The Economic Times

On Tuesday, oil prices held steady amid positive developments regarding U.S.-Iran relations, which are invigorating market sentiments. The strength of the U.S. dollar adds an additional layer to this stability. In an important diplomatic shift, India has announced a new trade deal with the U.S.

Indian shrimp companies are set for strong buying after a trade deal with the US. Tariffs on Indian exports to the US have been cut to 18% from 50%. This move removes a major concern for foreign investors. The agreement is expected to boost Indian markets and unlock opportunities for cooperation between the two nations.

In a remarkable turn of events, Japan's Nikkei index experienced a 3% rise on Tuesday, showcasing resilience after Monday's downturn. A ceasefire in precious metal sell-offs contributed to this recovery, coupled with encouraging performances from US and European equities which helped lift investor spirits. Strong US factory activity figures indicated solid economic footing, leading to an upswing in Japanese shares.

Chinese traders, from homemakers to hedge funds, experienced significant losses after a rapid market reversal in precious metals. A 42-year-old homemaker lost 84% of her investment in less than a week due to leveraged futures positions. The sharp decline in gold and silver, triggered by factors including US Federal Reserve nomination, caught many speculators off guard.

Tuesday witnessed a notable rally in gold prices, climbing more than 3 percent after a brief decline that brought them to a near one-month low. Observers attribute this rebound to the anticipation of a quieter market week, given the partial U.S. government shutdown and the absence of major economic indicators.

On this Tuesday, the dollar is holding its ground, bolstered by encouraging US economic indicators and shifting perspectives on Federal Reserve policies. Fears of a potential government shutdown are taking a back seat. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar is on the rise in anticipation of an interest rate hike from its central bank. In contrast, the yen is experiencing a downturn.

Indian textile stocks are poised for gains following a new trade deal with the US, which lowers tariffs on Indian exports to 18%. This move significantly benefits companies heavily reliant on the US market, removing a key overhang that had impacted foreign investor sentiment and overall market performance.

In a turbulent turn of events, Bitcoin enthusiasts endured a collective loss of $2.56 billion recently. The cryptocurrency market, alongside riskier assets such as stocks and precious metals, buckled under heavy selling pressure. Heightened anxiety over the evolving AI landscape combined with various external market challenges rattled investor confidence.

Rupee surges in NDF trading after US-India trade deal

Foreign investors reduced selling in Indian stocks this fiscal year. However, their investment in initial public offerings and qualified institutional placements also dropped significantly. This trend suggests a waning interest in Indian equities. Meanwhile, domestic mutual funds continued their strong support with consistent inflows, remaining net buyers throughout the period.

US President Trump announced a significant reduction in tariffs on Indian goods, lowering them from 25% to 18%. This move, linked to India's agreement to halt Russian oil purchases, is expected to strengthen the rupee and boost Indian stocks. Strategists anticipate positive impacts across various asset classes and export-oriented sectors.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) experienced a significant drop of 8-10% as investors shied away from the secondary market following the government's withdrawal of tax benefits on capital gains at maturity. This move, coupled with falling gold prices, has prompted wealth managers to advise investors to re-evaluate their investment strategies.

Indian stock markets bounced back on Monday. The Nifty and Sensex recovered from budget day losses. This rebound followed a global sell-off in commodities and precious metals. Short covering and easing concerns over a securities transaction tax hike supported the market. Auto sales and falling crude oil prices also boosted sentiment. Foreign investors sold shares, while domestic investors bought them.

Indian stocks are set to outperform Asian markets. A new trade deal with the US has removed a major concern for investors. This agreement is expected to bring back foreign capital. The Indian rupee may also see support. Early market reactions show optimism for the upcoming trading sessions. Investors are looking forward to potential growth in Indian equities.

Indian markets showed resilience, recovering some Budget-day losses. Several key companies are under the spotlight today. Bajaj Finance and Adani Enterprises will announce their third-quarter results. RIL faces a legal challenge from the government. Eicher Motors reported strong January sales. Lupin launched a generic cancer drug in the US. Investors watch these developments closely.

