The Economic Times News

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has doubled the monetary threshold for simplified documentation when issuing duplicate securities. Investors holding securities valued up to Rs 10 lakh will now face fewer procedural burdens. This move aims to ease compliance and remove inconsistencies. Notarisation of the Affidavit-cum-Indemnity Bond is also waived for securities up to Rs 10,000.

Indian real estate enters 2026 with steady demand, stronger institutional interest, and emerging investment opportunities. Residential priorities shift toward liveability, infrastructure, and sustainability, while commercial assets offer structured income. Experts highlight key investment strategies for Rs 12 crore, focusing on location, asset quality, and long-term fundamentals.

As Indian equity markets hit new highs, investors increasingly recognise the value of global diversification. With India accounting for only ~44.5% of global market capitalisation, overseas markets offer access to structural growth themes, innovation, and currency diversification. Experts recommend allocating 1020% of portfolios to global assets, via ETFs, international mutual funds, or direct stock investment through LRS, to enhance resilience and long-term wealth creation.

Despite a challenging year for Indian equities, select Adani Group companies generated positive returns in 2025, led by Adani Power, as investors rewarded operational resilience and sectoral tailwinds.

Indias primary market is gearing up for a blockbuster 2026, with over 190 companies either approved or awaiting clearance from Sebi to raise more than Rs 2.5 lakh crore through IPOs. From Reliance Jio and NSE to Flipkart and PhonePe, several marquee names are expected to shape market sentiment next year.

While the Sensex gained about 9% since last Christmas, a select group of BSE stocks delivered exceptional returns of up to 518%, turning into multibaggers over the past year.

Indian equity markets are showing a bullish technical setup despite recent range-bound trading. Analysts suggest Nifty may consolidate before a potential move higher, with mid-caps showing signs of revival. Railway stocks are gaining interest ahead of the Union Budget, while IT and FMCG sectors remain constructive.

The AI revolution is fueling a massive investment boom, with some experts warning of an inevitable bubble. Transformative technologies historically lead to asset inflation, and AI's rapid integration into markets and the economy is no exception. Concerns are rising as AI's impact on GDP growth and market valuations intensifies.

Against all odds, the Russian ruble has risen impressively against the dollar, leaving officials astonished. This unexpected improvement is playing a crucial role in the wartime economy, showcasing the impact of reduced foreign currency demand and a stringent monetary policy.

LTIMindtree has seen its stock soar by 18% over the last quarter, surpassing the broader IT index. Recently reported new order bookings have exceeded market expectations, leading analysts to adjust their target prices upwards. The company has also demonstrated sequential revenue and net profit growth, alongside enhanced operating margins attributed to efficiency improvements.

A study by Omniscience Capital reveals that nearly 65% of India's Nifty 500 stocks are overvalued, with the index trading at a high P/E ratio relative to its growth prospects. While financials, utilities, industrials, and energy sectors appear attractively positioned, consumer staples, healthcare, and IT sectors show overvaluation.

As the holiday season approaches, Bitcoin is struggling to capture the festive spirit. While traditional assets like stocks and gold are enjoying a celebratory surge, cryptocurrency enthusiasts find themselves in a state of stagnation. After a tumultuous autumn sell-off, Bitcoin is trading within a confined range, and trading volumes have dropped significantly, reflecting a decline in retail trading enthusiasm.

Indian companies issued fewer dollar bonds in 2025. They preferred the domestic rupee market for refinancing debt. This shift was driven by cost savings and ample local funds. Major groups like Vedanta and GMR utilized onshore issuance. Offshore issuance is expected to recover in 2026, potentially exceeding $10 billion.

Indian markets saw a strong performance as US stocks hit record highs. The Dow and S&P 500 closed at new peaks. AI stocks rebounded, boosting investor confidence. Jobless claims fell unexpectedly, indicating economic resilience. Investors are anticipating potential rate cuts from the Federal Reserve next year. Trading volumes were light due to the holiday season.

