India's SEBI has accused Jane Street of market manipulation, alleging the firm artificially inflated stock prices to benefit from options trading, generating substantial profits. The regulator has frozen Rs 4,844 crore and imposed a market ban on the global trading giant. Jane Street has the option to appeal the decision.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Friday. While Nifty50 was above 25,400, BSE Sensex was up over 50 points.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has barred Jane Street, a US trading firm, from participating in the Indian securities market following an investigation into suspected manipulation through equity derivatives positions. SEBI also plans to recover 48.4 billion rupees from Jane Street, claiming the firm obtained the funds through improper practices.

Stock market recommendations: Bajaj Broking Research suggests a positive outlook for the Nifty and Bank Nifty, anticipating potential gains. They recommend buying UPL between Rs 670-690, targeting Rs 747, and Chennai Petroleum Corporation in the range of Rs 700-720, with a target of Rs 787.

The IT industry is seeing a significant increase in moonlighting-related background checks due to low salary increases and job market uncertainty. Verification firms are flagging more cases of overlapping employment, particularly in the IT services sector, as remote work makes it easier for professionals to take on additional roles.

Reliance Retail Ventures is set to acquire a minority stake in FaceGym, a UK-based facial workout brand, marking its entry into the Indian market. Over the next five years, Reliance plans to establish FaceGym's presence through standalone studios and curated spaces within select Tira stores.

BlackRock Investment Institute highlights India's growing importance in global investments, driven by demographic shifts, digitalization, and supply chain changes. While neutral on short-term Indian stocks, they recommend above-benchmark allocations for long-term portfolios. India's stable policies and rising demand attract investors, making its long-term economic case compelling.

India's service sector surged to a 10-month high in June, fueled by increased new orders and robust overseas demand, particularly from Asian, West Asian, and US markets. This expansion led to job creation for the 37th consecutive month, although the pace slowed slightly from May.

India's IPO market is regaining momentum, fueled by HDB Financial Services' successful debut and easing geopolitical tensions. Startups like Meesho are leading the charge, with several others, including Pine Labs and Lenskart, preparing to file. Experts predict primary market fundraising could reach $2.4 billion in July.

Gen Z's preference for convenient formats like gummies and effervescent powders, coupled with rising health awareness, is driving substantial growth in India's consumer healthcare market. Companies like Haleon India, Dabur, and Rasna are investing heavily in innovation to capitalize on these emerging trends. This includes focusing on affordable packs and health-conscious options to cater to diverse consumer needs.

Moody's Ratings suggests India could benefit from shifting trade dynamics as the US imposes tariffs on other Asia-Pacific nations. Unlike Vietnam and Cambodia, India may face lower tariffs, attracting investment and strengthening its position as a manufacturing hub. FTAs with the UK and potential deals with the EU could further boost India's appeal.

Indeed's PayMap survey reveals that IT and ITeS sectors lead in salary growth, driven by demand for digital and AI skills. While product and project management roles offer the highest pay, UI/UX designers are catching up. Tier-2 cities like Hyderabad and Chennai are emerging as salary hotspots, offering better cost-of-living value despite affordability concerns in major metros.

Radhakishan Damani's investment in National Stock Exchange is proving highly profitable. As NSE prepares for its IPO, Damani's stake is valued at approximately Rs 9,300 crore. This makes NSE his second-largest holding after Avenue Supermarts. The IPO is expected to significantly boost Damani's net worth. NSE received SEBI approval for its DRHP.

After a significant surge, gold prices face potential headwinds as analysts from Citi, BMI, and Motilal Oswal express caution. Shifting macroeconomic conditions, including potential Fed rate cuts and stronger global growth, could diminish gold's safe-haven appeal. While geopolitical risks persist, a stronger dollar and higher bond yields may further pressure prices, leading to a possible correction.

China's mineral export restrictions pose a challenge to India's industries. Global Trade Research Initiative urges India to reduce dependence on China. They suggest reverse-engineering and local production. Restrictions impact electronics, defense, and clean energy sectors. Trade deficit with China has surged. Chinese firms dominate key Indian supplies. GTRI proposes industrial labs for domestic capacity building.

