The Economic Times

In the first quarter of fiscal year twenty twenty-seven, real estate prices experienced a significant six percent year-over-year rise. Major cities such as New Delhi, Noida, Chennai, Greater Noida, and Bengaluru spearheaded this trend. While residential sales saw a moderate three percent uptick, the launch of new projects declined alongside an increase in unsold inventories in areas like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and NCR, illustrating a complex market dynamic.

Indian government bonds encountered significant challenges this week, marking the worst week of the financial year. The Reserve Bank of India's hawkish policy minutes triggered a selloff, compounded by the early closure of a diaspora-deposit hedging facility. Additionally, soaring crude oil prices heightened inflation concerns and rate hike fears in India, culminating in a notable increase in bond yields.

ICICI Bank has taken a significant step by doubling its overseas borrowing limit to five billion dollars. This strategic decision enhances the bank's ability to tap into international fundraising avenues. Following the closure of a previous swap facility, Indian banks are ramping up efforts, eyeing to collectively secure at least five billion dollars through loans and bonds. So far, ICICI has successfully raised over two billion dollars in dollar-denominated debt.

Seven stocks from the BSE Consumer Discretionary Index hit fresh 52-week highs despite a largely flat Sensex. Baazar Style Retail, Menon Bearings, Shanti Gold International, Lenskart Solutions and others recorded strong monthly gains, signalling sustained investor interest and improving sentiment across select consumer stocks.

In a decisive action on Friday, Sebi announced the cancellation of registration certificates for fifteen investment advisers who neglected to pay their required renewal fees on time. Despite issuing notices in June, the advisers did not respond, leading to the termination of their registrations. It is essential to note that this cancellation does not free them from previous duties and financial responsibilities they owe.

Lumino Industries has announced its IPO price range set between Rs 78 and Rs 82 per share. This Rs 700 crore offering will be available for subscription from August 27 to August 31. The plan includes a fresh issue of Rs 500 crore alongside an offer-for-sale of Rs 200 crore. Funds raised are earmarked for debt repayment and upgrading equipment, furthering their focus on power cable and electrical wire manufacturing.

Upstox has crossed 2 crore demat accounts, with 85% of customers from Tier-II and Tier-III cities and 70% first-time investors. The investment platform aims for 10 crore users within five years and is reportedly exploring a $350-400 million IPO.

Indian equity benchmarks ended largely flat on Friday, extending gains for a second straight session despite Middle East uncertainties. Power Grid, HDFC Life and Kotak Mahindra Bank led the gainers, while Maruti Suzuki, Trent and HCL Tech were among the top losers. Broader markets outperformed with positive market breadth.

Indias PMS industry expanded in July, with AUM rising 2% month-on-month to Rs 44.11 lakh crore and clients increasing 1.3% to 2.23 lakh. Annual growth stood near 11%, while strong inflows, expanding distributors and domestic investors supported continued industry growth.

The Indian rupee exhibited stability on Friday, though it faced a weekly decrease. Factors such as increasing oil prices and apprehensions about supply disruptions played a role in its performance. The Reserve Bank of India's timely intervention helped prevent any serious decline against the dollar. Meanwhile, substantial foreign currency inflows enhance the central bank's ability to intervene, providing stability to the rupee amidst subdued volatility.

European shares were little changed on Friday, with the STOXX 600 heading for a second straight weekly decline as rising bond yields and higher oil prices weighed on sentiment. Renewed Gulf tensions pushed Brent crude to a one-month high, reviving inflation concerns and complicating the outlook for global monetary policy.

A scan of the BSE universe identified 207 companies with a market capitalisation above Rs 3,000 crore that maintained profit margins above 10% for eight consecutive quarters through June 2026. Among these, 12 stocks delivered gains of 97% to 396% over the past two years, with Acutaas Chemicals emerging as the top performer.

Seven equity mutual funds multiplied investors wealth up to 23.3 times over 20 years, led by Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund. The list spans largecap, midcap and flexicap categories, highlighting strong long-term wealth creation and sustained compounding across market cycles.

Japanese government bond yields received temporary relief after U.S. Treasury intervention, but analysts warn the 10-year JGB yield could surpass 3%. Persistent inflation, a weak yen, expansive fiscal policy, rising oil prices and expectations of Bank of Japan tightening continue to pressure Japanese debt markets, keeping borrowing costs elevated.