Hindustan Copper and Hindustan Zinc shares reached new highs on Wednesday, driven by global metal rallies. Hindustan Copper's surge is attributed to tightening global copper supplies and rising demand from new-age sectors, while Hindustan Zinc benefits from a sharp increase in silver prices, a key by-product for the company.

Government bonds rallied as the central bank announced significant liquidity infusion measures, including 2 lakh crore in bond purchases and a $10 billion dollar-rupee swap. This move aims to ease tight liquidity conditions caused by forex market intervention and tax outflows, with the 10-year bond yield dropping sharply.

India's primary market achieved a record in 2025. Mainboard IPOs raised 1.75 lakh crore. This surge was driven by large listings and strong demand from domestic investors. The SME segment also saw significant growth. This marks a landmark phase for India's primary markets, reflecting scale and depth. The momentum is expected to continue.

Christmas 2025 Stock Market Holiday: NSE and BSE are closed for trading today due to the Christmas holiday. The commodity exchanges MCX and NCDEX will also take a day's break and resume trading on Friday.

Logistics firm Yatayat Corporation India Ltd has filed preliminary papers for an IPO, aiming to raise funds through a fresh issue of equity shares and an offer for sale. The company plans to use the proceeds for debt repayment, working capital, and general corporate needs.

Sebi is making demat accounts simpler for investors. Zero Coupon Zero Principal bonds and delisted securities will no longer count towards the value limit for Basic Services Demat Accounts. This change aims to ease investing and reduce compliance burdens. These new rules will be effective from March 31, 2026.

U.S. financial markets will close early on Christmas Eve and remain shut for Christmas Day, returning to a normal schedule Friday. Stocks traded sideways Wednesday following a record session, with investors anticipating a Santa Claus rally. This year-end period typically sees markets drift higher due to limited economic news.

Market experts on Wednesday advised investors to focus on global diversification alongside India's strengthening domestic fundamentals while planning their portfolios for 2026, citing currency depreciation risks and a structurally improving Indian economy.

Shares of Agios Pharmaceuticals jumped nearly 16% on Wednesday after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the expanded use of its drug for the treatment of a type of blood disorder.

SFIO has initiated an investigation into IndusInd Bank over discrepancies in its derivatives trades and certain balance sheet accounts. The bank informed exchanges about receiving a formal notice and said it is cooperating fully with the probe under the Companies Act.

Nike shares rose nearly 4% in early trading on Wednesday after Apple CEO Tim Cook doubled his personal stake in the sportswear maker, raising his bets on the margin-pinching turnaround efforts led by CEO Elliott Hill.

Gold surged to a fresh lifetime high above $4,500 an ounce on safe-haven demand, central bank buying and rate-cut hopes. Domestic prices also hit records, aided by a weaker rupee, with analysts predicting a move toward $5,000 amid global uncertainty.

Wall Street indexes opened nearly flat in shortened Christmas Eve trading on Wednesday, as traders wait to see whether stocks can extend record gains in a seasonally strong stretch for markets.

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week and remain at historically healthy levels despite some signs that the labor market is weakening.

State-owned NHAI-sponsored Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), an official statement said on Wednesday.

Copper advanced for a sixth straight session to an all-time high close of $12,300 on Wednesday as robust U.S. economic growth boosted demand prospects and a weaker dollar supported prices.

U.S. investors may soon have access to a greater array of products tied to asset classes like private credit and crypto as the Trump administration and SEC push to open markets, a change that some investment advisors say puts too much onus on individuals to protect themselves.

Largecap stocks staged a strong comeback in 2025 after two years of lagging midcaps and smallcaps. One-third of largecaps gained over 20%, with six soaring more than 50%. Technical indicators signal institutional buying and sustained momentum, suggesting largecaps may continue to lead heading into 2026.

Seven large-cap stocks, including Vedanta, Shriram Finance, Hindustan Zinc and Hindalco, hit fresh 52-week highs on Wednesday despite a weak broader market.

Realty firm J Estates has bought three land parcels in Gurugram to develop more than 450 homes for the elderly and is expecting a total revenue of around Rs 2,100 crore from these three upcoming projects.

