Indian markets closed marginally higher on Thursday after a volatile expiry session, with the Sensex rising 109 points to 77,100.47 and the Nifty gaining 34 points to 24,056 after giving up intraday gains. Sentiment stayed mixed amid profit booking, FII outflows and macro cues, while global equities ended weak. Markets were shut on Friday for Muharram.
Indian issuers, including SBI and BoB, have paused dollar bond plans as investors demand higher yields amid rising supply expectations from India. Recent deals show widening spreads over US Treasuries, prompting issuers to reconsider timing. Banks and PSUs may now turn to loans or wait for calmer global bond markets.
Indian markets navigated a subdued week, ending with modest gains as Nifty hovered near a crucial resistance zone between 24,160 and 24,500. Technical indicators suggest caution, with a decisive move above this hurdle needed to fuel further upside. Investors are advised to maintain a selective approach, focusing on stock-specific opportunities while managing risk diligently.
Jefferies strategist Chris Wood believes the AI boom will end not because of a chip glut, but when investors realise hyperscalers cannot generate adequate returns on massive AI investments. He warns that concerns over capital misallocation, rather than supply, could trigger a prolonged pause in the AI trade.
Goldman Sachs’ India equity portfolio fell 6% in CY26 amid mixed stock performance. While 18 stocks declined sharply, eight delivered strong gains, led by GNG Electronics, TD Power Systems, and Inox India.
NSE's proposed IPO could value the exchange at around Rs 5 lakh crore, making it one of India's most valuable listed financial institutions. Centrum outlines two scenarios that could shape post-listing performance, with sustained earnings growth supporting premium valuations while regulatory changes and slower derivatives volumes pose key risks.
Bitcoin hovers below $60,000 as investors withdraw from spot ETFs, driven by concerns over rising US interest rates. Major altcoins saw mixed movements, with some gaining up to 4%. Analysts suggest a potential dip to $55,500-$56,000 if Bitcoin breaks key support.
As Indian investors increasingly diversify globally, AI and semiconductors remain the most compelling long-term investment themes, according to Niteen Dongare of Anand Rathi International Ventures. He recommends allocating 20-30% of portfolios to global markets through ETFs, direct stocks and GIFT City funds to enhance diversification and returns.
Treasury yields dipped Friday as falling oil prices, linked to increased Strait of Hormuz shipments, sparked hopes of easing inflation. While the Federal Reserve remains watchful of price pressures, traders are assessing the likelihood of future rate hikes. Despite some hawkish signals from policymakers, the prevailing sentiment suggests a pause in rate increases, with economists largely expecting rates to hold steady this year.
Wall Street ended lower on Friday, with AI chip stocks experiencing a significant downturn while Moderna and other healthcare companies surged. Investors are weighing the long-term potential of AI against concerns about the substantial investment required for data centers. Inflationary pressures, fueled by energy prices and chip costs, remain a concern, impacting companies like Apple and prompting discussions about potential interest rate hikes.
Silver Consumer Electricals, renowned for its pumps and motors, has successfully raised Rs 150 crore through a pre-IPO secondary share sale. A 2.59% stake was sold by a promoter group member to investor Riyaz Suterwala, paving the way for its upcoming initial public offering. With its DRHP filed last August, the Rajkot-based company aims to secure up to Rs 1,400 crore to address debt and enhance corporate operations.
Fidelity Investments has strategically acquired a 2% stake in Lodha Developers, amounting to Rs 1,864 crore, through open market operations. The acquisition involves nearly 2 crore shares purchased from promoter entities Hightown Constructions and Homecraft Developers, resulting in a reduction of the promoter group's shareholding to 70.28%. Notably, Lodha Developers has recently reported a remarkable 9% increase in net profit for the March quarter, attributed to heightened income levels.
Indian markets witnessed a dip on Friday, with technology stocks, particularly chipmakers, facing renewed selling pressure. Investors are now scrutinizing the elevated valuations of these companies and the substantial investments being poured into Artificial Intelligence. The Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all opened lower, signaling a cautious sentiment among traders as the quarter concludes.
David Swensen emphasised the importance of maintaining an equity bias for long-term investors, noting that stocks tend to deliver stronger returns over extended horizons. Despite short-term volatility, equities reward patience and discipline. His advice highlights the value of staying invested, avoiding market timing, and aligning portfolios with long-term financial goals.
Dow Jones| Nasdaq | US Stock Market Today | Live: US market edges lower as chip stocks resume slide; Micron shares slide 6%
The board of Power Grid Corporation has approved a substantial raise in its borrowing limit to Rs 2.2 lakh crore, up from Rs 1.8 lakh crore, subject to shareholder consent. Furthermore, the company intends to obtain USD 500 million in foreign currency resources via External Commercial Borrowings. The board has also sanctioned an investment of Rs 772.
SBI Mutual Fund’s unlisted shares have delivered nearly 3.8x returns over the past three years, helped by sharp price appreciation and a 3:1 bonus issue, ahead of its proposed IPO. With Sebi’s approval in place, the country’s largest asset manager is expected to launch its public issue in early July.