India's defence sector has surged, outperforming all others with a 34.82% return in six months, driven by government support and strong order visibility. PSUs like HAL and BEL lead the rally, fueled by 'Make in India' initiatives and geopolitical tensions. While defence funds see gains, experts caution against chasing momentum due to potential valuation consolidation.

India's quick commerce sector is rapidly expanding in metros, but faces hurdles in non-metro cities due to weak demand, low digital adoption, and strong local shopping habits. While the sector has grown significantly, non-metros contribute a small portion of GMV, highlighting the challenges of building profitable businesses in these areas.

China's dominance in rare earth metals poses challenges for India, which seeks to establish a domestic production chain. Despite holding 6% of global deposits, India's output remains low due to technical and economic hurdles. Government initiatives and international collaborations aim to reduce reliance on China, but significant investment and technological advancements are crucial for success.

US stocks edged higher, with the S&P 500 reaching a new high, as strong jobs data tempered expectations for a July rate cut by the Federal Reserve, causing Treasury yields to surge. The market rally followed a surprisingly robust US jobs report, leading investors to reassess the likelihood of an imminent rate cut.

US jobless claims fell to 233,000 last week, signaling a robust labor market despite economic uncertainties. The Labor Department's data showed a decrease of 4,000 claims, surpassing analyst predictions. The four-week moving average also declined, reinforcing the stability in employment trends, with the number of Americans receiving unemployment aid remaining steady.

Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi announced India's sugar sector has expanded into a Rs 1.3 lakh crore annual industry, crediting policy reforms for driving rural development, energy independence, and green fuel production. Ethanol production capacity has increased more than fourfold in 11 years, reaching 1,810 crore litres annually. Ethanol blending in petrol has risen from 1.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) advocates for a comprehensive revamp of India's critical minerals policy, pushing for automatic mining rights for Exploration Licence holders. They also propose viability gap funding and FTA provisions to secure mineral supply chains. CII projects India's economy to grow at 6.46.7% by 2027, emphasizing the need for reforms to improve ease of doing business.

India's residential real estate market experienced a broad-based price increase in the first half of 2025, fueled by surging demand for premium homes. NCR and Bengaluru led the gains with a 14% year-on-year increase. While affordable housing sales declined, the overall market remained healthy, driven by strong traction in the mid-premium range.

Prada is set to meet with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce to discuss a collaboration on a Kolhapuri chappal-inspired sandal line, following criticism for not crediting Indian artisans. The meeting aims to explore co-branded collections, skill development, and cultural exchange. MACCIA proposes a joint working group and a 'Prada Artisan Excellence Lab' to ensure ethical practices and benefit local communities.

The US job market is showing signs of a slowdown, with expectations of only 115,000 jobs added in June, marking the weakest gain since early 2023. The unemployment rate is predicted to rise to 4.3%. Experts attribute this to President Trump's trade tariffs, hiring freeze, and immigration policies impacting business confidence.

India's services sector experienced its strongest expansion in ten months in June, fueled by robust domestic demand and increased international sales. The Services PMI Business Activity Index surged to 60.4, driven by new orders and job creation. Despite strong overall performance, optimism among service providers has slightly moderated, with future growth expectations dipping to their lowest since mid-2022.

India and the US are striving to finalize a trade deal before Trump's July 9 tariff deadline, but disagreements persist over agricultural imports and tariff reductions. While the US seeks greater access for its agricultural products, India is hesitant due to concerns about domestic farmers and genetically modified foods.

CII projects India's economic growth at 6.4-6.7% for FY26, driven by strong domestic demand, while acknowledging geopolitical risks. The industry body proposes GST rationalization, tax reforms, and infrastructure improvements to enhance ease of doing business. These measures aim to lower costs and attract investment, reinforcing India's stable growth fundamentals.

ITR filing FY 2024-25: Taxpayers filing ITR-2 and ITR-3 face delays as the Income Tax Department hasn't released the utilities due to extensive changes in the forms. These forms, applicable for individuals with complex financial profiles, require comprehensive technical modifications. Recognizing the time needed for system readiness, the CBDT has extended the ITR filing deadline to September 15, 2025.

