The Economic Times

Reliance Industries is expected to report 15-17% year-on-year growth in September-quarter EBITDA, driven by a sharp recovery in its oil-to-chemicals business. Brokerages expect stronger refining margins, higher throughput and a weaker rupee to offset subdued retail and oil and gas performance. Investors will track O2C profitability, Jio Platforms earnings and retail margins as RIL announces results.

Ambuja Cements Q2 Results: The company reported a 90% year-on-year decline in Q2 FY27 net profit to Rs 114 crore due to a Rs 1,697 crore income tax provision reversal in the year-ago quarter. Revenue rose 10% to Rs 6,113 crore. Shareholders also approved the proposed amalgamation of ACC and Orient Cement with Ambuja, with completion expected in FY27, subject to approvals.

Virat Kohli's stake in Agilitas Sports has increased significantly following the merger with his one8 brand. The merger was approved by the National Company Law Tribunal, enhancing Agilitas product development capabilities. Kohli invested Rs 40 crore in Agilitas and remains a co-founder of one8. Agilitas aims to build a leading global sportswear brand from India through this integration.

Pine Labs shares rose sharply on Thursday after the fintech company reported a 543% year-on-year jump in Q2 FY27 net profit to Rs 38.6 crore. Revenue rose 24% to Rs 806.2 crore, while EBITDA increased 67.3%. Growth in payments, UPI transactions and international markets supported performance as the company expands into AI-led commerce.

Asian Paints Q2 Results: The paint maker reported a 7% year-on-year rise in Q2 FY27 consolidated net profit to Rs 1,068 crore, while revenue grew 17% to Rs 9,977 crore. The company announced an interim dividend of Rs 5.75 per share, with November 4 set as the record date, even as shares fell 2%.

ACME Solar shares rose 5% after its Q2 FY27 profit surged 133.5% to 269 crore and revenue climbed 67.5% to 1,007 crore. The rally was also supported by its subsidiary signing a 25-year power purchase agreement with NTPC for a 400 MW renewable energy project.

Jio Platforms is poised to evolve beyond telecom as tariff hikes, 5G monetisation, home broadband and enterprise digital services drive its next growth phase, according to Dolat Capital. The brokerage initiated coverage with an Accumulate rating and a target price of Rs 1,435, citing strong growth prospects and rising free cash flow.

Investor Michael Burry warned that Anthropics planned IPO exposes serious vulnerabilities in the AI industry, citing massive infrastructure commitments, slowing growth and mounting costs. The investor, known for predicting the 2008 financial crisis, believes disappointing AI revenues could trigger a significant market correction and capital losses.

Jio Platforms will announce its first quarterly results as a listed company on October 30, with brokerages expecting double-digit revenue growth in Q2 FY27. Nomura projects revenue of Rs 40,400 crore and net profit of Rs 7,610 crore, while subscriber additions and ARPU growth will be key metrics for investors.

One Planet Partners has launched a private equity fund in partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank. The firm plans to raise over 3,000 crore and target mid-market companies in India. One Planet will focus on sectors such as energy, mobility, and manufacturing, offering growth capital of 100 crore to 500 crore. Yulu Bikes Private Limited is the firm's first investment, participating in their $93 million Series C funding round.

Delhi Traffic Police announced traffic advisories for Diljit Dosanjh's concert at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on October 30, 2026. The traffic restrictions will be implemented from 1 pm to midnight in the vicinity of the venue. Commuters are encouraged to use public transport, with Delhi Metro considered a suitable option. Motorists should remain patient and follow traffic rules to assist with smooth movement.

Flavio Bolsonaro, a Brazilian senator, fled to Miami with his family after losing the presidential election. He had been under investigation for corruption and faced passport seizures ordered by the Supreme Court. His father, Jair Bolsonaro, had previously claimed electoral fraud without providing evidence. Despite allegations of voter suppression, the electoral results were widely accepted by political leaders around the world.

The Indian government has identified 762 potential applications of artificial intelligence across 62 ministries and departments, spanning farming, railway safety, tax compliance, public grievances, customs and healthcare. While some tools are already in use, others remain in pilot or development stages.

Hindustan Unilever shares rose on Thursday after the FMCG major reported a 4% year-on-year increase in Q2 FY27 net profit to Rs 2,790 crore and 15% revenue growth to Rs 18,226 crore. Jefferies, Nomura and JM Financial cut their target prices but continue to see upside potential of up to 29%.

