The Economic Times

Indian equity markets closed the week on a subdued note, impacted by profit-booking and foreign investor outflows. Global trade concerns and domestic earnings disappointments weighed on sentiment. Analysts suggest caution ahead of the Budget, with Nifty facing resistance and broader markets showing weakness. PSU banks are outperforming private peers.

Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced a solid financial performance for the third quarter of fiscal year 2026. The private lender saw its standalone net profit climb 4% year-on-year to Rs 3,446 crore. This growth was supported by a 5% rise in net interest income, reaching Rs 7,565 crore, indicating a healthy expansion in its core lending operations.

Ultratech Cement has announced strong financial results for the third quarter of FY26. The company's profit after tax saw a significant 32% year-on-year increase, reaching Rs 1,792 crore. Net sales also climbed by 22.5% year-on-year to Rs 21,506 crore. These figures exclude the impact of the New Labour Code.

Silver has surged past $100 per ounce for the first time, driven by a confluence of factors including a weakening dollar, robust industrial demand for green technologies, and supply constraints. Analysts highlight its evolving role from a safe haven to a critical mineral, with expectations of continued strength amid global economic shifts and geopolitical uncertainties.

In the upcoming week, a host of companies have announced such actions, ranging from high-percentage interim dividends to rights issues at discounted prices. The following slides provide a detailed, day-wise summary based on StockEdge data.

The primary market anticipates a quiet week with no mainboard public offerings. Investor focus will shift to SME platforms, featuring five IPOs. Shadowfax Technologies is set for its mainboard listing. SME IPOs from Accretion Nutraveda, Msafe Equipments, Kanishk Aluminium India, and CKK Retail Mart will open. Listing performance is expected to vary.

Bitcoin hovers around $90,000 as investors await the Federal Reserve meeting for a potential market catalyst. Both Bitcoin and Ethereum saw slight dips in the last 24 hours, with major altcoins experiencing more significant declines. The global crypto market capitalization also edged down, reflecting broader macroeconomic influences on digital asset sentiment.

PPFAS Mutual Fund introduces the Parag Parikh Large Cap Fund. This new offering blends active and passive investing for exposure to India's top 100 companies. It aims for cost efficiency similar to passive funds while employing smart execution strategies. The fund benchmarks against the Nifty 100 TRI. Existing flexicap investors can consider this for broad large-cap exposure.

India's defence sector is transforming. A record budget and focus on domestic production are boosting capabilities. Exports are growing, reaching over 100 countries. New technologies and private sector involvement are key. This presents a multi-decade opportunity for investors. The upcoming budget is expected to further enhance capital expenditure and promote exports.

Indian REITs delivered strong returns in 2025. Investors and developers anticipate the Union Budget 2026 for policy and tax reforms. These measures aim to enhance market depth and liquidity. The goal is to attract more investment into India's real estate sector. This will support sustainable growth and investor confidence.

India's real estate sector needs support in Budget 2026. Leaders want incentives for affordable housing and faster infrastructure projects. Reforms can boost demand and rental housing. Land reforms are also key. Action is needed to prevent a widening housing gap and ensure balanced urban development for all.

India's auto sector saw a strong Q3 recovery driven by GST cuts, festive demand, and lean inventories. Broad-based growth in two-wheelers, passenger, and commercial vehicles continued post-festive season. TVS Motor and Maruti Suzuki are highlighted for market share gains and strong growth prospects.

Emerging-market assets and precious metals are experiencing a strong start to 2026, driven by US-Europe tensions that are weakening the dollar and encouraging global diversification. Investors are pouring record cash into emerging-market funds, with Asian technology and Latin American equities leading the rally, as a rotation out of US holdings gains momentum.

Here is a closer look at the additions, stake increases, trims and exits made during the third quarter.

India's economic outlook remains strong despite global uncertainty. Navneet Munot of HDFC AMC highlights policy continuity and sustained reforms. The upcoming Budget is expected to boost domestic investment and earnings. Opportunities exist across sectors, particularly in manufacturing and new-age technologies like AI. The government is urged to incentivize investment in capital markets and R&D.

