Global Market Today: Asian stocks edge higher in thin holiday trading
Crude oil prices rose amid heightened geopolitical risk as Iran conducted naval exercises near a key shipping corridor ahead of US talks. Asian stocks saw modest gains with light trading volumes, while investors awaited economic data. The US dollar fluctuated as traders anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts.
After record rally in gold & silver, experts urge investors to book profits
Wealth managers are advising investors to take profits on gold and silver after their significant rally, suggesting a cautious approach. While geopolitical tensions and industrial demand fueled the surge, current valuations are considered stretched. New investors are cautioned against large allocations, with SIPs recommended for gradual entry.
Battered IT loses weight on Nifty, banking hits new high
Information Technology stocks are losing their grip on the Nifty index. Banks are now more influential, their share in the key index reaching new highs. This shift reflects changing earnings trajectories and investor sentiment. Overseas investors have significantly reduced their exposure to Indian IT. The impact of Artificial Intelligence disruption is a key concern for […]
Brokerages may tap bonds and CPs as bank funding turns ‘unsuitable’
New RBI guidelines effective April 1, 2026, mandate 100% collateral for bank funding to capital market intermediaries, including significant cash margins. This will likely push equity brokers towards bond markets and commercial papers, increasing funding costs and potentially impacting sector profitability and market liquidity.
Govt plans ‘Champion CPSEs’ for Viksit Bharat by 2047, NITI Aayog roadmap soon
India is preparing to create ‘champion’ public sector companies. These firms will boost economic growth and technology. The goal is to help India become a developed nation by 2047. These companies will get more freedom in decisions and talent hiring. They will use new technologies for better performance. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s strategic […]
India-US trade deal: Trade team heading to Washington next week for legal pact
India’s chief negotiator Darpan Jain will lead a delegation to Washington next week to finalize the legal agreement for the India-US trade deal, aiming for a March signing. The visit follows the finalization of an interim trade agreement framework, with virtual talks ongoing to translate contours into a legal pact.
Fortis Healthcare maintains strong growth momentum, eyes expansion
Fortis Healthcare reported a 19% revenue growth in its hospital business, driven by acquisitions and brownfield expansions. The company anticipates reaching 70% occupancy within a year and is on track for margin expansion, with hospital EBITDA expected to reach 24-25%.
Midcaps offer attractive opportunities amid volatility: Gautam Duggad
Indian companies are reporting strong earnings growth. Metals and oil & gas sectors are leading the charge. Even excluding these, growth remains robust. Auto, capital goods, NBFCs, and PSU banks are showing healthy gains. Smallcaps are also recovering. Despite this, market sentiment is cautious, particularly for mid and smallcap stocks. Investors need to be selective.
Nischal Maheshwari flags reinvention ahead for IT, backs domestic themes
Technology stocks experienced a decline as investors assessed AI’s impact on India’s IT services sector. Experts suggest adaptation over alarm, noting that while medium-term challenges exist, short-term reactions are overdone. The focus shifts to domestic consumption, infrastructure, and cement sectors for resilience amid global uncertainty.
End of rate cuts, ample liquidity: Why short-end yields above 7% look attractive, says Devang Shah
Fixed income investors should recalibrate strategies as RBI nears the end of its rate-cut cycle. With comfortable liquidity and low rate hike probability, short-term AAA corporate bonds above 7% offer better risk-reward. Accrual-oriented strategies in the short to medium segment are favored over long-duration bets. Potential Bloomberg index inclusion could boost government bonds.