Eurozone bond yields eased Friday but remained set for weekly gains amid global bond-market stress, persistent inflation and fiscal concerns. Germanys 10-year yield stood at 3.2445%. Rising oil prices and stronger ECB rate-hike expectations added pressure, with markets pricing over 90% odds of a September rate increase.

CoinSwitch Q2 2026 report reveals broad-based investor demand with top five cryptocurrencies maintaining buy-to-sell ratios above one. Ethereum led the market with the highest ratio of 1.39, followed by Shiba Inu, Solana, Bitcoin, and PEPE, reflecting strong accumulation across major digital assets and meme coins.

Samir Arora-backed Helios Flexi Cap Fund increased exposure to Swiggy, Paytm and 20 other stocks in July, while adding SBI Funds Management and four others to its portfolio. The fund also exited Varun Beverages and India Shelter Finance, while trimming its holdings in MCX and BSE during the month.

AI agents are increasingly performing purchases, which presents new payment challenges. Banks and networks must verify agent intent and transaction legitimacy. New security measures will distinguish between genuine and malicious automated activity. Payment rails may become invisible as consumers focus on speed and reliability.

Indias gold loan market is emerging as a growth opportunity for financial institutions, with outstanding loans against gold jewellery reaching Rs 3.3 lakh crore by May 2026. Tata Capital, Godrej Capital and Aditya Birla Capital are expanding aggressively as lenders shift toward secured retail credit, driven by rising gold prices, strong demand, regulatory changes and Indias vast household gold holdings.

Nobel Hygiene has filed its DRHP with SEBI for an IPO comprising a fresh issue of up to Rs 150 crore and an offer for sale of up to 15.51 million shares. The company plans to use the fresh issue proceeds for debt repayment, subsidiary investment and manufacturing expansion, as it seeks to capitalise on Indias fast-growing adult absorbent hygiene market.

Bitcoin surged nearly 9% to cross $79,000 as institutional inflows, a sharp short squeeze and regulatory optimism fuelled a broader crypto rally. Ethereum also gained over 5%, while major altcoins rallied up to 17.48%. Analysts said the breakout marks a shift in momentum but cautioned investors to expect volatility and possible consolidation after the rapid gains.

Punjab National Bank and the Indian Army have signed an exclusive memorandum of understanding. This partnership will offer two specialised credit cards for Army personnel. These cards provide benefits like cashback and airport lounge access. The PNB Parakram Credit Card features an environmentally friendly biodegradable design.

Tata Mutual Fund has resumed subscriptions to Tata Gold ETF for large investors committing Rs 25 crore or more and removed investment limits on lump-sum investments and switch-ins to Tata Gold ETF FOF. The revised norms, effective August 21, follow the normalisation of market conditions and will remain in force prospectively until further notice, the fund house said.

Chinese humanoid robot maker Unitree made a spectacular stock market debut in Shanghai, with shares soaring 600% over the IPO price. However, CEO Wang Xingxing cautioned that a major software breakthrough for humanoid robots could still be years away, despite growing optimism around embodied AI and the global robotics market.

The Bank of Japans July 2027 policy meeting is drawing attention after being scheduled for July 21-22, allowing hawkish board members Naoki Tamura and Hajime Takata to vote just before their terms expire on July 23. The timing could prove important for the BOJs rate-hike path as inflation pressures persist and a potential board reshuffle approaches.

On Friday morning, Indian government bonds found stability as oil prices leveled off. The market reacted to hawkish minutes from the central bank and a sudden spike in crude prices. Later today, a major debt sale will gauge investor interest in bonds. As retail inflation surpassed the Reserve Bank of India's target, rising oil prices and global yields will influence the upcoming market direction.

The US Treasurys expanded bond-buyback programme has raised concerns that efforts to contain long-term borrowing costs could pressure the dollar. Rising yields, fiscal deficits and heavy debt issuance are intensifying market scrutiny. While some investors see echoes of earlier interventions, others view the move as limited. The policys longer-term currency impact remains uncertain.

Five equity mutual funds have offered up to 25% annualised returns on SIP investments over the past 10 years

Mold-Tek Packaging and Mold-Tek Technologies will consider bonus issues and dividends at their August 26 board meetings. While investors await the announcements, both stocks have delivered strong gains over the longer term, with Mold-Tek Packaging also featuring among Axis Securities top midcap picks with a Buy rating.

