The Economic Times

School holiday news: Schools across India are generally set to operate as usual on October 27, 2026. Local authorities may declare holidays based on weather conditions, especially in southern coastal states. Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are particularly monitoring forecasts due to cyclone concerns and heavy rain alerts. Parents and students should check with schools for specific instructions or changes related to closures.

Anthropic filed for an initial public offering, reflecting rapid revenue growth amid significant financial losses. The company reported a 1,300% revenue increase, reaching $16.3 billion in the first half of 2026. However, it also encountered a net loss exceeding $80 billion due to high costs in AI development. Risks associated with AI technology are increasingly becoming a concern for potential investors.

Verizon now expects to add between 1.1 million and 1.2 million postpaid phone subscribers this year compared with earlier projections of 750,000 to 1 million.

Anthropic's IPO filing marks a significant step toward becoming the first public listing for a frontier AI lab. The company has raised a total of $3.5 billion in various funding rounds leading up to its IPO. Significant investments have come from major companies including Amazon.com and Alphabet's Google. Anthropic is currently projecting revenue of approximately $190 billion to $200 billion in 2028.

Despite the Sensex gaining 483 points to close at 73,606, six BSE 100 stocks hit fresh 52-week lows. Yes Bank led monthly declines, followed by Power Finance Corporation, Tata Power, Canara Bank, Tata Consumer Products and Godrej Consumer Products.

Tata Consumer Products reported a 16% year-on-year profit increase to Rs 470 crore in Q2 FY27, with revenue rising 14% to Rs 5,661 crore. Strong Indian volumes, salt demand and growth businesses boosted performance, while EBITDA increased 18% to Rs 794 crore.

The ET Product of the Year Awards 2026 honors cutting-edge home and kitchen appliances introduced or revamped in India. This category emphasizes products that improve daily living by focusing on energy efficiency, practicality, and advanced technology, catering to changing consumer demands. Receiving an award bolsters manufacturers' ability to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Indian equity markets snapped a four-day losing streak as Sensex and Nifty rebounded, supported by broad-based buying. Dr Reddys and JSW Steel led gainers, while rising India VIX signalled continued volatility and technical concerns about downside risks.

NAN GreenMet has partnered with Enaex to create an integrated explosives manufacturing plant in India. This venture involves an investment of Rs 750 crore and aims to begin commercial operations in 2027. The facility will cater to the rising demand in India's explosives market, projected to grow significantly in the coming years. The joint venture plans to provide a range of advanced blasting solutions for mining and infrastructure projects.

European shares traded flat as investors weighed corporate earnings and political uncertainty in France. Falling oil prices, driven by hopes of easing US-Iran tensions, supported travel and leisure stocks, while energy shares declined.

Ather Energy shares surged nearly 19% after the electric two-wheeler maker reported a net profit of Rs 1.26 crore in Q2 FY27, reversing a loss of Rs 154 crore a year earlier. Revenue rose 62.8% year-on-year to Rs 1,464 crore, while the company also approved Rs 122 crore in capacity expansion.

SoftBank sold nearly 28% of its Ola Electric rights entitlements over two sessions as the company launched a Rs 1,000-crore rights issue. Meanwhile, Motilal Oswal entities applied for 2.39 crore shares amid declining revenue and persistent losses.

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has directed officials to expedite road and infrastructure developments. During inspections, he emphasized the need for integrated approaches to improve traffic flow and safety. Gowda also requested coordinated efforts to complete pending works while minimizing disruptions for residents and commuters. He highlighted the importance of pedestrian safety and efficient drainage as key components of road improvements.

State Bank of India chairman CS Setty noted that upcoming rate hikes could affect discretionary consumption demand. He highlighted that retail asset quality is expected to remain stable at the system level. Setty indicated a projected 0.50 percent rate hike in December, followed by a pause in February. Additionally, he discussed plans for a new version of the Yono app aimed at Jan Dhan account holders.

FM Sitharaman linked the government's broader economic priorities -- fiscal consolidation, inflation management and currency stability -- with the need to expand employment and enterprise opportunities, particularly for women, through education, skill development and industry participation.

The ET HR Excellence Awards 2027 honor groundbreaking efforts from organizations, HR professionals, and leaders aimed at improving workplace culture and overall performance. Covering 42 award categories, this prestigious event celebrates excellence in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and HR technology, underscoring the essential role that HR plays in facilitating business transformation.