Gold prices are facing a significant downturn, nearing a fourth consecutive weekly loss, as a robust US dollar and anticipated aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve to combat inflation exert pressure. The precious metal has dipped below the $4,000 per ounce mark for the first time in years. Analysts predict this downward trend could persist for months, with potential long-term price targets around $3,400.
Crypto prices may have corrected sharply in 2026, but underlying trends suggest growing maturity. Institutional participation, stronger blockchain activity, improving regulation and broader adoption indicate that Bitcoin, Solana and XRP are increasingly being viewed through long-term utility rather than short-term price moves.
Goldman Sachs has raised India's 2026 real GDP growth forecast to 6.8% from 6.5%, citing lower oil prices, easing supply disruptions and resilient domestic demand following the US-Iran peace deal. The brokerage also lifted its FY27 GDP growth estimate to 6.5% from 6.1%, expecting stronger growth, lower inflation, and improved fiscal and external balances.
Vedanta Resources' subsidiary has successfully raised $1.75 billion through a dollar bond issuance to refinance over $2 billion in high-yielding debt. The company secured funds across six, eight, and eleven-year tenors at competitive rates, significantly lower than initial guidance. This move aims to reduce the cost of borrowing and includes plans to repurchase several existing, higher-interest bonds.
Japan's Nikkei index experienced a significant drop of 4% on Friday, largely due to a sharp decline in tech investor SoftBank Group, which plunged over 12% following reports of a potential delay in OpenAI's IPO. This downturn erased previous gains, impacting other AI-related stocks. Despite the volatility, strategists anticipate a continued rally in AI and chip sectors, citing strong long-term earnings potential and an industry-wide revolution.
Indian markets are showing signs of recovery as geopolitical tensions ease, paving the way for a stronger earnings outlook in the second half. While Q1 may be challenging due to supply chain issues and inflation, strategist Mayuresh Joshi advises investors to look beyond the near-term. He favors pharma, domestic engineering, and power sectors, with specific interest in midcap private banks like Karur Vysya Bank for their robust performance.
Indian gold markets are seeing a premium return after a price dip, with buyers cautiously re-entering despite affordability concerns. This revival is fueled by falling international prices and a strengthening rupee. Meanwhile, China's physical demand for gold has noticeably weakened, with jewellery sales and household caution impacting the market, though the central bank continues its consistent buying spree.
GIFT Nifty signals a weak start for Indian markets after a sharp global sell-off led by declines in AI and semiconductor stocks across Asia. Profit booking, weak tech sentiment and mixed Wall Street cues weighed on markets, even as analysts maintain a positive near-term outlook for Nifty above key support levels.
Japanese government bond yields dipped on Friday as investors adjusted portfolios following a significant surge in the nation's stock market. The benchmark 10-year yield saw a notable decrease, even as inflation in Tokyo accelerated, suggesting the central bank might consider further rate hikes. This shift indicates a strategic move by investors to rebalance their holdings at the quarter's end, prioritizing stability after equity market gains.
Tata Motors' acquisition of Iveco's commercial vehicle business is delayed until September 2026, a move market expert Sudip Bandyopadhyay finds "disappointing" but still sees as a "fantastic leap up." The deal promises a seamless product range and global expansion. Meanwhile, the Indian auto sector anticipates a monsoon-driven boost, with Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra & Mahindra poised to benefit from rural demand. Bajaj Auto's strong export performance also fuels optimism.
Global crude oil prices fell sharply on Friday, with Brent slipping below $75 a barrel, as fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz eased despite fresh Middle East tensions. Brent dropped over 1% to $74.33, while WTI fell more than 2% to $70.46.
Microsoft shares face near-term pressure from AI investment costs and Xbox price hikes, but analysts remain optimistic as Azure, Copilot, and AI leadership continue supporting the company’s long-term growth outlook.
Micron’s record earnings and nearly $100 billion backlog underscore AI-driven transformation in memory markets. Strong HBM demand, disciplined supply, and improving profitability signal sustained growth despite potential industry and geopolitical risks.
India’s residential real estate market remained strong in Q2 2026, with housing sales across the top nine cities rising 19% year-on-year and new launches surging 43%. Southern and western markets led growth, reflecting sustained buyer demand and continued developer confidence despite global uncertainties.
FMCG stocks remained under pressure in 2026, with the sector index declining 10% year-to-date amid geopolitical disruptions and inflationary pressures. Most major names, including ITC, Dabur and Godrej Consumer Products saw sharp declines, while Hindustan Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive showed relative resilience.
Raamdeo Agrawal recalls Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s exceptional ability to spot undervalued stocks and build long-term wealth, highlighting his famous Titan investment as a defining example. Despite early setbacks in the company, Jhunjhunwala accumulated shares at low prices and held them through its transformation into a major jewellery business, creating massive wealth over two decades.
US unemployment claims saw a sharper-than-expected drop last week, signaling continued labor market strength. Despite this positive sign, a rise in continuing claims suggests employers are cautious about hiring, potentially impacting job seekers, especially recent graduates facing competition from AI. The median unemployment duration has also lengthened, indicating a tougher job search for many.
