The Economic Times

Axis Bank is broadening its corporate banking services beyond just lending. The lender targets fee income and low-cost deposits from corporate ecosystems. It handles collections, payments, trade finance, and salary accounts for businesses. Investment banking and wealth management services are also offered to companies and their promoters. This strategy aims to build liability and fee franchises by managing more corporate cash flows.

Investors are channeling significant funds into small and mid-cap stocks this fiscal year. Small-cap funds have seen inflows nearly matching last year's total in just four months. Mid-cap funds also show strong investor interest, attracting substantial capital inflows. Large-cap funds, conversely, have experienced considerably lower investment amounts. This trend reflects improved earnings momentum and increased market liquidity for smaller companies.

PE firm initiates parallel talks with local strategics after low $1.1 bn offer on table falls below expectations. KKR expected $1.6 billion, translating to 13-15x FY27 EBITDA.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said Indias banking sector is in its strongest position to undertake the next phase of reforms, aided by historically low non-performing assets. She said the High-Level Committee on Banking for Viksit Bharat will be announced soon to align the sector with Indias growth ambitions.

The Supreme Court mandated swift conclusion of criminal cases involving election-related black money. Authorities must report cash seizures within twenty-four hours to the District Magistrate. Investigations must conclude within one year, with reasons for delays reported. Static Surveillance Teams will forward large cash findings to income tax authorities. High courts will designate courts for prompt disposal of these critical cases.

Nicholas Bandurak put England ahead in the 13th minute but India fought back and took 2-1 lead through goals from captain Harmanpreet Singh (16th) and Dilpreet Singh (24th) in the Pool D match.

Psychology says people who never tell the real price of a product recently bought to their parents or elders aren't necessarily dishonest. They may be avoiding conflict, judgment, guilt or repeated advice about money. This behavior can reflect differences between generations, personal boundaries and a need to protect relationships while making independent financial choices without creating unnecessary family tension.

Attorney General Todd Blanche supports US Attorney Jeanine Pirro amid President Trump's criticism. Pirro sought dismissal of vandalism charges for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Blanche stated evidence, not allegations, determines prosecution viability in such cases. The White House requested a review of the vandalism case for potential new charges. This situation highlights tensions between presidential expectations and prosecutorial decisions.

The Venus in Libra influence lasts until September 10, giving these four Zodiac Signs an astrological window associated with attraction, connection and receiving.

Liam Neeson advocates for actors to detach from their characters once the cameras stop rolling. He likens it to removing a coat, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a distinction between work and personal life. This philosophy fosters a nurturing environment for family connections. Renowned for his extensive film career, Neesons performances across diverse genres have garnered him numerous accolades.

The Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra FDA for its actions. The court ordered the FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to a sweets shop. This compensation was for suspending the shop's license despite high compliance. The court permitted the shop to reopen its business operations. The FDA must pay the compensation within one month.

Flood risk is hard to picture until water is inside your home. UC Berkeley researchers are building a digital twin of Californias Lower Pajaro River Valley to change that. The virtual model can show how floodwater may move through communities, what levee upgrades could change, and where climate change may increase danger. It also brings infrastructure, ecosystems and social equity into the same flood management picture.

Supreme Court mandates passports for foreign nationals released on bail. Courts will now restrict travel outside India for these accused individuals. Foreign nationals must register with FRRO and inform authorities promptly. Surety verification must be completed within three days of bail orders. A centralized database will track foreign nationals and their sureties in NDPS cases.

Indian equities extended losses, with Sensex falling 281 points and Nifty declining for a fifth session. Analysts flagged crude prices, Strait of Hormuz tensions and Fed minutes as key drivers. Broader markets gained, while market breadth remained bearish with more declines than advances.

Angel Number Day 8/18is best understood as a symbolic opportunity rather than a promise of financial success. For these fiveZodiac Signs, the day's numerological themes may offer a more meaningful reminder than simply waiting for a windfall: recognize your own potential, take purposeful action, and create the momentum that can move you toward your goals.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma released Rs. 47.93 crore in interim flood assistance through DBT to 31,951 families across Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat. With the latest disbursement, the state has provided Rs. 146.26 crore to 96,842 flood-affected families, while damage assessment and verification continue across the four districts.

Sebi warned investors against relying on live trading strategies and real-time stock tips shared on social media, saying such sessions may involve unregistered advisory services. The regulator urged investors to avoid such advice and deal only with Sebi-registered intermediaries.

Resilient Asset Management plans to sell up to 4.98% of Paytm parent One 97 Communications through a block deal worth Rs 4,895 crore. The offer carries a 2.9% discount, potentially pressuring shares.