Markets brace for a volatile week with the Fed's first meeting, U.S.-Europe relations, and major tech earnings from Apple, Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla. Investors will also monitor Japan's economic jitters and a wave of emerging market interest rate decisions, seeking clarity amidst ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

The Japanese Yen saw significant volatility on Friday. Two sharp upward movements sparked speculation that authorities might have conducted a rate check. This action often signals potential intervention to curb the Yen's decline. Traders remain watchful for further moves by Tokyo to stabilize the currency. Global markets also reacted to geopolitical tensions affecting the US Dollar.

Investors pulled billions from U.S. equity funds amid tariff threats, though President Trump later eased these concerns. While large-cap and small-cap funds saw outflows, sector funds like financials and healthcare attracted new money. Bond fund investments dipped, but investment-grade funds saw increased demand. Money market funds experienced further withdrawals.

Investors are shifting focus to AI profit potential and interest rate paths amid a packed earnings week featuring tech giants like Apple and Microsoft. The Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting will also be closely watched for rate decisions and discussions on its independence. Geopolitical tensions, though easing, remain a wildcard.

Silver prices have surged past one hundred dollars an ounce. This surge is fueled by retail investor and momentum-driven buying. Physical markets for the metal are experiencing tightness. Analysts warn of a potential major correction. Gold has also hit a record high. Industrial demand is under pressure. This situation presents a dynamic market for investors.

U.S. stocks experienced a mixed close on Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling due to Intel's sharp decline on a weak outlook. Despite geopolitical concerns and a volatile week, investors remain confident in the robust American economy. The upcoming show-me season for tech earnings, particularly from the Magnificent Seven, will be crucial for justifying current stock valuations.

IndiGo's shares fell on Friday following a significant drop in quarterly profit. Brokerages offered mixed views, citing short-term challenges like rising costs and currency issues. However, many remain positive about the airline's long-term growth potential. Analysts project potential upside for the stock in the coming year, despite some caution regarding immediate future earnings.

Securities and Exchange Board of India has given the green light to thirteen companies for their Initial Public Offerings. Firms like Sify Infinit Spaces and Commtel Networks are among those that received Sebi's final observations. This clearance allows these companies to move forward with their plans to raise capital through the stock market.

Adani Group stocks saw a sharp decline on Friday. This followed news that the US SEC is seeking court permission to email summons to founder Gautam Adani and nephew Sagar Adani. Allegations involve fraud and a bribery plot. The group's market value dropped by over $9 billion. Investors are advised to wait for clarity.

The Reserve Bank of India has announced three liquidity-boosting measures, including open market operations and a dollar-rupee swap, totaling approximately 1.92 lakh crore. These actions aim to enhance system liquidity and support the transmission of previous rate cuts. Experts anticipate further liquidity injections in the coming months.

IndusInd Bank's net profit plummeted 91% to 128 crore in the third quarter due to deteriorating asset quality and increased provisions. Despite this sharp decline, the bank returned to profitability after a significant loss in the previous quarter, which was impacted by microloan provisions and derivative misreporting issues.

The Indian rupee hit a record low of 91.97 against the dollar on Friday, driven by equity selling and importer demand. Reports of potential US regulatory summons to billionaire Gautam Adani in connection with alleged bribery and fraud significantly impacted the currency's retreat. Foreign investors have divested over $3 billion from Indian markets this month.

Indian stock markets ended a difficult week with a significant drop on Friday. The rupee hit new record lows, and global tensions fueled investor caution. Shares of Adani Group companies saw a sharp decline. Broader markets also experienced substantial losses. Investors are concerned about global uncertainty and potential conflicts.

Videotelephony firm Zoom, telecom giant T-Mobile and low-cost airline Southwest Airlines are among the latest global companies considering the establishment of global capability centres (GCCs) in India, said people aware of the matter, adding that they are in talks with several states toward this end.

The price of silver reached $100 in trading Friday, profiting from its safe-haven status amid unrest surrounding the policies of US President Donald Trump. Silver, which has doubled its price in just 3.5 months, reached $100.11 an ounce, also on strong demand for the metal that is used in solar panels and electronics as well as for making jewellery.

