advanced materials and renewable energy. Investments include semiconductor gases, chip equipment, advanced glass and a 3.2-GW offshore wind project. The commitments strengthen South Koreas efforts to attract foreign investment and deepen economic cooperation with the United States.

Shares of Polycab and KEI Industries fell sharply after UltraTech Cement launched its 1,800 crore wires and cables business, Ultravolt. Brokerages warned that the Aditya Birla Groups aggressive entry could trigger near-term de-rating across the cables and wires sector, although Nuvama retained Polycab and KEI as its top picks.

South Korean shares rose 0.85% on Friday, led by gains in heavyweight chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, although the KOSPI remained on track for its third consecutive weekly decline amid elevated bond yields.

Gland Pharma shares fell 3% after 1.22 crore shares changed hands in two block deals worth nearly Rs 5,818 crore. Reports suggested promoter Fosun Pharma Industrial was looking to sell a 5% stake in the company. Fosun held a 51.77% stake as of June 30, 2026, according to BSE data, making it the likely seller

India's IPO market is expected to surpass last year's record fundraising. A strong second-half revival and potential mega issues will drive this growth. Jio Platforms and NSE IPOs could significantly boost total fundraising figures. Improved listing performance and investor demand are supporting the primary market. The market's deepening reflects structural growth rather than a short-term cycle.

The Indian stock market opened with a sharp divergence on Friday. The Sensex rose around 0.7% while the Nifty posted only marginal gains. Broader markets also opened in the green, with Nifty Midcap 100 recording slight gains. Bajaj Finserv shares led gains on Sensex, rising around two percent. The overall market breadth was positive, showing more advances than declines.

Paluck Technologies, Complete Sports and Management India are set to debut on the BSE SME platform today, showing sharply contrasting grey market signals.

India will launch tokenized corporate bonds next week using blockchain technology. State-run REC aims to raise five billion rupees through these innovative debt instruments. This marks India's first debt issue with instant settlement capabilities on a blockchain. The Reserve Bank of India's digital currency will facilitate these bond transactions. Only investors with active digital wallets can participate in this upcoming sale.

HAL shares will remain in focus after GE Aerospace delivered three F404-IN20 engines in August for the LCA Tejas programme. The deliveries follow prolonged supply delays as HAL works to meet IAF orders for 180 LCA Mk1A fighters. The upgraded aircraft features advanced radar, electronic warfare and refuelling capabilities. HAL shares have gained over 8% in 2026.

India's IPO market is expected to surpass last year's record fundraising. A strong second-half revival and potential mega issues will drive this growth. Jio Platforms and NSE IPOs could significantly boost total fundraising figures. Improved listing performance and investor demand are supporting the primary market. The market's deepening reflects structural growth rather than a short-term cycle.

India is using AI, satellite and drone technology to modernise tea plantation monitoring. The Tea Board, ISROs National Remote Sensing Centre and NIT Rourkela have launched CHAAYANKAN, a project that will use satellite imagery, weather data and field observations to detect crop stress, pests and diseases, and forecast tea yields.

Tata Chemicals reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 17 crore in the June 2026 quarter, compared with a profit of Rs 252 crore a year earlier. Revenue rose 14.4% to Rs 4,255 crore, supported by higher volumes, but EBITDA fell 14.5% amid weaker overseas realisations. Shares have declined 15% in 2026 and over 30% in the past year.

Despite strong refining and petrochemical margins, Reliance shares have experienced a dip as the market focuses on long-term growth potential. Investors are keenly anticipating signs of recovery in Reliance Retail and progress in New Energy initiatives. A significant concern remains the company's capability to generate free cash flow, with analysts indicating that the stock's valuation is closely tied to its future business performance.

Rays of Belief IPO allotment is expected to be finalised today, September 4, after the Rs 125 crore issue was subscribed 107.71 times. The company is set to list on both BSE and NSE on September 8.

With the Nifty trading at around 20.5 times earnings nearly 12% below its 10-year average Gupta argues that the broader market is not expensive, especially at a time when corporate earnings are accelerating and upgrades are outpacing downgrades.

Four Nifty500 stocks showed strong bullish momentum on September 3, forming White Marubozu candlestick patterns that indicated sustained buying pressure and buyers maintaining control throughout the trading session.

The Deepa Jewellers IPO is likely to finalise its allotment today after receiving an overwhelming 42.61 times subscription. With a current GMP of around 11%, investors are awaiting the allotment status ahead of the companys September 8 listing on the BSE and NSE.

Gland Pharma shares fell after a significant block deal involving Fosun Pharma Industrial. The company's VSEZ facility received zero USFDA observations after a recent inspection. Gland Pharma reported strong Q1FY27 results with increased profit and revenue. Its CDMO and B2B businesses showed substantial year-on-year growth. The pharma stock has gained significantly year-to-date.