The Economic Times News

Indian equity benchmarks ended the week marginally lower amid sustained FII outflows and US-India trade uncertainty, though sentiment improved after a US Fed rate cut. The Nifty reclaimed key technical levels, while autos and metals led gains. Global cues, currency moves and earnings outlook remain crucial.

Foreign investors pulled out Rs 17,955 crore (USD 2 billion) from Indian equities in the first two weeks of this month, taking the total outflow to Rs 1.6 lakh crore (USD 18.4 billion) in 2025.

Indias macro slowdown through FY25 is giving way to a policy-led recovery as rate cuts, liquidity easing, and GST reforms revive demand. Earnings momentum is turning, supporting expectations of a stronger equity market in 2026, led by consumer discretionary, autos and select growth sectors.

Hospitality chain Pride Hotels is targeting to launch initial public offering (IPO) by March 2026 to fund renovations of existing properties and pare debt, its Chairman & Managing Director Sureshchand Premchand Jain said.

The combined market valuation of eight of the top-10 most valued domestic firms eroded by Rs 79,129.21 crore last week, with Bajaj Finance and ICICI Bank taking the biggest hit, amid a largely bearish trend in equities.

Swiggys Rs 10,000 crore QIP saw strong domestic institutional participation, with ICICI Prudential AMC, SBI Mutual Fund and Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund together cornering over 37% of the issue. The fundraising strengthens Swiggys balance sheet to support quick commerce expansion and long-term growth plans.

Over the past five trading sessions, select smallcap stocks posted gains of up to 27%. Fermenta Biotech led with a 26% rise, followed by Stallion India Fluorochemicals and Rolex Rings. Sectors such as niche pharma, specialty chemicals, auto components, media, IT, and infrastructure witnessed renewed investor interest. The rally highlights heightened volatility, speculative activity, and rapid price discovery in smaller companies.

Foreign investors have sold over Rs 2.23 lakh crore in 2025, yet domestic institutions and SIP flows have absorbed the shock. Despite heavy FII selling, Indian equity markets remain resilient, supported by consistent retail participation and strong earnings prospects.

Analyst forecasts identify 10 Nifty500 stocks with upside potential ranging from 35% to nearly 50% over the next year. Highlights include Cohance Lifesciences, Brigade Enterprises, Kaynes Technology, and Balrampur Chini. Consensus ratings and sequential quarterly profit growth provide data-backed guidance for investors seeking high-potential, long-term market opportunities.

Corona Remedies and Wakefit Innovations are set to list amid divergent grey market signals. Corona Remedies commands strong listing expectations backed by robust subscriptions and profitability, while Wakefits muted GMP reflects cautious sentiment towards consumer-facing growth businesses, highlighting current investor preference for earnings visibility and consistency.

Motilal Oswals 30th Wealth Creation Study shows record Rs 148 trillion wealth creation during 20202025, led by Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank and SBI. BSE emerged fastest, HAL most consistent, while financials and PSUs drove returns, reinforcing the value of long-term, fundamentals-led investing.

Silver futures surged past Rs 2,00,000 on MCX, hitting lifetime highs amid strong industrial demand, supply deficits, and supportive monetary conditions. While experts remain bullish on the long-term outlook, some caution that the metal is technically overstretched, making near-term corrections possible.

Ten penny stocks have surged in FY26, with six becoming multibaggers, delivering gains up to 515%. These micro-cap stocks, priced under Rs 20 and with market caps below Rs 1,000 crore, show strong momentum.

Wealthy Indians with foreign properties are preparing for new tax rules. From 2029, Indian tax authorities will gain significant insight into overseas real estate. This change impacts property held through companies and trusts. Many are shifting away from property-linked residency options. They are now focusing on business or fund-driven routes for residency.

Axis Securities has identified Vedanta as a top technical pick, projecting an 11% upside in 3-4 weeks. The brokerage also highlighted ICICI Prudential Life Insurance and Ashok Leyland, anticipating potential gains of 8.2% and 9.9% respectively, amidst volatile market conditions.

SpaceX is preparing for a potential 2026 IPO, valuing the company at $800 billion in an insider sale. This move aims to fund ambitious projects, such as Starship's insane flight rate and a lunar base. The company's valuation has surpassed that of OpenAI, positioning it as the world's most valuable private firm, although the IPO's timing and valuation remain uncertain.