Michael Burry provides life advice and personal finance tips to a 26-year-old in a Substack post. He emphasizes the importance of exercising, learning, and relationships while advising against gambling. Burry suggests that individuals should invest wisely, specifically recommending to buy half a house they can afford. He warns about the potential for an AI market crash, predicting possible disappointments in revenue.

SBI chairman CS Setty expects higher interest rates to moderate credit demand in rate-sensitive sectors, particularly discretionary spending. The bank forecasts another 50 basis points repo rate hike in December, followed by a pause. Setty said he sees no system-level concerns over retail asset quality, though highly leveraged households may face pressure.

Uday Kotak has described Indias $130-billion-plus FCNR(B) mobilisation as a strong insurance policy against global shocks, but warned that repayments including interest could reach $160-170 billion over the next three to five years. He said the buffer gives India time to strengthen its economy, but should not substitute for structural reforms, investment in technology and efforts to improve domestic competitiveness.

Foreign institutional investors turned net buyers in select stocks in the September 2026 quarter after two quarters of reduced exposure. Morepen Laboratories, Shanti Gold International and other stocks gained up to 135% over three months.

Swiggy shares rebounded nearly 5% after plunging 17% following its Q2FY27 results. While food delivery profitability improved, widening Instamart losses prompted Jefferies and Nomura to cut target prices, even as brokerages retained bullish ratings.

BSE shares rose sharply on Monday after Motilal Oswal upgraded the stock to Buy with a target price of Rs 4,000, implying 23% upside. The brokerage expects strong derivatives volumes, rising premium turnover, improving cash market participation and operating leverage to drive revenue growth, margin expansion and a 27% profit CAGR through FY28.

Apollo Micro Systems has reported an impressive rise in Q2 earnings, with net profit soaring by 56% compared to last year. Revenues spiked 72%, hitting a milestone of Rs 388 crore for the September quarter. The notable increase in EBITDA showcases solid operational efficiency in the defence sector. The company is dedicated to enhancing its capabilities and expanding into global markets, demonstrating a strategic focus on its future objectives.

US spot Bitcoin ETFs have recorded volatile inflows and outflows, reflecting uneven investor conviction. Although demand recovered during the third quarter, ETF flows have largely followed Bitcoins price movements rather than predicted them, making sustained trends more significant than daily fluctuations.

Tonbo Imaging shares rallied after a strong stock market debut, following heavy demand for its IPO. Investors will track revenue growth, order execution, profitability, working capital and cash flows to assess the defence electronics companys long-term prospects.

Six major hyperscalers are projected to spend $7.7 trillion on AI between 2026 and 2030, but generating adequate returns will be a challenge. UBS estimates they need $1 trillion in additional earnings before interest and taxes by 2031. The key questions are whether AI boosts productivity and companies can monetise those gains.

Jio Platforms raised about $3.1 billion through its record IPO, but intense competition among investment banks kept fees relatively low at around 0.65% of the issue size.

Bharat Coking Coal shares sharply on Monday after the Coal India subsidiary reported a turnaround to profit in Q2 FY27, with net profit at Rs 123.7 crore and revenue up 39% year-on-year to Rs 4,412.58 crore. However, first-half production declined, while technical indicators pointed to continued weakness in the stock.

Indian benchmark indices staged a sharp recovery from early losses, supported by gains in metal, pharmaceutical and select banking stocks. Despite improving market breadth, analysts remained cautious amid elevated crude oil prices, rising volatility and continued weakness in the broader market.

AU Small Finance Bank shares fell up to 10% despite a 53% year-on-year rise in Q2 net profit. Jefferies and Motilal Oswal retained Buy ratings, citing growth prospects, improving asset quality and lower credit costs.

Shriram Finance shares fell sharply on Monday after Jefferies, Citi and Motilal Oswal cut their target prices following the NBFCs Q2 results. Despite concerns over rising credit costs and rural stress, all three brokerages retained their Buy ratings, citing strong net interest income, resilient margins and long-term growth potential.