Brokerages see potential upside in 10 stocks, including DLF, Apollo Hospitals, GE Vernova T&D India and Jindal Steel, citing bullish chart patterns, improving momentum and signs of recovery. Technical indicators suggest further gains, though investors should assess risks and verify stop-loss levels.

Vedanta Aluminiums September-quarter net profit more than doubled, while revenue rose 41% and EBITDA surged 83% year-on-year. The company expects higher production volumes and lower costs to support earnings despite declining aluminium prices. Production costs could fall 6% by year-end, aided by increased captive bauxite availability and operational efficiencies.

Adani Group stocks rose on Thursday, adding Rs 23,000 crore to their combined market capitalisation, as Q2 results and bullish brokerage calls lifted sentiment. Adani Power reported a 134% jump in net profit, while Jefferies raised its target price for Adani Ports and sees significant upside in Adani Enterprises.

Abhijeet Wanjari won the Nagpur Division Graduates' Constituency seat against Sudhakar Kohale from the BJP. The election results were declared after an extensive 40-hour vote-counting process. Wanjari secured 67,231 votes while Kohale received 63,960 votes in this close contest. This victory indicates a shift from the traditional BJP stronghold to a Congress bastion in this constituency. The outcome signifies a continued trend of Congress winning similar elections in the region.

Karwa Chauth Moonrise Time: Celebrated by married women, Karwa Chauth involves a day-long fast until the moon appears. The rituals commence early with Sargi, a pre-fast meal. As evening falls, women engage in traditional prayers, culminating in breaking their fast upon sighting the moon. Since different cities in India experience varied moonrise timings, women must confirm their local schedules to participate meaningfully.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Odisha and Chhattisgarh following Cyclone Arnab, assuring them of the Centres assistance in relief and rescue efforts. He said NDRF and SDRF teams were working to mitigate the impact of the storm, while inter-ministerial central teams would soon assess the damage and determine the need for further assistance. The IMD had forecast that the cyclone would gradually weaken.

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran emphasized that 2025-26 could be a significant inflection point for India's economy. He mentioned the challenges posed by global shocks and supply-side disruptions in recent years. The reliance on imported crude oil adds to India's vulnerability to fluctuating international energy prices. Strengthening resilience to external disruptions is crucial for managing such risks effectively.

Jefferies has initiated coverage on NSE with a

In the September quarter, Vedanta Aluminium experienced a remarkable 41% growth in revenue year-on-year. Despite predictions of falling aluminium prices, production is on the rise due to enhanced capacity. The company forecasts a reduction in production costs by 6% by year's end. Operational enhancements indicate that earnings will still rise, positioning Vedanta positively amid shifting market conditions.

City Union Bank shares rose sharply on Thursday after the lender reported a 27% year-on-year rise in Q2 FY27 net profit to Rs 416 crore. Net interest income grew 31%, while asset quality improved, with gross NPAs falling to 1.44%. Deposits and advances also recorded strong growth during the quarter.

On Thursday, the Indian stock market saw significant upward movement, propelled by the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain steady interest rates. The Sensex climbed by over 600 points, surpassing the 73,860 mark, while Nifty 50 gained 175 points, approaching 22,875. Broader indices like Nifty Smallcap 100 and Nifty Midcap 100 also witnessed increases of up to 0.6%. Traders should brace for potential fluctuations as expiry day approaches.

EAAA India Alternatives Rs 1,200 crore IPO was subscribed 5.51 times, led by strong demand from institutional investors. The allotment is expected to be finalised today, while the shares are scheduled to list on the BSE and NSE on November 2, 2026. The IPOs grey market premium suggests modest listing gains.

BLS Polymers IPO was subscribed 42.47 times by 10:05 am on Day 3, led by strong NII demand. The issue carries a grey market premium of 34%, while the company reported higher income and profit in FY26.

Hamleys Franchising Ltd is facing a voluntary strike-off from the UK company register. The UK Registrar of Companies issued a notice regarding this development on October 27, 2026. Unless objections are raised within two months, the company will be dissolved. In 2025, Hamleys Franchising reported a turnover of Rs 56.08 crore, contributing minimally to Reliance Industries. Its net worth was nil as of December 31, 2025, according to the filing.

Festive demand and sustained public capital expenditure are expected to support India's industrial activity in the second half of FY27, although unfavourable base effects, weak monsoon conditions and higher input costs could weigh on production, according to a report by Union Bank of India.