Shiprocket is preparing for a significant initial public offering. The Gurugram-based company aims to raise Rs 2,342 crore through its IPO. Investors and founders are selling shares in the offer-for-sale component. Shiprocket plans to list in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027. The company reported operating revenue growth and a reduced net loss for the six months ended September.

Key factors will shape the stock market this week. Domestic data releases like WPI inflation and trade balance are expected. Progress on the India-US trade deal is also a focus. Technical indicators suggest Nifty needs to hold support levels. FII selling continues, while DII buying provides some stability. Currency movements will also be watched closely.

In a significant step towards enhancing its market position, food delivery giant Swiggy has raised Rs 10,000 crore through a savvy institutional placement. This capital injection is poised to strengthen its fundamental operations and propel the growth trajectory of Instamart, its rapid commerce division.

The Nifty experienced a mild corrective movement, trading in a downward-biased consolidation phase and ending the week with a slight loss. Despite a supportive Fed stance, the index faced resistance near recent highs, indicating a technical pause within an uptrend. Traders are advised to remain cautious, protect profits, and await a breakout above 26,20026,300 for confirmation.

Shivganga Drillers is planning to raise Rs 400 crore through an initial public offering. The company will use the funds for machinery, debt repayment, and general business needs. This integrated oilfield services provider offers drilling, offshore, and project management services. The IPO is a fresh issue of shares. Aryaman Financial Services is managing the offering.

Indian markets saw significant volatility and closed the week in the red. Foreign fund outflows and a falling rupee impacted investor sentiment. Analysts provided insights into the Nifty and Bank Nifty outlook. The focus is on stock selection amidst sector-specific rotations. Metals, Autos, and Private Banks are showing strength.

Against this backdrop, ICICI Direct has identified seven stocks as its top picks for the year, citing favourable technical and structural characteristics.

ICICI Prudential AMC sees opportunities in technology and large private banks. Financials are adapting to rate cycle changes. The fund manager discusses how concentrated portfolios generate alpha. Innovation is explored through various themes. The outlook for banking and financial services is constructive. Certain market segments offer valuation comfort, with contrarian plays emerging for the new year.

Robert Kiyosaki, author of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad', criticized the global financial system as a 'Heads I win, tails you lose' game controlled by bankers. He advocates for owning tangible assets like gold, silver, Bitcoin, and Ethereum, and legally avoiding taxes to escape this perceived rigged system.

E-commerce enabler Shiprocket is gearing up for an IPO, aiming to raise up to Rs 2,342 crore. The company, backed by investors like Temasek, plans to use the funds for platform growth, technology, and potential acquisitions. Shiprocket's platform assists Indian MSMEs and digital retailers with logistics, payments, and sales, operating an asset-light model.

Bitcoin and major cryptocurrencies experienced a significant slump, dropping over 2% in 24 hours and extending monthly declines to over 10%. This downturn is linked to a broader sell-off in tech stocks amid weak US earnings and anticipation of a Bank of Japan rate hike. Despite short-term volatility, underlying institutional interest and network development offer long-term optimism.

India's primary market is buzzing with activity as four new public issues, totaling Rs 830 crore, are set to launch, led by KSH International's Rs 710 crore mainboard offering. Investors are also anticipating a flurry of 15 company listings, including ICICI Prudential AMC and Corona Remedies, signaling strong market interest.

As per the September 2025 quarter filings, Goel has reported stakes above 1% in around 34 listed companies, with the portfolios total value standing at nearly Rs 2,008 crore as of December 12, 2025a modest 4% rise from about Rs 1,933 crore in March 2025.

The target is based on a 20x PE multiple on estimated Dec-27 earnings, which implies a modest 5% de-rating from current levels.

The benchmark finished in the red in three of the five sessions between December 8 and 12. Despite broader market weakness and some volatility, eight small-cap stocks managed to post gains across all five sessions.

The study tracks total shareholder returns, profit growth and market capitalisation expansion to identify the fastest wealth creators over five years.

India's hotel sector is experiencing sustained acceleration, driven by a broad recovery across business, leisure, weddings, and MICE segments. Strong room rates and stable occupancies in the first half of FY26 are expected to continue, with new infrastructure and a rich event calendar poised for an even stronger second half.

Indian real estate is poised for a strong performance in 2026. The sector offers stability and income generation, outperforming other asset classes. Demand for premium housing continues, while fractional ownership models make real estate accessible. Industrial and warehousing segments also show robust growth. Investors should focus on prime locations and asset quality for wealth creation.

