The Economic Times

Bajaj Finance is projecting a remarkable 29% increase in net profit for the July-September quarter, driven by robust loan demand and a boost in interest income. With a significant rise in assets under management, the demand for its lending products appears strong. Yet, analysts caution about potential pressure on lending margins owing to escalating borrowing costs.

Yes Bank's reported profit for the September quarter could have turned into a loss due to the AT1 bond ruling. The bank's CET-1 ratio would drop significantly if the Supreme Court's decision is fully implemented. Investors are concerned as mutual funds pause investments in the bank's AT1 bonds. Yes Bank is assessing the legal and financial implications of the Supreme Court's judgment.

Foreign portfolio investors pulled out over Rs 52,000 crore from Indian equities in October, surpassing September outflows. Despite persistent FPI selling driven by rising US Treasury yields and elevated crude oil prices, benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex rebounded sharply, supported by robust domestic institutional buying and IT sector gains.

Assam Police intends to appeal bail orders granted to Amritprava Mahanta and Sandipon Garg in the Zubeen Garg case. Special DGP CID Munna Prasad Gupta confirmed that proceedings are progressing rapidly in a fast-track court. Mahanta and Garg are accused in the death investigation of the late singer, who died in a scuba diving accident. The Gauhati High Court previously granted bail to both individuals in October 2025.

Gold Point, once a thriving mining community in Nevada, experienced significant population decline after mining operations ceased. The town, originally known as Lime Point in 1868, transitioned to focus on gold-mining in the late 1920s. Following World War II, mining activity diminished and finally ended in the 1960s with a shaft collapse. Today, the settlement has adapted to tourism, with remaining buildings and a museum preserving its mining history.

Foreign portfolio investors have withdrawn Rs 52,100 crore from Indian equities as of October this year. This follows a net withdrawal of Rs 35,861 crore in September, indicating ongoing financial retreat. Elevated crude oil prices, higher US bond yields, and a stronger dollar have affected investor sentiment. Despite temporary buying by foreign investors on October 16, selling in certain sectors continues.

Nine of the top ten most valued firms saw a substantial increase in market valuation last week. The BSE Sensex surged over two thousand points while the Nifty experienced significant growth. TCS, Bharti Airtel, and Infosys led the gains alongside other major firms like Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank. In contrast, Larsen & Toubro was the only firm to report a decline in market valuation.

Around 19 companies including LTIMindtree, Tech Mahindra, IRFC, HDB Financial Services, and Angel One have fixed their record dates for dividends, stock splits, and bonus issues during the week of October 19-23. Investors must hold shares in their demat accounts by the record date to qualify.

Indias primary market is set for a busy week, led by Reliance Jio Platforms Rs 30,213 crore IPO and Paras Healthcares Rs 1,450 crore issue. Both IPOs open on October 21. Nine companies are also scheduled to list, including six on the mainboard and three on SME platforms.

Sensex and Nifty extended gains for a second straight session on Friday, led by IT stocks, which rose for a fourth consecutive session, along with buying in auto, metal and PSU banking stocks. Niftys recovery could continue as long as it holds above the crucial 22,75022,800 support zone.

ICICI Bank reported a 20% rise in second-quarter net profit, helped by an 18% increase in core net interest income. However, core profitability edged lower as FCNR(B) deposits weighed on margins. NIM fell to 4.18%, while treasury operations swung to a loss amid higher government bond yields.

HDFC Bank reported a 4.7% rise in standalone net profit for the second quarter, while margin pressure weighed on core profitability. Net interest income rose 9.7% as loans and deposits grew. The lender is also set to welcome a new chief executive this month, ending prolonged succession uncertainty.

Paras Healthcare has fixed the IPO price band at Rs 660-693 per share for its Rs 1,450 crore issue, which opens on October 21. The offering includes a fresh issue of Rs 500 crore and an offer for sale worth Rs 950 crore. Proceeds will be used mainly to repay borrowings.

Ixigo's financial report reveals a net profit of 63.42 crore for the July-September period, indicating robust performance. The company enjoyed a 13% increase in operational revenue, totaling 320.96 crore. Their hotel segment excelled with a Gross Bookings Value surpassing 100 crores, reflecting a remarkable 159% year-on-year growth and driving significant revenue increase, largely from its loyal user base utilizing various transportation services.

