The Economic Times

Sugar stocks rose sharply on Monday as domestic sugar prices climbed above Rs 50 per kg amid tight inventories and supply concerns. Festive demand, adverse weather in key producing regions and Brazils shift towards ethanol are adding to worries over availability. The government has also tightened stockholding limits to curb hoarding.

Fascinate Textiles shares made a weak NSE SME debut on August 24, listing at a 20% discount to the IPO price despite the issue being subscribed 1.48 times. The company reported strong FY26 revenue and profit growth.

Hexaware Technologies shares rose on Monday after Motilal Oswal reiterated its Buy rating with a Rs 720 target, implying 35% upside. The brokerage highlighted the companys AI strategy, including Zero License and token-based pricing models, while expecting delayed deal ramp-ups and AI-led opportunities to support stronger growth in CY27.

Lalithaa Jewellery Mart shares surged after debuting at a 32% premium to the IPO price, reaching over 36% gains. Strong subscription, attractive valuations versus peers and expansion plans have supported investor optimism. Analysts, however, caution about gold-price volatility, working-capital intensity, inventory management and consumer demand while offering mixed hold or profit-booking strategies.

Vishal Mega Mart surged after the company reappointed Gunender Kapur as Founder, MD & CEO for a five-year term through August 2031. Morgan Stanley retained its Overweight rating, saying the move eases succession concerns and provides continuity to the retailers growth strategy, while maintaining a Rs 146 target price, implying over 41% upside from the previous close.

Government ownership remains high across several listed companies, with the Centre holding over 87% stake in each of the top 10 stocks as of June 30, 2026. The companies span sectors including financial services, fertilisers, engineering, trading and tourism, with their market capitalisations varying widely.

Bank unions will strike nationwide on September 11 due to unresolved demands. This action follows a government 'negative attitude' towards key union proposals. The strike will impact banking services for four days, including holidays. Further strikes are planned for September 28 and an indefinite one from October 26. Unions seek five-day banking, pension improvements, and a uniform incentive scheme.

This year has seen smallcap stocks surge ahead of the Nifty 50 index, with the Nifty Smallcap 100 rising nearly thirteen percent while its larger counterpart has faltered. The driving forces behind this rally include robust liquidity and significant mutual fund investments. Analysts forecast a positive outlook on smallcaps, suggesting that investors might consider increasing their stakes during market dips for continued growth.

Defence stocks are currently soaring, largely fueled by progressive government reforms aimed at strengthening the sector. Analysts maintain a positive outlook on future growth, bolstered by the Defence Ministry's list that encourages domestic procurement. Although valuations may seem elevated, market corrections present prime opportunities for investors. As India aspires to lead in global defence technology, the horizon looks promising for the industry.

Apollo Tyres shares surged after UBS upgraded the stock to Buy and raised its target price to Rs 590. The brokerage sees earnings recovery potential, supported by improving India and Europe prospects, despite near-term rubber cost pressures. Strong Q1 revenue growth and reduced exceptional losses also supported the positive outlook.

Shares of Kaynes Tech, Dixon Technologies and Syrma SGS gained after the government notified its Rs 62,500 crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme. The five-year initiative offers incentives to manufacturers and Indian brands, aiming to boost domestic value addition, exports, intellectual property, employment and Indias position as a global electronics manufacturing hub.

Nomura expresses strong optimism for five key Indian real estate stocks, identifying Prestige Estates as their top choice within the sector. The brokerage also endorses DLF and Oberoi Realty, highlighting their solid investment potential. Additionally, Lodha Developers and Aditya Birla Real Estate gain favorable attention. In contrast, Godrej Properties receives a cautious 'Hold' rating from the firm, indicating a more tempered outlook.

Augmont Enterprises IPO entered its second day with strong demand, reaching 2.74 times subscription on Day 1. GMP climbed to 48%, indicating potential listing gains. The Rs 825 crore issue benefits from an integrated gold and silver ecosystem, strong financial growth and positive brokerage views, though valuation and working-capital risks remain.

At least six companies have fixed record dates for bonus issues or stock splits this week, from August 24 to August 28. The list includes 1:1 bonus issues by Abhishek Integrations and Mayank Cattle Food, along with stock splits by TD Power Systems, Waterways Leisure Tourism, Rotographics India and Spice Islands Industries.

Gaja Alternative Asset Management IPO allotment is expected today, August 24, after its Rs 550 crore issue was subscribed 31.33 times. QIBs led demand at 43.58 times, while NIIs subscribed 62.35 times. With GMP at Rs 17, or 11%, investors await allotment status before the proposed August 26 listing on NSE and BSE.

In August, India's IPO market witnessed a remarkable recovery, becoming the most active month in nearly a year. Over twenty companies successfully raised more than twenty-one thousand crore rupees through public offerings. This revitalization comes after a quieter first half characterized by market instability and concerns over valuations. Positive market sentiment, coupled with strong performances from recent listings, has encouraged a significant number of companies to prepare for their IPOs.

