The Economic Times

As long as the stock is priced above the 200-day SMA on the daily timeframe, it is generally considered to be in an overall uptrend.

The dollar remained weak on Thursday amid policy uncertainty, though supportive comments from the White House and European officials offered some respite. Investors interpreted the Federal Reserve's cautious tone on inflation and the labor market to mean interest rates could stay higher for longer. The euro traded just below $1.20 after breaking that key level on the dollar's decline.

Gold prices are soaring, nearing $5,600 per ounce as investors seek safety amid global tensions. Silver is also climbing, approaching $120. Analysts suggest gold's role as a reliable store of value is growing. Geopolitical events and central bank actions are driving these gains. Despite potential pullbacks, the outlook for gold remains strong through 2026, presenting buying opportunities on dips.

The Nasdaq saw a slight increase, buoyed by chip stocks, while the S&P 500 remained nearly flat as investors reacted cautiously to the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady. The Fed cited persistent inflation and solid economic growth, offering little clarity on future rate cuts. Investors are now focused on the Magnificent Seven earnings reports.

Indian stock markets closed higher on Wednesday. Positive global sentiment and optimism surrounding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement fueled the gains. Analysts anticipate this upward trend to continue. Upcoming budget expectations and ongoing Q3 earnings season are also contributing factors. Global markets showed mixed movements. Foreign investors were net buyers.

Markets showed high volatility but gained over half a percent as investor optimism returned, with the Nifty index nearing a crucial 25,350 level. Several companies, including ITC, Vedanta, and Tata Motors, are in focus due to Q3 results and other corporate developments.

Gold and oil prices surged as geopolitical tensions escalated and the Federal Reserve maintained its stance on interest rates. Gold broke above $5,550, while oil advanced on concerns over Iran. US equity futures dipped amid mixed tech earnings, with investors awaiting further clarity on interest rate paths.

India's market regulator Sebi faces internal division regarding new conflict-of-interest rules for its top officials. The Sebi board is debating whether it can impose a code of conduct on its chairman and members, whose appointments are approved by the central government.

The bonds would have maturity of 12 months and coupon rate of 50 bps over Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) payable quarterly in arrears, SBI said in a regulatory filing. These bonds will be issued through SBI's London branch.

US small-cap stocks are currently outperforming larger companies. Wall Street strategists predict this trend will continue. This optimism stems from expectations of faster earnings growth for smaller firms. Falling interest rates and economic expansion are key drivers. Deregulation and more rate cuts are also expected to boost these stocks.

Persistent Systems stock sees a dip despite positive analyst outlook. The company is on track to meet its revenue guidance of $2 billion by FY27. Strong order bookings and improving profitability are key drivers. Healthcare segment shows renewed growth. Operating margins faced a temporary hit due to labour code changes. Analysts remain optimistic about future performance.

Asian Paints shares fell 4.3% on Wednesday following third-quarter results, with most top brokerages maintaining bearish ratings due to profitability pressures from intense competition. Analysts with sell ratings foresee potential downsides of 8% to 25%, while more optimistic projections suggest upsides of up to 31%.

The Indian rupee fell 31 paise to close at 91.99 against the US dollar on Wednesday, marking its lowest closing level for the second time in under a week. Increased month-end demand for the greenback and ongoing geopolitical tensions weighed on investor sentiment, offsetting an initial stronger opening.

UBS initiated coverage on Tata Motors' commercial vehicles business with a buy rating and a 550 price target, citing undervaluation compared to global peers. The brokerage also reiterated a buy on Ashok Leyland, raising its price target to 225. UBS believes Indian CV makers are poised to narrow valuation gaps due to improving fundamentals.

Indian oil explorers surged on Wednesday as global crude prices jumped due to Winter Storm Fern disrupting US output and tightening near-term supply. Oil India and ONGC shares climbed significantly, with the Nifty Oil & Gas Index outperforming broader markets. Analysts noted that stable crude prices directly boost upstream companies' earnings.

Indian IT and pharma stocks are not benefiting from a weaker rupee as expected. Tariff concerns are overshadowing currency gains. Investors are waiting for clarity on trade deals. Foreign investors have also been selling these stocks. Valuations remain a concern for pharma companies. Demand for IT services shows signs of improvement. Stock selection will be crucial for investors.

Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair, has strongly defended the central bank's independence. He emphasized that political interference could damage the Fed's credibility. Powell also indicated that an interest rate hike is not expected soon. Inflation remains above the target, driven by goods prices, while services sector disinflation continues. The Fed remains committed to serving the public interest.

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, citing a tight labor market and inflation above its target. This decision occurs amidst political pressure from US President Donald Trump and concerns over the Fed's independence.

CSB Bank reported flat Q3 profit as higher provisions and sharp slippages offset strong loan and deposit growth. Shares fell sharply amid earnings disappointment and whistleblower allegations, even as management expressed confidence over asset quality and margin stability.

Cochin Shipyard reported an 18% YoY decline in Q3 net profit, while revenue rose 18%. Sequential profit and revenue growth, an interim dividend, and global expansion through a JV and acquisition highlight strategic initiatives.

Indian markets rose on optimism from the India-EU free trade agreement and supportive global cues. Sensex and Nifty extended gains, led by metals, financials, and energy sectors, while broader market participation reflected strong investor confidence.

A major winter storm that hit the United States in recent days is expected to cause billions of dollars in insured losses, analysts at brokerage UBS said in a note.

Lodha Developers reported robust Q3 results with net profit rising slightly and revenue up 14% year-on-year. Record pre-sales, expansion into new projects, and strategic balance sheet management strengthened growth and market presence.

Satin Creditcare Network posted a fivefold rise in Q3 net profit, driven by lower provisions, strong business growth, and disciplined lending, marking 18 consecutive profitable quarters despite sectoral challenges.