Following the Federal Reserve's recent decision, the Indian stock market surged, with Sensex rising by over 500 points and Nifty up by more than 150 points. Adani Ports and Power Grid were among the top gainers, while Trent faced a downturn. The breadth of the market remained positive, as advances outnumbered declines on the NSE. Analysts, however, highlighted potential global economic issues that could pose challenges for India.

Jupiter Wagons shares rallied over 8% after securing a Rs 1,140 crore Railway Board order for 2,583 wagons. The company expects additional order inflows of around Rs 2,000 crore in Q4 FY27, supported by government and private-sector demand. Despite the gains, the stock has fallen 25% in three months and trades below seven of its eight simple moving averages.

CarTrade Tech shares fell 6.5% after Q2FY27 net profit rose 3% year-on-year to Rs 66 crore, while revenue increased 10% to Rs 213 crore. Nomura raised its target price to Rs 3,377 from Rs 3,340, citing growth potential in OLX India, improving consumer business prospects and operating leverage, despite trimming revenue estimates by around 3%.

Hyundai Motor India shares rose despite a sharp decline in Q2 FY27 profit as rising commodity costs squeezed margins. Nomura and Motilal Oswal retained their Buy ratings, citing new model launches, export growth and potential margin recovery.

Jefferies sees a potential long-term capital gains tax (LTCG) cut as a possible trigger for foreign investors to return to Indian equities after record outflows. Banks, Reliance Industries, utilities and real estate stocks could be the biggest beneficiaries. Heres where foreign investors are positioned and what a tax cut could mean.

India

The Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has extended its New Amnesty Scheme, 2025, by three months until December 31, 2026, allowing eligible employers and insured persons more time to settle disputes out of court. The one-time scheme covers court cases filed up to March 31, 2025, and offers relief from damages in certain cases, subject to specified conditions.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed state-sponsored terrorism and Indias commitment to regional security during the ADMM-Plus forum. He emphasised the need for sharing practical counter-terrorism experience with partners to strengthen collective capabilities.

Antala Industries Rs 23.33 crore SME IPO opens on October 29, 2026, and closes on November 2. Priced at Rs 6367 per share, the fresh issue will fund working capital, machinery purchases and general corporate purposes. The packaging manufacturer reported strong FY26 growth, with total income rising 49% and profit after tax increasing 133%.

Adani Ports shares rose after the company reported strong Q2 FY27 earnings and raised its full-year guidance. Jefferies and Nomura increased their target prices, citing robust international port performance, higher earnings estimates and long-term growth prospects.

Meesho shares fell nearly 3% after Q2 FY27 net loss narrowed 68% year-on-year to Rs 132 crore, while revenue rose 34% to Rs 4,132 crore. Brokerages remained divided, with Jefferies and Motilal Oswal maintaining Buy ratings and Nomura retaining Reduce, citing growth prospects, margins and festive-season demand.

Four Nifty500 stocks featured in StockEdges VWAP scan on October 28, with closing prices more than 2% above their respective volume-weighted average prices, indicating positive price action during the session.

US President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama stepped up campaigning ahead of next Tuesday's congressional elections, which could shift control of Congress. Obama rallied support for Democrats in Georgia, criticising Trump's policies and leadership, while Trump campaigned for Republicans in Ohio amid protests and declining approval ratings.

Jio Platforms shares rose further after a strong market debut, climbing over 32% above the IPO price. Nomura, Motilal Oswal and Elara Capital initiated coverage with Buy ratings, citing tariff hikes, ARPU growth and digital services opportunities.

Jio Platforms Ltd. recorded India's largest IPO, raising $3.1 billion and experiencing a 27% rise in shares. The Ambani family strategically adapted the deal structure and lowered valuations to attract investors. Mukesh Ambani's son Akash played a significant role in this IPO process, marking a milestone for the Ambani dynasty. Jio's market valuation exceeded $130 billion, becoming India's second-most valuable company.

Bombay Coated & Special Steels Rs 183.06-crore IPO opens on October 29, 2026, with a price band of Rs 7882 and an 11% grey market premium. The company reported 20% revenue growth and 7% profit growth in FY26. Anand Rathi recommends subscribing for long-term investment, citing reasonable valuation and growth prospects.

In a pivotal decision, the Securities Appellate Tribunal annulled a 1.49 crore penalty that MCX had levied against Ventura Securities for purported client violations. The tribunal's ruling stemmed from the finding that the order was signed by an ex-member of the committee. As a result, the tribunal has ordered MCX to reimburse the fine, including an additional 1 lakh for the brokerage's legal expenses.