The US economy showed stronger growth than initially thought in the first quarter, reaching an annual rate of 2.1 percent. This upward revision was largely due to a decrease in imports, which positively impacts GDP calculations. Key drivers of this expansion included investments, exports, government spending, and consumer spending, with the booming Artificial Intelligence sector playing a significant role.
Tokyo's core inflation surged in June, driven by rising energy costs stemming from the Middle East conflict. This acceleration signals broadening price pressures, prompting the Bank of Japan to consider further interest rate hikes. While some economists express caution about the extent of these pressures, the central bank is closely monitoring the situation as it navigates policy normalization amidst global economic uncertainties.
Shares of Lingyi iTech opened 6% higher in the Chinese precision parts maker's Hong Kong debut on Friday, after the Apple supplier raised about HK$8.3 billion ($1.06 billion) in a share sale in the city.
Sustainable fashion brand Reformation has filed for a U.S. IPO, reporting a revenue increase to $507.1 million for the year ending December 27, 2025, though net profit saw a dip. The direct-to-consumer retailer, known for celebrity endorsements, aims to leverage the recovering IPO market.
Gold is poised for its fourth consecutive weekly decline, weighed down by a strengthening dollar amid expectations of U.S. interest rate hikes. Investors are also closely watching the delicate U.S.-Iran peace agreement, which faced renewed concerns after an incident in the Strait of Hormuz.
The yen hovered near a 40-year low against the dollar as U.S. inflation data met expectations, leading traders to scale back bets on Federal Reserve rate hikes. Mixed signals from Fed officials on the policy path ahead also contributed to the currency's weakness.
Oil prices are poised for significant weekly declines as supply worries ease with tankers navigating the Strait of Hormuz. Despite a cargo vessel being struck near Oman, with Iran implicated, and earthquakes in Venezuela causing minor infrastructure damage, crude shipments through the vital waterway have increased. However, lingering geopolitical tensions and power outages in Venezuela could still impact future production.
Indian stock markets, including BSE and NSE, are closed today, June 26, for Muharram. The MCX has a partial closure, while NCDEX is shut all day. This holiday marks the start of the Islamic New Year and is a significant observance.
Asian markets saw a dip, led by a pullback in heavyweight chip stocks after a strong rally. US futures remained steady following a volatile session on Wall Street, where tech giants like Apple experienced significant declines. Investors are closely watching the sustainability of high tech valuations amid concerns over AI spending and potential interest rate adjustments by the Federal Reserve.
Laurus Labs' stock has surged 30% on robust FY26 results, fueled by a booming contract manufacturing business and improved product mix. The company is investing ₹3,000 crore in expanding capacities, particularly for high-value CDMO services, which are projected to double their revenue share by 2030. Analysts are optimistic, raising earnings forecasts and maintaining a 'BUY' rating, anticipating continued growth across its diverse segments.
Adani Ports is poised to acquire Karanja Terminal & Logistics, with creditors endorsing its ₹625-crore recovery plan. The nation's top port operator has offered full repayment to financial creditors for their outstanding dues. This development follows Prudent ARC's acquisition of nearly all of Karanja's debt, signaling a significant shift in the company's future.
The Reserve Bank of India has unveiled draft rules allowing participants to take short positions in government securities, aiming to boost market liquidity and price discovery. A detailed framework for trading "when-issued" securities, bonds yet to be officially released, is also introduced. These measures, with specific limits for banks, primary dealers, and others, are open for public feedback until July 17.
Vedanta Resources has successfully garnered tenders worth approximately $943 million for its dollar bonds through an early participation window in its debt buyback. This significant uptake, representing 45% of its $2.1 billion outstanding bonds, signals investor confidence. Market watchers attribute this positive response to attractive yields and Vedanta's strengthening refinancing capabilities, a crucial move for the miner's debt management.
JPMorgan Chase has appointed Doug Petno and Troy Rohrbaugh as co-presidents, signaling a significant step in succession planning for CEO Jamie Dimon. Rohrbaugh will now lead consumer and community banking, while Petno takes the helm of the commercial and investment bank. These moves potentially refine the pool of candidates for the top leadership position at the financial giant, a transition keenly watched across Wall Street.
Tata Chemicals shares surged on Thursday, driven by the RBI's new guidelines for upper-layer NBFCs, sparking hopes for a Tata Sons listing. Analysts suggest this could unlock significant value for Tata Chemicals, which holds a stake in the unlisted entity. The potential listing of Tata Sons, valued in the unlisted market, could boost Tata Chemicals' market capitalization substantially, marking a shift from its current book value reflection.
Indian stock markets closed slightly higher on Thursday, marking a third consecutive week of gains, buoyed by falling crude oil prices. The Nifty 50 and Sensex both edged up, with easing oil prices boosting investor confidence. Analysts suggest dips may attract buying, anticipating improved corporate margins from the second quarter, even with potential monsoon deficits.