Axis Bank has showcased impressive results with a 38% surge in net profit for the quarter ending in September. This significant growth stems from strong loan demand and enhanced asset quality. The bank's net interest income increased by 11.8% year-on-year, totaling 15,371 crore, while overall advances rose by 23% compared to the previous year. The stability in the bank's net interest margin emphasizes its positive financial trajectory.

In September 2026, Central Bank of India reported an impressive net profit hike of 21%, totaling 1,469 crore. This boost was largely attributed to strong loan growth, even as other income declined. The bank's net interest income surged by 26% to 4,146 crore. Additionally, total income rose by 15% to reach 11,737 crore, with the cost-to-income ratio improving to 58.95% from 62.42% a year prior.

YES Bank's net profit increased by 65% to 1,080 crore in the second quarter, driven by higher income. However, factoring in a Supreme Court judgment could lead to a post-tax loss of 5,217 crore. The court upheld a ruling concerning the bank's AT1 bonds, impacting its financial reporting. The bank's auditors noted that the financial outcomes might have been significantly different without this recognition.

IDBI Bank witnessed a substantial 39% drop in net profit for the September quarter, primarily driven by decreased non-interest earnings. This follows a previous year where profits were significantly elevated by one-time gains. Nonetheless, net interest income saw a 29% increase year-on-year, indicating solid operational stability, although operating expenses surged by 19%. The bank's privatization, through the sale to Fairfax, aims to enhance performance and profitability.

Alleged Israeli settlers viciously attacked Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine during an olive harvest in the West Bank. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed their disturbance regarding the incident. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the violence, stating it does not represent Israeli values. After surgery, Levine reported injuries and theft of her belongings during the attack.

Cross-border movement and exchanges between Iran and Pakistan have been temporarily suspended due to technical issues. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that authorities are working to resolve the situation. Pakistan also halted trade through specific border checkpoints to enhance security measures. Shahid Rind clarified that this decision is aimed at preventing smuggling and improving border administration.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced potential trilateral talks involving Russia during the upcoming G20 Summit. He expressed willingness to participate in negotiations in any format and location. Zelenskyy called for increased pressure on Moscow rather than on Kyiv in these discussions. Additionally, he expressed disappointment about US President Donald Trump's recent decisions related to sanctions on Russia.

Tata Trusts reported a 72.5% increase in philanthropic spending to Rs 1,556.31 crore in 2025-26. Major allocations included Rs 457.62 crore for rural upliftment and Rs 270.26 crore for education. Cancer care projects received Rs 178.46 crore, while direct assistance to individuals totaled Rs 202.99 crore. Noel Tata emphasized the importance of sustainable outcomes over sheer spending figures.

Hollywood now represents tech leaders like Elizabeth Holmes and Elon Musk as villains amidst public disillusionment. Recent films explore the consequences of their actions and seek accountability for social damage. Documentaries and fictional works dissect their influence and ethical lapses, highlighting concerns over concentrated power. Filmmakers confront the flaws of these figures while critiquing their societal impact.

US President Donald Trumps decision to waive proposed tariffs of up to 100% on buyers of Russian oil has eased uncertainty for Indian exporters ahead of the crucial Christmas shipping season. However, businesses across textiles, gems and jewellery, and human hair products say they will continue diversifying export markets after last years tariff turmoil, even as the US remains a key destination for Indian goods.

Chairman Noel Tata, in the Trusts' Annual Report for 2025-26, said that the group will also build lasting public institutions and be judged on measurable results, not money spent.

The Supreme Court upheld the Madras HC's ruling that religious conversion from Hinduism to another religion does not entitle a person to SC or OBC reservation. The case concerns Tamil Nadu's 3.5% quota for Muslim OBCs. In March 2024, the then DMK government allowed OBCs, SCs and Denotified Communities members who converted to Islam to claim the quota. The Madras HC struck down the order in June 2024 as unconstitutional. The TVK government's appeal was rejected by the SC.

Weather Tomorrow: IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds across parts of southern India, with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu among the affected regions. Rain is expected to continue in several areas through October 23. Fishermen have also been advised to exercise caution along parts of the Arabian Sea coast.

No Kings anti-Trump movement: More than 3,200 events had been planned in all 50 states, after the two previous nationwide events attracted millions of participants.