A key tool used by the U.S. central bank to stabilise global financial markets in times of crisis could be weaponised by the Trump administration, Kenneth Rogoff, a former IMF chief economist said, when asked if that was a possibility.

eClerx Services approved a 1:1 bonus share issue alongside robust Q3FY26 results. Net profit rose 40% year-on-year, while revenue grew strongly, supported by steady execution, higher USD revenues, and resilient operating performance despite marginal margin compression.

The S&P 500 breached the 7,000-point mark for the first time on Wednesday, driven by unrelenting optimism over artificial intelligence and expectations of strong Big Tech earnings as well as monetary policy easing.

The S&P 500 opened at 7,000 mark on Wednesday, while the Nasdaq inched towards a record high, fueled by a gain in chip stocks and as investors geared up for a Federal Reserve rate decision as well as a slew of Big Tech earnings.

Nifty extended gains for a second session, driven by buying in financials, metals and energy. Holding above the 200-DMA, technical indicators signal improving momentum with analysts expecting the index to trade between 25,200 and 25,600 short term.

StockHolding Services Ltd (SSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of StockHolding Corporation of India Ltd on Wednesday announced the launch of StockFin 2.0 app to cash in on growing stock market participation.

The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady on Wednesday in a pause that investors see lasting beyond U.S. central bank chief Jerome Powell's final meetings in March and April, with his successor expected to take office by the summer and policymakers split over whether more reductions in borrowing costs are warranted.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders posted robust December quarter results, with profit up 74% and revenue rising 49% year-on-year, driven by strong execution, operating leverage, and a healthy order book supporting sustained growth along with interim dividend announcement and solid balance sheet.

Domestic aluminium prices jumped to a record on MCX, tracking sharp gains on global exchanges. A weakening US dollar, supply constraints, and rising demand from EVs, renewables, and infrastructure supported bullish momentum and strengthened the near-term technical outlook.

Hindustan Zincs OFS drew strong institutional interest, with the non-retail portion subscribed 142%. Vedantas discounted stake sale reassured markets, lifted stock prices, and reinforced confidence in Hindustan Zincs cash flows, scale, dividends, and long-term investment appeal.

S&P Global Ratings on Wednesday upgraded Biocon Biologics ratings with a stable outlook.

Eight midcap stocks posted over 50% EBITDA growth in the December quarter, signalling stronger profitability and improved operational performance.

Larsen & Toubro Q3 Results: Engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) reported a 4.3% YoY decline in its December quarter consolidated net profit at Rs 3,215 crore compared to Rs 3,359 crore reported in the year ago period.

Five financial services stocks, including MCX India, SBI and Axis Bank, hit fresh 52-week highs as strong market momentum sparked monthly gains of up to 17%.

Foreign institutional investors have reduced exposure to Nifty 50 stocks, with holdings dropping to 25.5% by December 2025 amid global risk aversion. However, FIIs are selectively increasing positions in mid and smallcaps. Meanwhile, rising DII ownership continues to reshape market structure, offsetting promoter dilution and adding stability to Indian equities.

Indian equity benchmarks extended gains on Wednesday. CSB Bank, BEL, Vedanta, Hindustan Zinc, CarTrade Tech, Hindustan Copper and Shadowfax Technologies remained in focus.

CSB Bank shares tumbled 14% on Wednesday after the lender reported a flat Q3 profit and a sequential rise in gross and net NPAs. While NII and operating profit saw strong double-digit growth, asset-quality pressures weighed on sentiment. Management said overall business momentum remains strong, with improvements expected in the current quarter.

U.S. stock index futures rose on Wednesday, helped by gains in chip stocks, while investors geared up for quarterly earnings results of some of the so-called Magnificent Seven companies and a Federal Reserve rate decision.

Mutual funds trimmed stakes in 148 small-cap stocks over two quarters, with 11 names crashing up to 55% in six months. Data shows sustained selling pressure as fund managers reassess exposure amid weak price performance and shifting market trends.

Pine Labs swung to a consolidated profit of Rs 42 crore in Q3FY26 after a loss last year, driven by 24% revenue growth and strong platform volumes. EBITDA rose 59% YoY, while GTV hit Rs 4.5 lakh crore. Transaction growth stayed robust, though operating cash flow remained negative due to festive-driven working capital needs.

The Indian rupee closed marginally weaker on Wednesday, lagging Asian peers, on dollar demand linked to maturing non-deliverable forwards positions and month-end importer demand, while positive cues from a broad-based decline in the greenback capped losses.

Elon Musks SpaceX may be heading for a record-breaking IPO, potentially raising $50 billion. From reusable rockets to Starlinks recurring revenue, the listing could reshape global markets while testing investor appetite for future technologies.

SBI Life Q3 Results: SBI Life announced a 5% rise in net profit to Rs 577 crore for the third quarter. Net premium income saw a 22% increase. Growth was driven by industry momentum and higher policy volumes. The company maintained its leadership in individual rated premium. Assets under management grew 16%. The financial position strengthened with a 15% rise in net worth.

Bharat Electronics Ltd. shares surged to a 52-week high following robust December quarter results. The defence major reported a 21% year-on-year jump in net profit to Rs 1,580 crore and a 24% revenue increase to Rs 7,154 crore. This strong performance, driven by defence indigenisation and a growing order book, signals continued momentum for BEL.

ACC Q3 Results: ACC's net profit saw a significant drop of 63 percent year-on-year for the December quarter. The company posted a profit of Rs 404 crore. However, its revenue from operations showed growth, increasing by 22 percent to Rs 6,391 crore. This performance reflects a mixed financial outcome for the Adani Group firm during the period.