Paras Healthcare IPO allotment is expected to be finalised today after the Rs 1,450-crore issue was subscribed 2.23 times. With the GMP indicating a potential listing gain of around 1%, investors can check their allotment status on the MUFG Intime, NSE and BSE websites. The hospital chain is scheduled to list on October 28, 2026, after reporting a return to profitability in FY26.

Coforge shares fell despite strong Q2 results and brokerages raising target prices. Net profit surged 56.5% year-on-year to Rs 588.1 crore, while revenue jumped 54% to Rs 6,170.8 crore. EBITDA rose 67% to Rs 1,269.7 crore, with margins expanding 168 basis points to 20.6%. The company raised its FY27 EBIT margin guidance to 16%, while its 12-month order book grew 45% to $2.38 billion.

Infosys shares fell sharply on Monday after the IT major cut its FY27 revenue growth guidance to 1-2% from 1.5-3%, citing pricing pressure and a challenging demand environment. While Nomura remains bullish, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Citi and Choice Institutional Equities flag growth concerns, with differing ratings and target prices.

Kotak Mahindra Bank reported strong Q2FY27 earnings, with consolidated profit rising 26% year-on-year. Jefferies, Goldman Sachs, Motilal Oswal and Nuvama maintained Buy ratings, citing growth prospects and improving earnings outlook.

Amid market volatility, investors are becoming more discerning in their stock selections. Anand Rathi, JSW Cement, and Firstsource Solutions are flagged for promising short-term profits. Additionally, Cyient and Ipca Laboratories showcase robust technical indicators, presenting themselves as compelling choices. With significant corporate earnings reports on the horizon, market trends are expected to shift. Analysts advise keeping an eye on these stocks to identify prime entry points and lucrativ

IndusInd Bank shares will be in focus after the lender reported a Q2 FY27 net profit of Rs 1,176 crore, reversing a year-ago loss of Rs 445 crore. Improved asset quality, lower provisions and stronger fee income supported the performance. Jefferies retained its Buy rating but cut its target price to Rs 1,130, while Motilal Oswal maintained a Neutral rating with a Rs 1,050 target.

Niftys PEG ratio approaches a decade low, suggesting an enticing potential for valuation and earnings growth. The substantial drop in the forward P/E ratio has heightened hopes for a market recovery. However, rising bond yields and potential earnings downgrades pose challenges to investor sentiment. Selective opportunities arise across sectors, influenced by enhanced credit growth and evolving demand.

A BJP worker in Bihar has filed a police complaint against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an event in Patna. The complainant has sought an apology within 24 hours.

Attention Garena Free Fire MAX players in India! Exciting news awaits as you can redeem codes for exclusive in-game rewards, including coveted diamonds, unique weapon skins, stylish outfits, and rare collectibles. Hurry up and redeem them, as these codes are limited and time-sensitive. To snag these rewards, simply head to the Garena rewards redemption website and input the code accurately for a successful claim.

As of October 23, five NSE F&O stocks recorded more than 7% growth in futures open interest, signalling increased trader participation and fresh position-building. FSN E-Commerce Ventures and Godfrey Phillips India led the list with 10.88% increases each, followed by CG Power, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank and Siemens Energy India.

EAAA India Alternatives Rs 1,200-crore IPO opens on October 26 and closes October 28, 2026, with a price band of Rs 1,585Rs 1,665 per share. The offer is entirely an OFS. Its grey market premium stands at around 2%. FY26 income rose 23%, while profit increased 15%.

Thousands of Brazilians celebrated Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas presidential election victory over right-wing rival Flavio Bolsonaro in Sao Paulo, waving national flags and chanting slogans. Lula secured 51.8% of the vote against Bolsonaros 48.2%, with supporters hailing the result as a victory for democracy, workers and minorities.

The Ballon dOr 2026 ceremony is scheduled for October 26, 2026, at the prestigious London Palladium Theatre in England. This highly anticipated event will honor the elite in football, featuring awards for both men and women across various categories. Fans in India can tune in live on DAZN India. Overall, 13 accolades will be awarded, celebrating extraordinary achievements in the world of football.

The Ballon d'Or 2026 ceremony is scheduled for October 26 at the London Palladium, with the men's winner expected to be announced during the event. Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi are among the 30 nominees. The winner will succeed 2025 recipient Ousmane Dembele. Indian viewers can follow the ceremony from 1:30 am IST on October 27.