Nomura’s India fixed-income chief resigns amid reports of inflated profits
Ujjwal Kumar, managing director of Nomura Fixed Income Securities, has resigned following a Bloomberg report alleging Nomura Holdings is investigating its India fixed-income unit for potentially inflated profits. The company denies any compliance investigation into the issues described, despite a recent net loss in the September quarter attributed to mark-to-market losses.
Cost of funds puts a squeeze on banks’ H1 profit growth
Indian banks reported muted earnings in the first half of FY26, with net profits rising only 2.5% despite an 11.3% credit expansion. This was primarily due to a compression in net interest income as banks passed on policy rate cuts to borrowers while their cost of funds remained elevated. Private banks outperformed public sector banks […]
LIC seeks GST relief, tax-free premium hike to boost sales
LIC has urged the government to implement tax and regulatory changes in the upcoming budget to boost policy sales and insurer margins. Key proposals include treating insurance services as ‘zero-rated’ for GST to allow input tax credit claims and increasing the tax-free maturity proceeds limit to ₹10 lakh annually.
Why are RBI’s Floating Rate Bonds becoming the new safe haven for low-risk investors?
Investors are increasingly favoring RBI’s Floating Rate Bonds, a secure government-backed debt instrument, over traditional bank deposits and small-savings schemes. Offering an 8.05% return linked to the National Savings Certificate rate plus 35 basis points, these seven-year bonds provide a higher yield and hedge against rising interest rates.
Sebi starts review of corporate disclosure rules
The Securities and Exchange Board of India is simplifying corporate disclosure rules. A review of Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements is underway. Sebi is also overhauling settlement regulations and other norms for stockbrokers and mutual funds. A closing-auction mechanism for equity markets is nearing implementation. Efforts are also focused on easing fundraising processes for companies.
Can Hero MotoCorp sustain its fast-paced gains with rising exports, EV sales?
Hero MotoCorp’s stock reached a 52-week high following a strong second quarter with double-digit revenue and profit growth. The company achieved a record market share for its VIDA EV brand and saw significant growth in global dispatches. Analysts maintain a ‘buy’ rating, anticipating continued sales volume growth driven by new launches and improving rural demand.
Google parent Alphabet shares jump 5% after Berkshire Hathaway makes rare tech bet with $4.9 billion stake
Berkshire Hathaway’s significant investment in Alphabet, valued at $4.93 billion, signals a strong endorsement of the tech giant’s artificial intelligence capabilities. This rare tech bet by the conglomerate, under Warren Buffett’s leadership, comes as Alphabet emerges as the top-performing “Magnificent Seven” stock this year, driven by AI advancements and a robust ad business.
Q2 earnings beats expectations, outlook better now: N. Maheshwari
Recent Q2 earnings reveal a mixed market outlook. Banking and financial services show strength. Tata Motors presents a varied performance, with electric vehicles positive but passenger vehicles facing hurdles. Information technology firms benefited from currency gains but may see challenges ahead. Investors should focus selectively on opportunities.
NDA’s landslide Bihar win boosts Indian equities’ rebound narrative: Motilal
Motilal Oswal says the Bihar poll mandate strengthens policy continuity and boosts market confidence, adding momentum to improving earnings, supportive reforms, easing political concerns and macro tailwinds that may aid a more durable market uptrend.