The latest intervention from the central bank through liquidity injection will ensure a sustained rise in government bond prices, as well as ensure banking system liquidity stays at an optimal level till the end of this financial year, traders said.

Indian government bonds jumped on Wednesday, with the benchmark bond yield marking its biggest single session plunge in seven months after the central bank eased supply concerns by announcing a hefty liquidity injection for the coming month.

The U.S. stock market is closing the books on a third straight year of double-digit percentage gains. A fourth stellar year in 2026 may be a tall order, requiring strong earnings, a dovish Federal Reserve and strong artificial intelligence spending.

Market expert Gurmeet Chadha says his journey to financial independence was shaped not by skill or qualifications but by the ability to endure stock market volatility. Emphasising long-term investing and patience, he believes surviving market cycles and trusting Indias growth story are key to building wealth.

Nifty may stay range-bound near 26,100 before attempting a breakout towards 26,500, says Rohit Srivastava, Founder of Strike Money Analytics and Indiacharts. While IT stocks offer short-term trading opportunities despite policy jitters, metals could outperform amid a weakening dollar. Key technical levels, sector calls and Santa rally cues explained for investors.

Key stocks in focus on Wednesday included Manappuram, Hindustan Copper, Groww, Websol Energy, IndiGo and Kajaria Ceramics as markets paused their recent winning streak.

The Indian rupee closed modestly weaker on Wednesday as dollar demand from local corporates and on account of maturing positions in the non-deliverable forward (NDF) market blunted positive cues from gains in most regional peers.

The Sensex fell 116 points, or 0.14%, to end at 85,408.70, while the Nifty 50 slipped 35 points, or 0.13%, to close at 26,142.10.

Nuvama Institutional Equities has initiated coverage on Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works with a Buy rating and a target price of Rs 2,500, citing strong maritime sector tailwinds, a robust order book, superior margins, and execution strength across geographies. The brokerage expects sharp growth in revenue and profitability through FY28, supported by government-led infrastructure spending and green tug opportunities.

Indias equity outlook for 2026 looks brighter as valuations ease, domestic growth stays resilient and global investors reassess the crowded AI trade. Punita Kumar Sinha, Founding Partner of Pacific Paradigm Advisors explains why financials, selective IT, real estate and capex-led themes could drive returns, while stock selection and diversification remain crucial.

Shares of Manappuram Finance and Muthoot Finance hit record highs on the BSE as domestic and global gold prices touched fresh peaks. Rising bullion prices, strong gold loan demand, and favourable brokerage outlooks have driven sharp gains in gold-backed lenders, significantly outperforming the broader market in 2025.

NSE Holidays 2025: Leading exchanges NSE and BSE will remain closed for trading on Thursday, December 25, due to the Christmas holiday. The commodity exchanges MCX and NCDEX will also take a days break and resume trading on Friday.

Silver has surged past $72 an ounce, delivering nearly 140% gains this year and drawing fresh investor interest. Against this backdrop, Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki has predicted silver could hit $200 by 2026, citing hyperinflation risks, rising industrial demand and weakening fiat currencies as key drivers.

The market script took an unexpected twist in CY25. While the Sensex marched ahead confidently, gaining 9.5%, the BSE Smallcap Index stumbled, slipping 6.5% over the same period. For smallcap investors, it felt like the music had suddenly stopped. But this short-term pain hides a much bigger story.

Castrol India share price surged 9% after BP announced the sale of a 65% stake in Castrol Limited to Stonepeak at an enterprise value of $10.1 billion. The transaction, expected to close by end-2026, is part of bps strategic divestment programme aimed at strengthening its balance sheet while retaining exposure to Castrols growth through a 35% stake.

After golds surprise rally in 2025, equities could regain leadership in 2026, says Dipan Mehta, Director at Elixir Equities. Small- and mid-cap stocks look better placed as earnings catch up and valuations normalise. Metals, autos, ports and select NBFCs remain key themes, while asset-class leadership may rotate again next year.