Indian startups are increasingly turning to local stock markets for fundraising, with 12 tech firms filing for IPOs to raise over Rs 18,000 crore. This shift is driven by stronger valuations and a desire to fund growth and expansion. While some companies are already profitable, investors remain cautious, prioritizing clarity around profitability and cash flow projections.

Indian Railways saw a slight increase in freight traffic in Q1 FY26, driven by strong performances in pig iron, steel, food grains, and container movement. Overall freight volumes rose 2% to 413 million tonnes, generating Rs 44,870.4 crore in revenue.

India and the US are in intense negotiations to finalize a trade agreement, focusing on US market access for GM crops. A 'self-certification' system for US exporters is being considered to streamline GM-free import requirements.

HDB Financial Services shares surged over 4% to Rs 874.90 on Thursday, following a successful exchange listing the previous day. Trading at Rs 876.3, it marked an 18.43% increase over the listing price. The IPO, comprising a fresh issue and offer-for-sale, saw substantial investor interest, being oversubscribed 16.69 times. Qualified Institutional Buyers showed particular enthusiasm, subscribing 55.

Reliance Industries plans to consolidate its FMCG brands into a new entity named New Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (New RCPL), a direct RIL subsidiary. This restructuring aims to attract specialized investors and facilitate a potential stock market debut for the retail division.

Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath views Jio-BlackRock's entry into India's stockbroking positively, anticipating broader retail participation due to Jio's extensive network. While welcoming the competition, Kamath emphasizes Zerodha's focus on sustainable investing and ethical practices, prioritizing customer success over aggressive trading tactics. He believes true competition will arise from passionate, dedicated entrepreneurs rather than large corporations.

India is actively pursuing a social security agreement with the United States, aiming to provide financial relief to Indian professionals working there. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to incorporate such pacts into all future free trade agreements, including ongoing negotiations with the US and the EU.

China is increasingly worried about US efforts to forge agreements with allies, potentially isolating Chinese firms from global supply chains. Washington is actively negotiating deals with Asian and European partners to limit China's involvement, citing unfair trade practices.

Nykaa's shares experienced a dip following a significant block deal. Early investors Harindarpal Singh Banga and Indra Banga planned to sell part of their holdings. The transaction involved approximately 6 crore shares. Global investment banks oversaw the sale. Nykaa is aiming for its fashion segment to break even by FY26.

Indian e-commerce giants Swiggy and Eternal are outperforming domestic indices and Asian peers, fueled by the rapid growth of quick commerce. This sector, projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, sees established players like Swiggy, Zomato's Blinkit, and Zepto maintaining market dominance due to efficient delivery and established supply chains, contrasting with challenges faced by Chinese counterparts.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has prohibited banks and other regulated lenders from charging prepayment fees on floating-rate loans taken by individuals for non-business purposes. Effective January 1, 2026, this directive aims to increase transparency and borrower flexibility. The new rules consolidate previous circulars and ensure clear disclosure of any applicable prepayment charges.

Gold and silver price prediction today: Gold prices are surging towards 99,000, fueled by global cues and safe-haven demand amid geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns. Silver is also bullish, eyeing 1,10,000, driven by industrial demand from green energy initiatives and expectations of central bank rate cuts. Experts advise a buy-on-dips strategy for gold above 96,500 and maintaining silver above 1,05,500 for potential gains.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, started trade on a flat note on Thursday. While Nifty50 was above 25,500, BSE Sensex was in red.

A new US-Vietnam trade agreement, imposing a flat 20% tariff on Vietnamese exports, is causing concern in Asian markets. The deal replaces a previous agreement with preferential access, potentially disrupting Vietnam's $135 billion export flow.

Top stock market recommendations: Nuvama Professional Clients Group's Aakash K Hindocha recommends Titagarh Rail Systems, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, and CESC as top buys for today. Nifty faces selling pressure, potentially retesting 25250, while Bank Nifty appears stretched, with selling pressure expected around 57150-57200.

Asian shares saw modest gains as investors awaited crucial US jobs data, hoping for signals of Federal Reserve rate cuts. Wall Street's record closes, spurred by a new US-Vietnam trade deal, boosted global trade optimism. However, China's slowing services activity and concerns over US consumption tempered gains, highlighting the high stakes surrounding the upcoming jobs release.