FII ownership hits 14-year low to 14.7%; DII cushions Indian markets with 18.9% rise: Report
Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) ownership as a percentage of total Indian equities has fallen from 19.9 per cent in April 2016 to 14.7 per cent in April 2026, marking its lowest level since June 2012, according to JM Financial’s Fundamental Research report.
IPO Calendar: 2 issues to keep investors busy but mainboard activity remains muted
India’s primary market is set for a busy week with two SME IPOs. RFBL Flexi Pack and Goldline Pharmaceutical will open for subscription on May 12, aiming to raise close to Rs 47 crore. Investors can gain exposure to flexible packaging and pharmaceutical sectors. Tentative listings are scheduled for May 19.
Beyond Bitcoin: Why tokenized assets are gaining serious investor attention
Indian investors can now access global markets easily. Tokenization converts real-world assets into digital tokens. This allows fractional ownership of international stocks like Tesla and Apple. It offers diversification beyond domestic savings. India’s digital payment success positions it for this new financial era. Meaningful participation in global finance is now within reach for everyone.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund increase stake ITC, TCS, HDFC Bank and 14 other stocks in April
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund boosted its holdings in ITC, TCS, and HDFC Bank during April. The fund also increased its stake in fourteen other companies, including Indraprastha Gas and HCL Technologies. Exposure was reduced in Coal India and Power Grid Corporation of India. The fund made a complete exit from Balkrishna Industries.
IMF projects $2.5 billion in 2026 net income despite high uncertainty
The International Monetary Fund anticipates a net income of approximately $2.5 billion for the 2026 financial year, with projections for $2.6 billion in both 2027 and 2028. Precautionary balances are set to reach $35.9 billion by 2026. The IMF will maintain its lending rate margin at 60 basis points for member countries.
Citi downgrades India to ‘Underweight’ amid earnings and geopolitical risks
Mumbai Citi has downgraded India to underweight, citing persistent macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges alongside weaker earnings projections. The brokerage anticipates an 11.7% upside for the Nifty, reaching 27,000. While acknowledging lighter market positioning, Citi’s earnings forecasts for FY27-28 are still factoring in the Iran War’s impact. Banks, telecom, defence, and pharma are favored sectors.
Sebi moves to curb misuse of exchange data with new 30-day rule
Sebi has announced that market price data for listed companies will be available with a 30-day lag for investor education and awareness activities. This new regulation, effective July 1, 2026, aims to prevent data misuse and ensure educational content remains current. The National Institute of Securities Markets has received a special exemption.
SBI Q4 profit rises 6%, investors cautious over bond yield impact
State Bank of India achieved its second-highest annual corporate profit, reaching ₹83,299 crore. Despite robust loan growth, investor sentiment dipped due to margin pressures and treasury losses. The bank’s net profit rose 6% in the fourth quarter. Chairman CS Setty expressed confidence in continued credit growth for the current fiscal year.
Weak margins, treasury income drag SBI shares lower
State Bank of India shares experienced their largest single-day drop in two years, falling nearly 7% after disappointing fourth-quarter earnings. The decline was attributed to reduced net interest margins and lower treasury income. Analysts suggest potential further dips, with support expected around the ₹970-990 zone.
Five companies get regulator’s approval for public issues
Indian regulator Sebi has given the green light for five companies to launch their Initial Public Offerings. Dhoot Transmission, Horizon Industrial Parks, Hotel Polo Towers, Crystal Crop Protection, and Surgiwear have received Sebi’s observations. This allows them to proceed with raising funds through public issues.