Shriram Finance reported a 29% drop in third quarter net profit at Rs 2,522 crore as against Rs 3,570 crore. The company attributed the fall in profit to the exceptional gain of Rs 1489 crore it received for sale of its stake in subsidiary Shriram Housing Finance.

MCX posted a sharp Q3FY26 surge, with profit up 151% and revenue rising 121%, driven by booming derivatives volumes, strong bullion participation, new product launches and expanding options activity, supported by governance focus and readiness.

Intel's shares plunged 14% on Friday after the company struggled to meet strong artificial intelligence-driven demand for data-center chips due to supply constraints, disappointing investors betting on its turnaround.

BPCL posted an 89% surge in Q3FY26 net profit to Rs 7,188 crore on higher refining margins and revenue growth. The oil PSU also declared a Rs 10 interim dividend, while maintaining a stronger balance sheet with lower leverage.

U.S. stocks opened mostly lower on Friday, putting the main indexes on track for a second consecutive weekly drop, as Intel tumbled on a downbeat outlook and lingering geopolitical concerns kept risk appetite in check.

Kotak Mahindra Bank is expected to post modest Q3FY26 profit growth of 13%, aided by steady loan expansion, stable margins and improving asset quality. Brokerages see resilient earnings, controlled credit costs and moderate NII growth ahead of results on January 24.

Indian stock markets and commodity exchanges will remain closed on January 26 for Republic Day. Trading resumes January 27. The holiday begins a 15-day closure calendar for 2026, as investors navigate markets amid global trade tensions, FII outflows and earnings.

Luxury fashion platform Pernias Pop-Up Shop is heading for the stock market after Sebi cleared parent Purple Style Labs Rs 660 crore IPO. Backed by celebrity investors, the digital-first brand has posted rapid revenue growth and built a strong domestic and global presence.

Indias IPO pipeline gained momentum as Sebi approved 12 offerings across sectors. Sify Infinit Spaces Rs 3,700 crore issue, Indias first pure-play data centre IPO, leads the list, highlighting rising investor appetite for digital infrastructure and diversified growth stories.

UltraTech Cement is expected to post a steady Q3FY26 performance driven by strong volume growth, healthy revenue expansion and improved profitability. Brokerages estimate a QoQ PAT rise of up to 25% and revenue growth of up to 11%, supported by better demand, higher capacity utilisation and easing cost pressures.

Adani Green, Ixigo, Paytm and other major stocks saw sharp moves on Friday as markets slipped amid broad-based selling.

Indian government bonds fell on Friday, ending a three-day winning streak, as traders feared the market may struggle to absorb fresh state debt supply next week.

Seven BSE 200 stocks, including Hindustan Zinc and Vedanta, hit fresh 52-week highs on Friday despite a market slump, extending their strong 1-month rallies of up to 17%.

Urban Company slipped to a Rs 21 crore Q3 loss as heavy investment in InstaHelp hurt earnings, despite 33% revenue growth. Core businesses stayed profitable, margins improved, and management expects continued growth while near-term losses persist from expanding housekeeping services.

Hindustan Zincs market value crossed Rs 3 lakh crore after a threefold surge in silver prices propelled the stock to the top of Indias metals sector. Shares jumped over 6% on Friday, with the company overtaking peers including parent Vedanta. Strong fundamentals and rising silver prices have prompted multiple broker upgrades.

Adani Power raised Rs 7,500 crore through NCDs from major domestic institutions to refinance debt and fund operations. The fundraising comes amid sharp selling in Adani stocks, even as investors cite strong fundamentals, expansion plans, and a relatively conservative balance sheet.

IndusInd Bank Q3 Results: IndusInd Bank's net profit saw a significant drop of 88.5% year-on-year for the December quarter. Despite this, the profit was in line with market expectations. Net interest income decreased, but net interest margins improved. The bank's balance sheet size and advances also saw a decline. Non-performing assets increased, while the provision coverage ratio improved. Capital adequacy ratios remained strong.

JSW Steel Q3 Results: JSW Steel announced a significant 198% year-on-year surge in its consolidated net profit for the December quarter, reaching Rs 2,139 crore. This impressive growth was accompanied by an 11% year-on-year increase in its Q3FY26 revenue, which stood at Rs 45,991 crore.