Richa Parashar, a journalist, filed a complaint against Rahul Gandhi for manhandling during a protest. The incident occurred on October 12 while covering a demonstration by Opposition leaders. Parashar alleged that Gandhi grabbed her and caused her to fall, resulting in injuries. She emphasized the lack of assistance from his supporters after the fall. Parashar has requested that media organizations release footage of the incident.

Yes Bank reported a 65% year-on-year rise in second-quarter profit to Rs 1,080 crore, beating analyst estimates. However, the lender said it could have posted a loss of Rs 5,217 crore had it accounted for the Supreme Court ruling setting aside its Rs 8,400 crore AT1 bond write-off. The bank is evaluating the ruling's financial implications and possible legal options.

HDFC Bank has made significant strides in integrating its merger with HDFC Ltd after its completion in July. The bank's incoming CEO, Anup Bagchi, emphasized the importance of maintaining strong credit quality during varying economic cycles. Bagchi also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Managing Director Kaizad Bharucha and the wider team. The bank plans to further improve its branch network and technology capabilities in the future.

A cargo vessels sinking in the Strait of Hormuz has left questions over maritime safety after Iranian fishermen recovered goods from the surrounding waters. All 21 crew members of the GFS Pride escaped, but competing explanations for the incident, including a mine or a possible missile or drone strike, remain unconfirmed.

Central Bank of India reported a 21% rise in September 2026 quarterly net profit to Rs 1,469 crore, supported by 26% net interest income growth and 30% loan expansion. Asset quality improved, with net NPA declining to 0.31%, while operating efficiency strengthened.

ICICI Bank reported a 20% year-on-year rise in Q2 net profit to 14,843 crore, supported by an 18% increase in net interest income. However, net interest margin narrowed to 4.18% from 4.36% in the previous quarter, with the bank expecting further pressure in Q3 due to foreign currency non-resident bank (FCNR-B) deposit mobilisation and branch expansion costs.

Axis Bank's digital payments platform Freecharge has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India. The approval allows Freecharge to operate under PA-O1 and PA-P1 categories starting in FY27. The bank has reported a 34% year-on-year growth in UPI transaction value for July-September. Digital transactions represented 98% of the total financial transactions during this quarter. Axis Bank continues to expand its digital payments operations, reflecting ongoing investment in technolo

HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, who will step down on October 26 after deciding against seeking a second reappointment, expressed confidence in the lenders resilience and growth prospects. He said the bank had overcome regulatory restrictions, the Covid-19 pandemic, a complex merger and monetary tightening, adding that governance issues had been settled.

Kaizad Bharucha has submitted his resignation as deputy managing director of HDFC Bank, effective December 31, 2026. This decision follows the Reserve Bank of India's approval for Anup Bagchi to become the new managing director. Bharucha has served as a whole-time director since June 2014 and would have exceeded the 15-year tenure limit by June 2029. His departure marks a significant leadership change at Indias largest private-sector lender.

Central Bank of India reported a 21% increase in net profit amounting to Rs 1469 crore for September 2026. Net interest income grew by 26% to Rs 4146 crore, reflecting strong loan growth. Total advances rose by 30% to Rs 3.81 lakh crore, driven by retail, agriculture and MSME sectors. Despite a drop in other income, asset quality improved with net NPA decreasing to 0.31%.

Ixigo reported a remarkable turnaround with a consolidated net profit of Rs 63.42 crore for the September quarter, bouncing back from a net loss of Rs 3.46 crore from last year. The surge in hotel bookings played a key role in this financial upswing, leading to operational revenue of Rs 320.96 crore.

IDBI Bank reported a 39% year-on-year profit decline to Rs 2,205 crore in Q2 FY27, impacted by a one-off gain in the previous year. Excluding this, profit rose 14%. Asset quality improved, deposits grew 17%, advances increased 18%, and net interest margins strengthened sequentially to 4.11%.

IDBI Bank reported a 39% year-on-year decline in Q2 FY27 net profit to Rs 2,205 crore, mainly due to the absence of a one-time Rs 1,699 crore gain from the NSDL stake sale in the year-ago quarter. Excluding that gain, net profit would have risen 14%.

Indian equity markets rebounded 2.78%, with the Nifty reclaiming its crucial 200-week moving average. However, weak momentum indicators and overhead resistance warrant caution. Banking, metal, media, pharma and IT stocks show relative strength. Investors should monitor key support levels, prioritise fundamentally strong stocks and maintain disciplined risk management strategies.