Indian stock markets saw a significant recovery on Monday. The Nifty gained approximately 400 points from its lowest point, closing at 25,088. Analysts anticipate continued positive market momentum in the short term. Global market trends and company earnings will influence individual stock movements. Foreign investors were net sellers, while domestic institutional investors also sold shares.

Asian stocks climbed Tuesday, recovering from recent volatility in gold and silver. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose over 1% as precious metals rebounded and Nasdaq 100 futures gained on a strong sales outlook from Palantir. Positive US factory activity data boosted sentiment, signaling a potential manufacturing recovery.

The S&P 500 closed higher, driven by gains in AI-related chipmakers and tech giants like Alphabet and Amazon. Smaller companies also saw significant gains, with the Russell 2000 outperforming major indices. Positive economic fundamentals and strong earnings, particularly in technology, fueled investor confidence despite concerns over tech valuations.

India and the US have announced a trade deal, reducing reciprocal tariffs to 18% and easing concerns that have impacted Indian markets. This development is expected to trigger a strong opening on Dalal Street, with export-oriented sectors poised to benefit from improved competitiveness and reduced costs.

The surge in GIFT Nifty came following the news that India and the US agreed to a trade deal. Donald Trump, on his Truth Social platform, said that he spoke with Prime Minister Modi about trade and ending the war in Ukraine and that the new deal reduces US tariffs to 18%.

Tata Chemicals reported a wider consolidated net loss of Rs 93 crore for the December quarter, impacted by oversupplied soda ash markets and low export prices. Despite these headwinds, the company's standalone performance showed resilience, and it announced the acquisition of Novabay Pte. Limited to bolster its specialty chemicals business.

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank reported a significant widening of its net loss to Rs 375 crore in the third quarter, a substantial increase from Rs 168 crore in the previous year. The bank also experienced an operational loss of Rs 44 crore, contrasting with a profit in the prior year.

Chalet Hotels reported a robust third quarter with a 28.5% year-on-year increase in net profit to Rs 124 crore and a 27.1% rise in revenue to Rs 581.6 crore. The company's EBITDA grew by 29% to Rs 272.6 crore, driven by strong traction in key operating metrics and double-digit RevPAR expansion.

Kevin Warsh, tapped to become the next Federal Reserve chair, may want to significantly contract the central bank's multi-trillion-dollar balance sheet, but experts agree that financial realities strongly indicate accomplishing this goal will be difficult and slow, if it can be done at all.

Markets rebounded after volatility triggered by the STT hike and higher borrowing plans, aided by policy continuity and falling crude prices. Analysts warn sentiment remains cautious below the 200-day average, advising selling rallies despite medium-term confidence amid global tensions ongoing.

Warner Bros Discovery is likely to hold a shareholder vote on the $82.7 billion deal to sell its streaming and studio assets to Netflix in March, CNBC reported on Monday.

Warner Bros Discovery is likely to hold a shareholder vote on the $82.7 billion deal to sell its streaming and studio assets to Netflix in March, CNBC reported on Monday.

U.S. factory activity grew for the first time in a year in January, with new orders rebounding sharply, but manufacturing is still not out of the woods as import tariffs raised raw material prices and strained supply chains.

Oracle shares gained 2.5% on Monday after Wall Street analysts said the software company's $50 billion fundraising plan allays worries over its ability to finance a massive data-center expansion with OpenAI.

Wall Street's main indexes opened lower on Monday, as a violent selloff in precious metals unsettled investors at the start of a week packed with corporate earnings and major economic data.

Nifty surged after the Budget-day slump, led by auto, energy, and metals. Analysts caution broader trend remains weak below 200-DMA, advising cautious trading and selective stock entries.

