The Economic Times

HUL Q3 Results: The companys revenue from continuing operations stood at Rs 16,441 crore, up 5.6% YoY from Rs 15,556 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year, HUL said in a regulatory filing.

The Federal Reserve held policy rates steady in January, citing a resilient labor market and inflation above its 2% target. This decision revealed a split within the FOMC, with some officials prioritizing growth and employment concerns while others emphasize continued vigilance against persistent inflation before considering further rate cuts.

Indias IT sector plunged on Thursday as the Nifty IT index fell over 4%, erasing Rs 1.3 lakh crore in market value amid AI-driven disruption fears. TCS, Infosys and Wipro hit fresh lows as Anthropics new automation tools triggered panic selling, widening concerns over shrinking moats, pricing pressure and weakening global demand.

Shriram Finance has doubled investors wealth over the past year, outperforming the Nifty and hitting fresh 52-week highs. Trading well above key moving averages, the stock remains in an uptrend, supported by strong AUM growth, steady asset quality and upbeat brokerage targets, further boosted by MUFG Banks proposed 20% stake purchase.

Januarys stronger-than-expected U.S. payroll gains give the Federal Reserve room to keep rates steady, even as major revisions reveal that job growth nearly stalled through 2025. With unemployment edging down and productivity rising, policymakers remain cautious, balancing firmer recent data against concerns about a weakening labor market and delayed rate cuts.

Indian IT services stocks have seen a significant selloff driven by AI concerns. However, experts believe AI will enhance efficiency and boost profit margins, not harm the sector. Platform companies are highlighted as a decade-long opportunity. The jewellery sector shows strong consumer demand. Current IT valuations offer attractive entry points for investors.

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty traded lower on Thursday, impacted by a sharp selloff in IT stocks and investor caution following stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data. This data dampened hopes of near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts, while domestic market support is expected from earnings growth in other sectors.

Gold prices have surged, nearly doubling in the past year, with a 60% year-on-year rise in the December quarter. While festive demand remained strong, driven by consumers locking in prices, jewellery volumes dropped significantly.

Foreign institutional investors are cautiously returning to Indian stocks after a significant exodus, driven by a strengthening rupee and an interim trade deal with the US. However, a sustained comeback hinges on improving corporate earnings, which have remained a concern, posing a key risk to continued foreign inflows.

Gold and silver futures opened lower on Thursday as a stronger US dollar, fueled by robust jobs data, dampened interest rate cut expectations. Investors now await US inflation figures for Federal Reserve policy clues. Experts advise buying gold and silver on dips, citing near-term volatility due to dollar fluctuations and geopolitical tensions.

RSI trending up means that the Relative Strength Index (RSI) values are increasing, suggesting strengthening momentum in the stock price.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 Index was up 0.4% at 57,874.61 after rising as high as 58,015.08 earlier in the day, as trading resumed after a holiday. So far in 2026, the Nikkei has surged 15%. The broader Topix climbed 0.8% to 3,884.16 on Thursday.

India's banking and auto sectors are exceeding expectations, with loan growth reviving and vehicle sales accelerating. Consumer durables show promising signs of a turnaround, poised to benefit from real estate deliveries. Urban consumption is also picking up, particularly in discretionary items. UTI Mutual Fund is targeting underpenetrated sectors for investment.

Indian IT stocks like Infosys and Wipro saw significant drops following a sharp decline in their US ADRs. Investor concerns are mounting over AI's potential to disrupt legal services and other sectors, leading to fears of increased competition and margin pressure for IT firms.

Shares of Patanjali Foods drew attention after the company reported robust Q3FY26 results, with profit and revenue rising sharply. FMCG and edible oil segments delivered broad-based growth, margins remained stable, and exports expanded. Management expects a strong FY26 finish, supported by macro tailwinds, easing inflation, resilient rural demand, and nationwide GST-related consumption boosts.

Hindalco shares may face pressure after Novelis delayed the restart of its Oswego plant following fire incidents, impacting around Rs 14,400 crore in cash flows. The subsidiary reported a quarterly net loss amid production disruptions, though most losses are expected to be insurance recoverable. Recovery is targeted for late Q2CY26.

India's fixed income markets are recalibrating cautiously. While macro fundamentals have improved, elevated borrowing and weak demand shape the bond outlook. SBI Mutual Fund's CIO advises selective duration, favoring short-end corporate bonds and tactical state development loans amid heavy supply.

Mahindra & Mahindra reported a 33% YoY rise in standalone Q3FY26 net profit to Rs 3,931 crore, with strong revenue growth across auto and farm segments. Brokerages remain positive, citing capacity expansion and rural recovery. Margins improved in tractors, while SUV market share gains supported overall performance.

LG Electronics India reported a sharp 61% year-on-year decline in Q3FY26 net profit, with revenue also slipping 6%. Elevated operating expenses weighed on margins despite stable material costs. Management remains optimistic about seasonal demand. The stock ended lower, though technical indicators suggest a broadly positive setup.

Lenskart Solutions reported a sharp jump in Q3FY26 earnings, with net profit surging nearly 70 times year-on-year to Rs 131.02 crore and revenue rising 38% to Rs 2,308 crore. Strong operating leverage, store expansion and volume growth supported performance, marking its second earnings announcement since listing.