Life insurers seen posting mixed Q1, health players likely to outperform
Life insurers anticipate slower premium growth amid economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. Health insurers are poised for strong performance, driven by sustained demand and improved affordability. General insurers will likely face continued pricing pressures in motor and commercial insurance lines. Axis Max Life and SBI Life are projected to lead retail APE growth among private […]
Calcutta Stock Exchange seeks to put exit application on hold
The Calcutta Stock Exchange requested Sebi to withhold its exit application. This action follows the West Bengal government’s support for reviving the exchange. The exchange plans to formally withdraw its exit application soon. The state government has communicated its revival proposal to the central government. CSE faces significant regulatory and technological challenges ahead.
HCL Tech tumbles 4.5% as analysts cut price targets
HCL Technologies shares dropped significantly on Tuesday following analyst target reductions. Most foreign brokerages trimmed their price targets after the company’s first-quarter results. The Nifty IT index also saw a decline, mirroring the broader market trend. Despite this, many domestic brokers maintain a positive outlook on the stock. Analysts still project a potential upside from […]
Rupee slides to eight-week low as Middle East tensions, surging oil weigh on sentiment
The Indian rupee reached an eight-week low against the dollar on Tuesday. High crude oil prices and safe-haven dollar demand pressured the currency. Overseas investors resumed selling local assets, further weakening the rupee. The Reserve Bank of India intervened to limit the currency’s decline. The rupee has depreciated 1.4% in the current fiscal year.
Middle East tensions push oil above $85, but equities show resilience on Trump’s TACO trade
Middle East tensions have pushed oil prices above eighty-five dollars a barrel. Indian equities declined moderately after recent geopolitical developments. Investors are betting on Donald Trump’s tendency to de-escalate conflicts. This resilience suggests markets are accustomed to regional geopolitical tensions. Higher oil prices are negative for India, but investors expect rewards.
RBI governor meets bank CEOs to discuss AI, geopolitics and ECL guidelines
Central bank governor Sanjay Malhotra met bank chief executives on Tuesday. Geopolitical complexities and artificial intelligence were key discussion points. New expected credit loss guidelines also featured in the important talks. Some banks shared their FCNR(B) scheme inflow estimates with the governor. Oil prices have spiked over nine percent after recent military actions.
US stocks today: S&P 500 and Nasdaq end higher on cool inflation data, solid bank earnings
U.S. stocks ended higher as softer June inflation data and strong bank earnings lifted sentiment despite escalating Middle East tensions. Nasdaq outperformed on chip gains, while JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs advanced on robust results. IBM fell on weak revenue guidance, and markets scaled back expectations of a near-term Federal Reserve rate hike.
Why IBM shares crashed 26%: CEO highlights customer spending shifts towards AI
IBM’s second-quarter results missed expectations, impacted by customer spending shifts, triggering one of the worst crashes in its stock. CEO Arvind Krishna said clients prioritized AI infrastructure, securing supply-constrained hardware in June. He also atrributed the shortfall to execution lapses and a mainframe business setback.
RBI proposes easing rules for mutual funds, insurers to acquire higher stake in banks
The RBI has proposed one-time approval for mutual funds, insurers and pension funds to increase bank shareholding up to 10% without repeated regulatory clearance. The move aims to simplify compliance for significant institutional investors, with public comments invited until August 4, 2026.
Rs 1,839 crore Biocon block deal: ICICI Pru MF biggest buyer along with Citi and Goldman Sachs
Mylan sold a ₹1,839 crore stake in Biocon through a block deal, attracting strong institutional demand. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund emerged as the largest buyer, alongside other mutual funds, insurers and foreign investors, highlighting continued confidence in the pharmaceutical company.