The Economic Times News

Indias defence shipbuilding sector is entering a long-term growth phase driven by policy support and manufacturing focus. Prabhudas Lilladher sees strong rerating potential in Mazagon Dock, Cochin Shipyard and GRSE after recent corrections.

Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath has warned traders that poor position sizing is one of the biggest causes of market losses. He said even traders who are right most of the time can be wiped out by a single oversized bet, stressing that risk management is critical for long-term survival.

ICICI Pru AMC, Ola Electric, BLS International, GPT Infraprojects, Meesho and HDFC AMC were in focus on Friday amid IPO listing action, court rulings, large order wins and profit booking.

Citigroup set its 12-month forecasts for bitcoin and ether at $143,000 and $4,304, respectively, betting on regulatory easing and increased adoption.

RBI has not softened its regulatory stance on banks and NBFCs, and approvals for large stake acquisitionsespecially by foreign investorswill continue to depend on strict fit and proper checks, says former RBI deputy governor R Gandhi. While foreign interest in Indias financial sector is rising, approval timelines and standards will remain unchanged.

On Friday, the Indian Rupee made a notable leap, gaining 54 paise to wrap up at 89.66 against the US Dollar. This uptick was fueled by robust corporate dollar inflows and a dip in crude oil prices. Coupled with a positive trend in local equity markets, the Rupee's performance signals a potential recovery after an extended bout of lows.

Gurmeet Chadha, Managing Partner and CIO at Complete Circle Consultants, has advised investors not to be negative on the stock markets, as they have the tendency to keep humbling people.

Ather Energy is launching its own auto insurance services. This move aims to simplify the ownership experience for its electric two-wheeler customers. The company will partner with multiple insurers to offer policies nationwide. This strategy is part of Ather's plan to build a complete ecosystem around its vehicles.

Indian equities may face prolonged consolidation as high valuations, weak earnings visibility and rupee depreciation weigh on sentiment, says Ajay Srivastava of Dimensions Corporate. He remains bullish on autos and US technology stocks, cautions against new-age platform companies, and expects capital to gradually shift toward global equities and precious metals.

More than 300 BSE 500 stocks ended 2025 in deep losses, with names like Ola Electric, FirstCry and Aditya Birla Fashion plunging as much as 70% amid volatility and sectoral churn.

Digital health platform Practo Technologies Pvt. is preparing for an initial public offering. The company is targeting a listing in the second half of 2026. Early discussions with advisors are underway. Bankers will be appointed next month. Practo's holding company in Singapore will shift its legal base to India.

Markets staged a sharp intraday recovery, improving near-term sentiment. Nifty has broken above a key trend-line resistance and is now eyeing the 26,00026,100 zone, while Bank Nifty remains in a consolidation phase with strong support near 58,600. Sneha Seth, Derivative Analyst at Angel One, expect selective strength and cautious optimism in the sessions ahead.

German government bond yields edged up on Friday, after European Union leaders agreed to borrow an extra 90 billion euros ($105.46 billion) over two years to fund Ukraine's defence, rather than use frozen Russian assets to do so.

European shares were muted on Friday, as losses in tech and consumer stocks were limited by gains in heavyweight banks, but were set to end a week of economic data releases and central bank decisions with robust gains.

Select stocks across telecom, auto and IT sectors witnessed unusually sharp spikes in trading volumes, signalling heightened investor interest despite mixed market performance.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the suspension of the diversity visa lottery program following a deadly shooting. The accused shooter, Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, reportedly entered the U.S. through this program in 2017. This action aligns with President Trump's long-standing criticism of the program due to perceived security risks.

Indian equity benchmarks rebounded sharply after four days of losses, aided by softer U.S. inflation data and positive global cues. Improved risk appetite helped several stocks hit fresh 52-week highs amid a broader market recovery.

ICICI Prudential AMC's listing sparks debate on valuation premiums over HDFC AMC, with both managing similar assets. While ICICI Prudential shows stronger operating profits due to a higher equity and alternate asset mix, retail participation in its IPO was muted. Experts believe the long-term outlook for Indian AMCs remains positive, driven by shifting investor behavior and industry growth potential.

ICICI Prudential AMC debuted strongly with a nearly 20% listing gain, ranking as the second-best performer among Rs 10,000 crore-plus IPOs in 2025, driven by overwhelming institutional demand and reinforcing investor appetite for quality financial services despite a cautious market.

