AU Small Finance Bank, ICICI Bank top picks as banking sector shows resilience: Siddhartha Khemka
India’s banking sector concluded FY26 strongly, with credit growth hitting 16.1% and deposits surging 13.5%. Banks aggressively mobilized funds, though a credit-deposit gap persists. Despite tight liquidity, regulatory frameworks and strong momentum position the sector for sustained growth. Analysts recommend AU Small Finance Bank and ICICI Bank for their robust strategies and growth potential.
US Stock Market: Wall Street indexes hit record highs as oil falls with Strait of Hormuz declared open
Major US stock indices, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, closed at record highs Friday, fueled by optimism over Iran’s decision to open the Strait of Hormuz and potential peace talks with the US. This development eased inflation concerns as oil prices plummeted, boosting consumer discretionary and industrial sectors while energy stocks slid.
Social media outlets told to take down fake NSE accounts
The Bombay High Court has ordered social media platforms and domain registrars to remove fake accounts and websites impersonating the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The court granted interim relief to NSE, directing platforms like X and Google-owned YouTube to take down infringing content. This action aims to protect unsuspecting investors from fraudulent stock market guidance.
Bullish momentum continues, but analysts warn of near-term resistance
Indian stock markets rallied for a second week, driven by hopes of peace in West Asia and a strengthening rupee. Easing geopolitical tensions and falling oil prices boosted investor confidence, leading to gains across major indices. While the market shows positive momentum, analysts caution about potential resistance and short-term pullbacks.
Even a Rs 15,000-crore buyback fails to cheer Wipro investors
Wipro’s stock fell on Friday after its March-quarter earnings missed expectations, with a ₹15,000 crore buyback failing to boost sentiment. The IT major reported a 2% decline in consolidated net profit, and brokerages expressed caution due to weaker-than-expected performance and revenue headwinds. Analysts noted continued underperformance compared to peers, despite attractive valuations.
Sebi clears IPOs of Avaada, Grand Housing & 2 others
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has approved IPOs for four companies, including Avaada Electro, Brookfield-backed Avaada Group’s solar PV manufacturing arm. Chennai-based Grand Housing will launch an entirely offer-for-sale IPO by its promoter. Sebi provided observations for Avaada Electro’s confidential DRHP filed in October 2025.
Adani bags top spot in richest Asians’ club
Gautam Adani has officially claimed the title of Asia’s wealthiest individual, overtaking Mukesh Ambani with a net worth of $92.6 billion as of April 16. The surge in Adani Group stock prices has fueled this remarkable comeback after earlier hardships. Adani now proudly ranks 19th on the prestigious Bloomberg Billionaire Index, highlighting a significant turnaround […]
RBI’s oil forex window set to fuel rupee recovery
The Reserve Bank of India has opened a special foreign exchange window to supply dollars to state-run refiners, easing pressure on the rupee. This move, likely routed through state-run lenders, aims to reduce the significant daily dollar demand from oil companies. Analysts expect this intervention to lead to rupee appreciation.
Irdai keeps FY27 cession rate at 4%, backs GIC Re role
Irdai has maintained the mandatory 4% cession rate for FY27, directing general insurers to place this share with GIC Re. This decision aims to solidify GIC Re’s position in India’s reinsurance market, despite the entry of new domestic players like Jio-Allianz Re and Valueattics Re, who are poised to challenge its dominance.