Bharat Coking Coal shares surged over 7% to Rs 37.70 as global coking coal prices soared 18%. The rally follows supply disruptions and strong long-term demand forecasts, offsetting the company's weak Q1 FY27 results where it posted a net loss of Rs 68 crore amid falling production.

South Koreas KOSPI has fallen about 30% from its June 19 peak as a retail-driven stock market boom fuelled by leveraged products turned into a sharp sell-off. The market fallout has left investors facing substantial losses, while raising concerns over financial-market reforms, retail leverage and South Koreas ambitions to secure developed-market status.

Aswath Damodaran says AIs investment debate should shift from hype and skepticism toward evaluating it as a business. He argues revolutionary technologies follow four stages: hype, investment, business building and recalibration. AI is entering the business-building phase, with revenues emerging but profitability uncertain. Significant disruption and market corrections remain possible.

Indias domestic economy remains resilient, with healthy revenue and earnings growth despite geopolitical uncertainties, according to OmniScience Capital. The firm sees potential for 7%+ GDP growth this fiscal year and believes India could sustain a high-growth trajectory even if the West Asia conflict persists.

MCX shares rose in three sessions to Rs 3,211, tracking a third straight session of gains in gold and silver prices amid a weaker US dollar and easing concerns over long-term yields. The stock has gained 15% in a month, 45% so far this year and 101% over the past year, while delivering a staggering 932% return in three years and 970% in five years.

Motilal Oswal sees 27% upside in Aditya Infotech, citing strong surveillance demand, rising market share, STQC norms and improving margins. The brokerage expects robust revenue and profit growth through FY28, supported by higher-value products, backward integration and lower competitive intensity.

Vedanta Aluminium Metal shares gained more than 2% after the company launched two advanced offerings under its Primary Foundry Alloy range for high-performance automotive applications. The new products, unveiled at AutoEdge 2026, come as the company expands its value-added aluminium portfolio and targets growing demand from the automotive sector.

Jefferies Christopher Wood sees gold as the second-best hedge for investors amid rising geopolitical and fiscal risks linked to the Iran conflict. While he prefers oil and energy stocks as the primary hedge, Wood expects gold and gold miners to benefit from renewed monetary easing expectations, geopolitical shocks and persistent fiscal concerns.

Netweb Technologies India shares rose nearly 3.5% to a fresh 52-week high after the company completed its Rs 1,200 crore qualified institutional placement (QIP). Nomura, Goldman Sachs, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund and other institutional investors participated in the fundraise, which comes amid strong growth in the company's revenue and profit.

Walchandnagar Industries shares rose on Friday after the company secured a Rs 30.53 crore order from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre for fabricating, testing and supplying HS200 motorcase segments for the Gaganyaan mission. The order, which includes all three segments, is scheduled for completion over four years, according to the companys filing.

Marvell Technology shares have gained momentum after its Google AI chip deal, putting the semiconductor stock in focus ahead of its August 27 fiscal Q2 earnings.

Shares of Kronox Lab Sciences surged after Indo Borax and Zenrock Chemicals announced plans to acquire a 64.26% stake in the company and launch an open offer for an additional 25.79% stake.

Hindustan Copper shares rose on Friday as global copper prices gained on a weaker US dollar, while technical indicators pointed to improving momentum. However, rising LME inventories and narrowing cash-to-three-month copper spreads suggest easing supply tightness. Analysts remain positive on the stock, citing a breakout above the Rs 550 resistance zone.

Chinas stock markets were largely subdued on Friday as investors weighed prospects of additional fiscal support against weak domestic demand and a global bond selloff. Sentiment was supported by comments from Vice Finance Minister Liao Min that the government would roll out additional fiscal measures in response to economic developments.

Gold loan stocks Muthoot Finance, Manappuram Finance and IIFL Finance gained up to 7% in two sessions as gold prices crossed Rs 1.6 lakh per 10 grams on the MCX. A weaker dollar and the US Treasurys bond-buyback move supported gold prices, boosting sentiment around gold-backed lending companies.

Goldman Sachs has initiated coverage on 14 Indian banks with a mix of Buy, Neutral and Sell ratings, focusing on earnings growth, franchise strength, valuations and the normalisation of return on assets (ROA) as key stock drivers. The brokerage sees private banks at an inflection point.