Japan's central bank has raised interest rates to their highest in three decades, prompting global markets to reassess the yen, carry trades, and risk assets. With inflation projected to remain above the BOJ's target, further tightening is a possibility, potentially altering Japan's monetary policy and impacting global markets.

Indian equity markets showed resilience in 2025, with the Nifty 50 hitting record highs. However, US equities surged nearly 15%, highlighting the need for global diversification. Investors are increasingly looking to US markets for exposure to tech and AI innovation, with platforms like Appreciate simplifying direct investment under the LRS scheme.

Accenture's earnings offer some comfort to Indian IT stocks. However, experts caution against over-enthusiasm due to an unchanged global demand outlook. Investors are advised to focus on established companies with attractive valuations. New listings require careful consideration. Select sectors like FMCG, auto components, and pharma show promise for future growth.

Bitcoin hovered near $87,000 as markets digested the Bank of Japans 25-bps rate hike, with investors cautious amid mixed macro signals. Experts said the crypto is consolidating below key resistance levels, with support around $84,000$85,000 and the $89,000$90,000 zone crucial for near-term direction.

Indias 2025 IPO boom signals more than listingsit reflects a shift toward building durable public companies. Post-IPO success hinges on operational discipline, repeatable unit economics, governance, and long-term leadership. Investors should focus on profitability, maturity, and strategic vision, treating the IPO as a transition, not the ultimate goal.

Two Indian real estate investment trusts are set to raise funds through bond issuances. Knowledge Realty Trust and Embassy Office Parks REIT plan to tap the bond market in the coming days. This move will conclude a year of record issuances from real estate operators. These issuances will bring the total for the year to a new high.

Japan's central bank has hiked interest rates to a three-decade high, pushing the 10-year government bond yield to a 26-year peak. This move signals a significant shift from the Bank of Japan's previous cautious stance. Despite the rate hike, the yen weakened against the dollar. The Nikkei share average, however, saw gains, particularly in AI-linked stocks.

Shares of BLS International rose sharply after the Delhi High Court overturned a two-year ban imposed by the Ministry of External Affairs, allowing the company to participate in future tenders. The ruling removes restrictions that had affected tender participation, while existing contracts and financial outlook remain largely unaffected.

HDFC AMC shares declined 3.5% after a profit booking session, following a 7% rally the previous day triggered by SEBIs overhaul of mutual fund expense regulations. The new framework introduces the Base Expense Ratio (BER) and separates statutory and regulatory levies, providing greater transparency but raising questions about long-term profitability for asset managers.

Billionbrains Garage Ventures saw its stock soar after Jefferies introduced a buy rating, suggesting promising growth in earnings. Meanwhile, the Indian rupee has experienced a notable drop, but the underlying economic conditions in India remain solid. Stakeholders should keep an eye on shifts in trade policies and the flow of foreign investments.

Accentures latest results signal stabilising demand in global IT services, with cost takeout deals staying strong and early signs of recovery in discretionary spending. Wedbush Securities Moshe Katri says GenAI-led projects, valuation compression and a potential spending rebound in 2026 could drive the next phase of growth for IT stocks.

RRP Semiconductors, a star of Indias AI-driven stock rally after a 55,000% surge in 20 months, is now under regulatory scrutiny, with trading restrictions imposed and investors cautioned as the stock slides from its peak despite a still-hefty market cap.

Recent US economic data shows inflation and jobless claims are lower than anticipated. However, a government shutdown may have skewed these figures. Experts suggest clarity on the economy will take months. Global central banks are taking different paths, impacting currencies and capital. Economic growth is expected to slow due to trade friction. Markets face uncertainty through 2026 and beyond.

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

ICICI Prudential AMC debuted at a 20% premium after a heavily subscribed IPO. Brokerages see meaningful upside, citing its strong equity AUM share, robust SIP franchise, and expanding PMS and AIF businesses. While long-term prospects remain positive, experts suggest profit-booking for short-term traders and holding for long-term investors.

The rupee appreciated 24 paise to 89.96 against the US dollar on Friday, driven by corporate dollar inflows and easing crude oil prices. This gain follows recent record lows, with likely RBI intervention and crude oil hovering around USD 59 per barrel supporting market sentiment. Experts suggest the rupee remains within a 90-90.50 range.

