The Economic Times

The US stock market enjoyed a significant boost on Friday as the S

LIC shares rose 2.5% after the state-owned insurer reported a 23% year-on-year jump in Q1 standalone net profit to Rs 13,492 crore, while net premium income grew 7% to Rs 1.27 lakh crore. LIC also retained its leadership in the domestic life insurance market, with a 60.1% share of first-year premium income, according to IRDAI data.

Britannia Industries shares rose 4% after the FMCG major reported a more than 14% year-on-year increase in Q1 FY27 net profit to Rs 591 crore. Despite higher input costs due to geopolitical tensions, the company delivered healthy revenue growth and margin expansion, prompting Nuvama and Nomura to reiterate their 'Buy' ratings on the stock.

The dollar surged on Friday, gaining strength over the yen and euro as uncertainties regarding a peace deal in Iran heightened demand for safe-haven assets. Support for the dollar was also found in increasing Treasury yields due to expectations of forthcoming rate increases. Market participants are eagerly awaiting the U.S.

Treasury futures inched lower in early Asian trading as higher energy prices revived concerns that the Federal Reserve may need to keep interest rates elevated. In the cash market, the Treasury 10-year yield held at 4.68%, after climbing seven basis points during the US session. Government bonds in Australia also fell, sending the yields on the 10-year higher by eight basis points.

Investors from abroad are pressing regulators for a decrease in securities transaction taxes to alleviate the burden of double capital gains taxes. With the Reserve Bank of India's stringent leverage rules potentially pushing trading activities offshore, there's a risk of reduced government revenues and diminished market liquidity. Authorities are considering these issues in light of the recent tax cuts on government securities.

LEAP India is on a mission to secure

Some banks now anticipate fewer policy rate increases from the Reserve Bank of India. Yes Bank and State Bank of India have revised their earlier rate hike forecasts. MUFG Bank has also pushed back its expected policy rate hike timing. Other banks maintain their forecasts for cumulative rate increases this fiscal year. Inflation projections remain sensitive to future crude oil price movements.

India's real estate sector is on the rise, with innovative public market listings through specialized platforms. These enterprises demonstrate stability with recurring revenue and institutional support, drawing in investors. The surge began with flexible workspace providers post-pandemic, while residential developers and student housing firms are now eyeing their own listings. This movement creates new avenues for investment in the unfolding realty growth landscape.

The recent weekly expiry of Sensex showcased unexpected surges in the index and heightened options premiums. Traders observe that such fluctuations are now standard until liquidity conditions improve. Notably, substantial implied volatility spikes arose without impactful news. Significant trades in ICICI Bank hinted at efforts to sway the index's trajectory. This market landscape creates challenges for option writers while benefiting buyers.

Major stock indexes closed lower on Thursday, pausing after a strong start to the week. Investors digested corporate earnings and looked for progress toward a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran. Oil prices rose, with U.S. crude settling up 2.75% at $77.29 a barrel. Data storage companies Western Digital and Sandisk saw significant drops after their quarterly results. The number of Americans filing unemployment claims increased slightly last week.

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