After a period of significant sell-offs, foreign investors are making a strategic move by purchasing select Indian stocks demonstrating remarkable performance over the past year. In July alone, FIIs acquired shares worth Rs 11,045 crore, followed by Rs 13,123 crore in August. The notable 730% rise in Cupid's stock highlights this renewed investor confidence, emphasizing a trend towards quality growth companies amid strong sector advantages.

Banks in India foresee a stable outlook for asset quality, driven by the reduction of unsecured lending which should prevent new stresses from emerging. The current crisis in West Asia is unlikely to significantly affect operations. Furthermore, with a strong government backing, microfinance loans provide more security, and although MSME loans continue to grow, they are still within safe limits for banks.

Tempsens Instruments IPO saw strong investor demand, with the issue subscribed 21.66 times by Day 2, while the latest grey market premium (GMP) indicated a potential 105% listing premium. The Rs 650-crore IPO closes on August 24, with Anand Rathi assigning a Subscribe: Long Term rating despite the issue appearing fully valued at the upper price band.

Skyways Air Services Rs 582.8 crore IPO opens on August 24, 2026, with a price band of Rs 131Rs 138 per share. The logistics company plans to use the proceeds mainly for debt repayment and working capital, while a 23% grey market premium signals expectations of a strong listing.

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Indian equities opened higher on Monday, with Sensex and Nifty extending gains as oil prices eased ahead of fresh US sanctions on Iran. IT and metal stocks led sectoral gains, while pharma declined. Broader markets also advanced, market breadth remained positive, and India VIX fell over 3%, signalling reduced volatility.

Samsung Electronics shares fell 8% after its record $79 billion shareholder-return plan disappointed investors. The company plans to return 90 trillion won to 110 trillion won this year, including 30 trillion won in Q3 cash dividends. While the payout is five times its 2020 record, analysts said it fell short of expectations and lacked clarity on buybacks.

On August 21, four stocks in the NSE F&O pack a futures open interest rise by more than 7% from the previous trading session. A sharp increase in futures open interest indicates growing participation in the derivatives market, with traders either initiating new positions or expanding existing ones.

Hy-Tech Engineers IPO: The Rs 135.73-crore issue set to remain open until August 27. The IPO comprises a fresh issue of Rs 60 crore and an OFS worth Rs 75.73 crore. Its GMP currently signals a potential 47% listing premium, indicating strong investor interest. Allotment is expected on August 28, with listing tentatively scheduled for September 1.

Lenskart Solutions shares will be in focus Monday after SoftBank Vision Fund II Lightbulb Cayman reportedly launched a block deal to sell up to a 2.6% stake for around $300 million. The floor price is set at Rs 635 per share, a 4% discount to Fridays close. The seller will face a 45-day lock-up on any residual stake sale.

Symbiotec Pharmalabs Rs 1,757 crore IPO opens August 24, with a Rs 938988 price band and 41% grey-market premium. The issue combines fresh shares and an OFS, while proceeds will partly repay debt. Its specialised API manufacturing, regulatory approvals and biotechnology capabilities offer investors exposure to Indias pharmaceutical manufacturing growth.

On August 21, five Nifty500 stocks that gained over 4% were highlighted in the RSI Trending Up scan, based on data from StockEdge.com. An uptrend signal is generated when the RSI value crosses above 50 from below, indicating strengthening price momentum and potential upward movement in the stocks.

Citigroup and Axis Bank have tied up to finance non-resident Indians investing in foreign-currency deposits, leveraging RBI rules that allow standby letters of credit against such deposits. The arrangement could amplify dollar inflows through offshore financing as India seeks to strengthen foreign-exchange reserves and support the rupee amid strong NRI deposits.

The Rs 1,700-crore IPO, which opened for subscription on August 17 and closed on August 19, drew an exceptional response, with the issue subscribed 62.97 times overall. Investors placed bids for a substantial portion of the 6.27 crore shares on offer.

We have collated a list of recommendations from top brokerage firms from ETNow and other sources

Nifty is currently oscillating within a wide trading range, necessitating a breakout to gain notable momentum. Analysts are providing tailored strategies for traders facing this market scenario. Recommended tactics include purchasing Nifty futures with protective hedges and implementing a buy-on-dips strategy for Bank Nifty. A selection of high-potential stocks is presented, focusing on distinct entry points, targets, and stop-loss levels.

The Rs 2,600-crore IPO comprised an entirely fresh issue of 43.34 crore shares, with the company fixing the price band at Rs 5760 per share.

The 200 DMA is used as a key indicator by traders for determining the overall trend in a particular stock.

The carry trade landscape in emerging markets is shining brightly, leading to remarkable returns for investors. This approach, which entails borrowing in low-interest currencies and investing in higher-yielding emerging markets, thrives as the US dollar softens against numerous emerging market currencies. Colombia stands out with appealing bond returns and substantial currency gains, while Turkeys elevated local bond yields continue to beneficially impact investor outcomes even amidst currency d

Young traders below thirty years of age now make up an impressive forty-three percent of participants engaged in equity derivatives. However, this age group encountered a spike in trading losses in FY26. Moreover, individuals from lower-income categories and smaller towns are on the rise in the trading scene, contributing to significant turnover and losses while showcasing a greater risk appetite in derivatives than in other investments.