Silver has touched record highs this week, crossing $60 an ounce for the first time. This surge is driven by strong industrial demand, persistent supply deficits, and global economic uncertainties. India has also seen unprecedented price rises. The market anticipates further gains, though a consolidation phase is expected in early 2026 before resuming an upward trend.

Grey market premiums indicate a wide dispersion in listing expectations, ranging from flat debuts to gains of over 60%.

India's bond market held firm as the RBI cut repo rates to 5.25%, driven by robust growth and low inflation. Global markets also saw yields dip, anticipating US Fed rate cuts. Liquidity measures are in place to ease banking system pressures. Experts suggest a stable, selective approach to fixed income, favoring shorter-term investments.

Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack believes monetary policy should be tighter. She feels current interest rates are around neutral. Hammack would prefer a more restrictive stance to pressure inflation. She indicated this view ahead of a recent rate cut. Hammack will be a voting member of the FOMC next year.

Deepak Shenoy, Capitalmind Founder and CEO, shares his unique ways to manage market stress. He enjoys salsa, long walks, and pickleball. These activities help him stay balanced and mentally clear. Shenoy believes hobbies outside of investing are crucial for resilience. Stepping away from screens improves decision-making. He advises young investors to pursue passions beyond work.

EU leaders are pushing for a deal to fund Ukraine using frozen Russian assets, a critical move amid the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, the US releases key economic data, offering insights into the Federal Reserve's next steps. Central banks across Europe, Japan, Britain, Norway, and Sweden are concluding their year with crucial policy meetings, potentially impacting global markets.

Upcoming U.S. economic data, including employment and inflation reports, will offer crucial insights after a federal government shutdown. Investors and the Federal Reserve await this clarity to guide market direction and potential interest rate adjustments. Disappointing tech earnings and a divided Fed decision highlight current economic uncertainties.

Federal Reserve officials are split on cutting interest rates. Some believe inflation remains too high, citing a lack of recent economic data. They argue for waiting until early next year for updated reports. Others are more concerned about job market weakness. The central bank's decision reflects this ongoing debate as they monitor inflation and employment figures.

Bitcoin investor MicroStrategy has retained its spot in the Nasdaq 100, despite growing concerns about its business model's sustainability. Analysts question its resemblance to an investment fund, especially as crypto treasury firms' shares are highly sensitive to bitcoin's price swings. Other companies were added and removed from the index.

Recent updates from Oracle and Broadcom have sparked worries about high valuations and debt in AI stocks. Investors are becoming more selective. Despite these concerns, the overall market strength provides reasons for optimism. Short sellers are not aggressively betting against major AI companies. The AI trade remains intact for many, though performance may moderate.

Technology stocks led a broad market decline on Friday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling over 1%. Concerns over an AI bubble, fueled by Broadcom and Oracle's warnings, coupled with rising Treasury yields, pressured investors. Anticipation of key labor and inflation data also contributed to market caution.

ICICI Direct forecasts the Nifty reaching 30,000 by 2026. The brokerage suggests investing in Bajaj Finserv, Indian Oil Corporation, LTIMindtree, Pidilite Industries, SRF, Can Fin Homes, and Jamna Auto Industries. BFSI and Consumption sectors are expected to lead growth. The Bank Nifty is also projected for significant gains. Current market breadth indicates a potential for broad-based opportunities next year.

Indian stock markets saw a modest rise on Friday. The Nifty and Sensex closed higher, gaining about half a per cent. This uptick followed a US interest rate cut. However, uncertainty surrounding a US-India trade deal and a weaker rupee limited further gains. Investors are awaiting clarity on trade tariffs.

Sebi has enhanced governance at Market Infrastructure Institutions by mandating the appointment of two executive directors. One ED will manage critical operations, while the other will oversee regulatory functions, compliance, risk, and investor grievances. Both will join the governing board, with hiring to be done through open advertisements.

Shiprocket, a Gurugram-based D2C shipment and checkout service provider, has filed an updated draft red herring prospectus for a Rs 2,342-crore IPO. The company aims to raise Rs 1,100 crore in fresh capital, with existing investors and founders also selling shares.

Usha Martin's promoter, Peterhouse Investments India Limited, divested 23 lakh shares for Rs 99 crore in a block deal. Morgan Stanley and Bandhan Mutual Fund were among the buyers, acquiring shares at Rs 430 each. The transaction occurred as Usha Martin's stock closed higher at Rs 440.45.