Analysts recommend Hindustan Copper and Concord Biotech after both stocks broke key resistance levels with strong price action, volume and bullish momentum. Despite energy-led cost pressures, stronger Q1FY27 earnings and pricing actions could support upgrades, though margin risks remain from higher-cost inventory.

SBI Research said the cost of the RBIs FCNR(B) swap facility is unlikely to have driven its early closure, estimating cumulative hedging costs at USD 10.5 billion over five years. It said mobilisation targets may already have been achieved, with FCNR(B) deposits at USD 52.3 billion as of August 13.

US Central Command chief Adm Brad Cooper lauded USS Abraham Lincoln sailors for their resilience. He highlighted the aircraft carrier's low mental health cases during its deployment. Cooper's visit occurred amid heightened regional tensions with Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln is nearing the end of its Arabian Sea operations. This visit was part of a six-country West Asia tour by the commander.

Quote of the day by Hugh Jackman focuses on defining moments, risk, vulnerability and courage. Hugh Jackman says people should look beyond goals and pay attention to situations that test them under pressure. His words suggest that growth can come from taking action, accepting failure, facing others and making decisions when the outcome is not certain.

Quote of the day by George Sand offers a simple but profound reflection on what makes life emotionally meaningful. Love is not a guarantee of a perfect existence, and being loved does not eliminate pain, disappointment, or uncertainty. Yet genuine affection can give people something that achievements alone cannot always provide: connection, belonging, purpose, and the feeling that their existence matters to someone else.

Deep underground, bacteria may offer a new answer to uranium contamination. In a 130-day laboratory experiment, microbes fed with glycerol removed about 95% of dissolved uranium from contaminated mine water. The bacteria did more than trap the radioactive metal. They helped form FeU(V)O, a rare and unusually stable uranium compound. The finding could reshape research into uranium bioremediation, groundwater cleanup, and radioactive waste control.

In an innovative study, a budding student fascinated by the word 'biomass' delved into the promising world of algae as a source of biofuel. Remarkably, the introduction of vitamins accelerated the growth of algae, while adding salt significantly heightened lipid levels. The synergy from combining both treatments led to an impressive 77% increase in lipid production.

Suriya and Jyotika's Chennai home blends luxury with personal touches. The sprawling bungalow features grand interiors and a peaceful landscaped garden. Their residence also includes an ornate in-house temple for family rituals. Suriya's suits are organized by film roles, reflecting his cinematic legacy. His latest film, Vishwanth and Sons, has achieved significant box office success.

FIIs steadily increased holdings in several BSE 500 companies across three quarters, with select stocks delivering 50133% returns. Three multibaggers more than doubled investors wealth, highlighting strong institutional buying.

Google announced new partnerships with five major European football clubs. Gemini AI and Pixel smartphones will enhance fan experiences and club content. Supporters will receive AI-powered match insights and behind-the-scenes access. The collaboration also aims to boost global visibility for women's football. This initiative integrates advanced technology into the world of professional sports.

English soccer's top league starts with nine new managers, marking significant upheaval. Arsenal enters as title favorite after a dominant championship season. The league faces questions about a potential decline in global superstars. Premier League clubs are spending heavily on new player acquisitions. The season promises a return to traditional tactics and new coaching approaches.

The CBI has filed a chargesheet against Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh. They are the husband and mother-in-law of Twisha Sharma. Twisha was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her marital home. Her family accused the in-laws of mental abuse and dowry-related torture. The CBI took over the investigation after initial police inquiries.

Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh orchestrated a clever prank that had Sourav Ganguly worried enough to contemplate resigning as captain. The ruse, supported by Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, added to the authenticity of the fake newspaper reports. While coach John Wright remained oblivious outside, the playful incident highlighted how such moments can strengthen a team's bond and contribute to their overall success.

BSE Clearing has launched three-working-day securities lending and borrowing (SLB) contracts to give market participants greater flexibility for short-term borrowing and delivery needs. The new contracts, effective August 17, will have a T+1 first leg and T+3 reverse leg, and initially cover F&O securities under the D-series prefix.

There are currently too many variables that can move the markets in either direction. Oil prices may have settled into a range for now, but there is still no clarity on how the Gulf situation will develop. If uncertainty continues, oil prices may remain elevated. In such a scenario, it is probably best to be cautious; but be nimble enough to respond as things change. Our selected stocks for today depict a strong upward trajectory in their overall average score which is based on five key pillars:

BSE shares fell sharply on Monday after Jefferies downgraded the stock and cut its target price to Rs 2,940, citing risks from proprietary trading activity, STT changes, RBI bank guarantee norms and the Closing Auction Session. The brokerage also lowered earnings estimates, despite BSEs strong Q1FY27 profit and revenue growth.