Japan's benchmark 10-year government bond yield surged past 2% for the first time since 2006, reaching 2.005%. This follows the central bank's quarter-point rate hike to 0.75%, signalling further policy tightening. The move reflects concerns over rising living costs and the new government's fiscal stance, rather than economic recovery optimism.

Indian government bonds held steady Friday as traders awaited new debt sales. The central bank's substantial liquidity injections previously boosted sentiment. Today's auctions will gauge demand, with foreign investors showing a cautious stance. Overnight swap rates are expected to trade within a narrow band as the year concludes.

HDFC AMC anticipates positive regulatory changes following Sebi's revised mutual fund expense rules. Brokerages believe these adjustments will boost earnings and valuations. The new framework, effective April 2026, is less punitive than initially feared. This clarity allows focus to shift back to HDFC AMC's growth potential and market share.

Indian railway stocks have suffered a sharp valuation reset in 2025, erasing Rs 1.32 lakh crore in investor wealth, led by steep losses in IRFC and other PSU players. Analysts cite stretched valuations, muted capex growth and execution challenges as key hurdles, making a broad-based recovery in 2026 uncertain despite long-term structural support.

Dr Lal PathLabs shares plunged over 50% in early trade after the stock turned ex-bonus following a 1:1 bonus issue. The sharp fall is purely technical, reflecting price adjustment for additional shares, and does not impact investors overall holding value or ownership in the company.

Stop-loss orders have become a vital risk-management tool across Indian and global markets, helping investors preserve capital and maintain discipline amid volatility.

Asset management company stocks are seeing a sharp rise. Regulators have eased proposals on expense ratios. This has led to a positive outlook for listed AMCs. Global central banks are also signaling supportive policies. This combination offers comfort for Indian markets. However, sustained enthusiasm depends on valuations and earnings delivery.

A vital tip from a member of the public helped police identify and track the suspect in the Brown University shooting. Claudio Nevis Valenti, a Brown student, was later found dead by suicide in New Hampshire. The tip led authorities to Valenti's car, confirming his identity and linking him to the crime.

Indian stock markets are poised for growth in 2026. Six leading brokerages have identified 75 stocks to buy. They expect improving economic conditions and company earnings. Financial, consumption, and industrial sectors are favored. Investors can look at companies like Swiggy, ICICI Bank, and Reliance Industries for potential gains.

Gold and silver prices saw a minor pullback on MCX today. Investors are closely watching global cues for potential monetary policy shifts. US inflation data came in lower than expected, impacting gold's appeal. The dollar strengthened, making metals less attractive. All eyes are now on the PCE price index for further clarity on the Fed's stance.

ICICI Prudential Asset Management debuted on the stock market with a 20% gain, opening at Rs 2,606.20 on the BSE and Rs 2,600 on the NSE. The IPO saw strong subscription, particularly from institutional buyers, and the company raised Rs 3,022 crore from anchor investors prior to listing.

Indias waste management sector could emerge as a long-term wealth creator as urbanisation and municipal contracts drive steady returns, says Ventura Securities Vinit Bolinjkar. He sees Antony Waste as a potential multi-year compounder, stays neutral on IT stocks like TCS, and remains bullish on hotel stocks and select asset management companies.

Japan's Nikkei surged over 1% as the Bank of Japan raised interest rates to a three-decade high of 0.75%, signaling further tightening. The 10-year government bond yields consequently hit a 19-year peak of 2%, a level previously acting as a ceiling against deflation. Equity investors were also buoyed by a positive overnight session on Wall Street.

Short-sellers are getting trapped in recent Indian startup IPOs. Stocks like Meesho and Groww have seen sharp rallies after listing. This is driven by strong demand and very limited shares available for trading. When short-sellers cannot deliver shares on settlement day, they face forced losses. The exchange's auction mechanism forces them to buy shares at higher prices, increasing their pain.

Indian stock markets surged on Friday. The Sensex and Nifty saw significant gains, reversing recent declines. This rally was fueled by encouraging U.S. inflation data. Lower inflation in America boosted global investor confidence. Expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in the coming year also increased. Asian markets mirrored this positive trend.