The government is actively considering further reducing its stake in insurance behemoth LIC through a public offering in the next financial year, Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju said on Monday.

Hyundai Motor India reported a 6.3% net profit increase to Rs 1,194.9 crore in Q3FY26, driven by strong SUV sales, rural demand, operational efficiency, and positive effects of GST 2.0 and tax cuts.

Real estate firm Awfis Space Solutions Ltd on Monday reported a 43 per cent increase in its consolidated net profit to Rs 21.65 crore in the quarter ended December.

UPL Ltd on Monday posted a 43 per cent drop in consolidated net profit to Rs 490 crore for the December quarter on higher base effect.

Bajaj Housing Finance posted a strong Q3FY26, with net profit rising 21% and NII up 19%. Healthy loan and AUM growth, controlled costs and stable asset quality supported earnings, despite a one-time gratuity-related exceptional charge.

Indian e-scooter manufacturer Ather Energy posted a narrower quarterly loss on Monday, helped by a jump in sales during the year-end festive period.

U.S. stock index futures fell on Monday, as a violent selloff in precious metals unsettled investors at the start of a week packed with corporate earnings and major economic data.

Indian markets rebounded sharply after the Budget-day plunge. Autos, metals and energy led gains, while action was seen in Power Grid, Latent View, Sundaram Finance & others.

Promoter shareholding declined across 12 Nifty 500 stocks during the December 2025 quarter, according to StockEdge data. While stake reductions may reflect strategic or fundraising decisions, such moves are closely tracked by investors for signals on promoter confidence and alignment with minority shareholders.

The Indian rupee logged its best single-day gain in over a month on Monday, boosted by likely dollar sales by the central bank and modest inflows that dulled the spillover from global market volatility.

Bajaj Finance is expected to post a steady Q3FY26, with brokers forecasting around 21% NII and 20% PAT growth. Strong loan expansion, stable margins, easing credit costs and healthy asset quality should support earnings despite slower growth in some segments.

Gold's volatility has surged past Bitcoin's, reaching its highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. This dramatic shift follows a significant price plunge after a rapid rally, driven by economic uncertainty and geopolitical concerns. Despite this, gold remains a stronger safe-haven asset, outperforming Bitcoin over the past year.

The rebound came despite proposals to raise transaction taxes on derivatives and the absence of fresh measures aimed at drawing foreign investment. The BSE Sensex rose 943.5 points, or 1.17%, to close at 81,666.46, while the Nifty 50 advanced 261 points, or 1.06%, to 25,088.4.

Power Grid shares saw a sharp surge on Monday after the PSU raised its FY26 capex guidance to Rs 32,000 crore and increased capitalisation targets, signalling strong execution visibility. The company posted an 8% YoY rise in Q3 net profit to Rs 4,185 crore, with revenue up 10% and expenses moderating sequentially.

Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath criticised the STT hike on equity derivatives, saying it wont curb speculation as most activity is in options. He warned higher taxes could hurt futures volumes, liquidity and price discovery, and suggested suitability norms as a better solution.

Union Budget 2026 outlines a confident and fiscally disciplined growth roadmap, with emphasis on sunrise sectors, infrastructure, digital capacity and inclusive development. The Budget aims to deepen capital markets, strengthen manufacturing, empower women entrepreneurs and improve urban funding, while maintaining macroeconomic stability and supporting long term, resilient growth.

Gold and silver prices extended a sharp correction after a speculative, momentum-driven rally, pressured by profit-taking, a stronger dollar, rising US yields and higher global margins. Analysts say the broader trend remains bullish, with current declines seen as consolidation rather than reversal, offering selective accumulation opportunities amid near-term volatility.

Sovereign Gold Bond prices plunged on the NSE after the government withdrew capital gains tax exemption for bonds bought in the secondary market. The Budget 2026 move restricts tax-free gains only to original RBI subscribers holding SGBs till maturity, triggering sharp selloffs across multiple bond series and raising concerns among retail investors.