Wall Street is currently assessing Anthropic's valuation in light of its anticipated revenue growth for the upcoming IPO. The AI company forecasts remarkable revenue increases by 2028, which is pivotal for investor confidence. Revenue multiples derived from these forward-looking projections are being employed, with comparable companies such as Palantir and SpaceX serving as benchmarks. This strategy underscores the AI firm's rapid expansion and significant infrastructure investments.

Molbio Diagnostics made a strong debut, beating grey market expectations. Experts remain positive on the companys molecular diagnostics leadership, expansion strategy and industry prospects, though they advise caution after the sharp initial gains and suggest a Rs 900 stop-loss.

The RBIs early closure of its special FCNR(B) deposit swap window has raised concerns over policy certainty. Banks had mobilised $52.3 billion under the scheme by August 14, prompting the RBI to shut it on August 31 instead of September 30. Bankers say the move could disrupt dollar borrowings and leverage plans, while raising questions about Indias investment-policy predictability.

Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey says the closing auction session (CAS) is here to stay, even as the regulator reviews concerns over its implementation. Launched on August 3, CAS has triggered sharp moves in the final minutes of trading and raised concerns over legacy systems, order placement and derivative positions. While Sebi has found no evidence of manipulation, Bernstein expects near-term pressure on index-options volumes.

Dhoot Transmission made a strong debut, with shares listing at a 38% premium to the 871 IPO price, comfortably beating the ~30% gain indicated by its grey market premium. Analysts remain positive on its long-term prospects, citing strong revenue growth, its established wiring harness business and rising EV exposure.

Schneider Electric Infrastructure shares fell sharply on Monday after Q1FY27 net profit plunged 70% YoY to Rs 12 crore despite a 5% rise in revenue. EBIT also declined sharply, while record quarterly order intake of Rs 915 crore and a 32.7% rise in order backlog offered some comfort.

The government will soon set up a high-powered committee to examine the banking sector's role in building a Viksit Bharat, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, with the panel expected to draw on material from two days of intensive banking reform discussions.

Sugar stocks rallied up to 7% as global sugar prices climbed to multi-month highs, with raw sugar touching 16.6 cents per pound and white sugar hitting a 15-month peak. Domestic prices have surged nearly 10% in a month to around Rs 5,000-5,090 per quintal in Mumbai. Deficient rainfall and expectations of strong festival demand are further supporting the bullish outlook for sugar companies.

Uflex shares rallied after the company reported a 630% YoY jump in Q1 FY27 net profit to Rs 423.3 crore. Revenue grew 38% to Rs 5,366 crore, while EBITDA surged 92% to Rs 919.8 crore. The EBITDA margin expanded to 17%, marking the companys highest level in 21 quarters.

JMJ Fintech reported a 72.48% year-on-year net profit increase to 1.97 crore. Assets under management rose 82.11% compared to the previous financial year. The company launched a new technology-driven lending platform called Money bro. This platform aims to make borrowing faster and more convenient for customers. JMJ Fintech plans to leverage technology for accelerated expansion across India.

Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services shares hit the lower circuit after the company reported a sharp year-on-year decline in Q1FY27 profit, despite strong revenue growth. Margin pressure from Dice acquisition-related expenses weighed on earnings, while the company continues to focus on integrating acquisitions, scaling AI and expanding its fintech offerings.

Puravankara shares rose sharply on Monday after Q1FY27 revenue jumped 63% YoY to Rs 877 crore, while PAT turned positive at Rs 25 crore and EBITDA margin expanded to 25%. Pre-sales rose 28% to Rs 1,439 crore, with collections up 40% YoY.

NMDC shares fell 4% despite a 2% YoY rise in Q1FY27 profit to Rs 2,007 crore, while revenue increased 2% to Rs 6,795 crore. Iron ore production jumped 26% to 151.17 lakh tonnes, but sales rose just 2% to 117.30 lakh tonnes. Ore transferred for pellet job work increased 46% to 8.19 lakh tonnes during the quarter.

PhysicsWallah shares gained sharply after the edtech company reported improved Q1FY27 performance, with revenue rising and losses narrowing year-on-year. Brokerage JM Financial viewed the quarter positively and maintained a bullish stance, citing strong online growth, improving profitability and growth prospects.

Likud party members are voting to select their candidate list for an upcoming national election. This internal contest will significantly influence the composition of the next Israeli government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has increased his authority over candidate placements on the roster.