Market News

Foreign Portfolio Investors Extend Buying Streak Into August

Foreign portfolio investors continued accumulating equities in August following strong July activity, with selective additions to existing positions alongside increased domestic institutional buying. The investment momentum coincided with a surge in Indian IPO and OFS issuances, while regional capital flows shifted away from South Korea toward Taiwan.

Asian shares slip as US futures dip ahead of Warsh Jackson Hole speech

US stock index futures retreated on the back of fading momentum in artificial intelligence stocks and weakness in semiconductor earnings, while Asian markets moved lower in anticipation of remarks from Federal Reserve official Christopher Warsh at Jackson Hole. The pullback followed initial enthusiasm about the AI trade that had been sustained by Nvidia's recent bullish guidance.

BofA initiates coverage on Polycab, KEI with buy ratings

Bank of America has started coverage on Indian cable manufacturers Polycab and KEI Industries with buy ratings, projecting up to 22% upside for investors. BofA expects India's wires and cables sector to expand at a 14% compound annual growth rate through FY29, driven by infrastructure spending, renewable energy projects, and power grid investments.

Indian Equities Slide on Domestic Headwinds; Nifty Eyes 23,900

Indian equity markets declined on Thursday amid domestic challenges rather than global factors, with the Nifty index encountering resistance in the 24,300–24,400 range and potentially heading toward 23,900. Foreign portfolio investors sold shares while domestic buyers stepped in, and the rupee weakened slightly against the US dollar.

Indian Stock Markets Open on August 28 Despite Raksha Bandhan

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will remain open for trading on August 28, with commodity markets also operating normally, according to market announcements. The next scheduled market closure is September 14 for Ganesh Chaturthi, with additional holidays planned for October 2 and November 10.

Wipro gains on Google Cloud AI deal; Lenskart faces investor share sale

Indian markets closed lower on Thursday amid global economic uncertainty, with Wipro advancing following an expanded Google Cloud partnership for AI implementation, while Lenskart's investor prepares to offload shares valued at up to Rs 1,313 crore. The mixed moves underscore divergent corporate fortunes as technology partnerships support some stocks while secondary market activity pressures others.

NSE IPO Close to Regulatory Clearance, Sebi Chief Confirms

India's securities regulator is nearing final approval for the National Stock Exchange's initial public offering, according to Sebi Chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey. The exchange's current unlisted market valuation of approximately ₹5 lakh crore positions it to potentially enter India's top-ten market capitalization rankings upon listing at prevailing valuations.

IRDAI Opens NDB's Maharajah INR Bonds to Indian Insurers

India's insurance regulator IRDAI has permitted insurers to invest in New Development Bank's Maharajah INR bonds, according to a circular dated August 27. The NDB intends to deploy proceeds for corporate purposes and financing of sustainable development and green projects across India.

Nasdaq, S&P 500 Rise on Nvidia AI Rally; Fed Speech Looms

Nvidia's strong revenue forecast sparked a revival in the artificial intelligence trade, lifting both the Nasdaq and S&P 500 indices. However, investor attention is rapidly pivoting toward Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's upcoming Jackson Hole speech, with inflation data and labour market resilience creating uncertainty around interest rate decisions.

Indian Banks Better Positioned for Downturn: SBI Chairman

State Bank of India's chairman stated that banks and companies are better positioned to weather an economic downturn, citing India's economic resilience and strong financial sector standing. SBI forecasts 7.5% growth, 14-15% credit expansion driven by retail and SME sectors, and targets a 1% return on assets while boosting fee income.

HDFC Bank board accelerates CEO search as Jagdishan's term approaches end

HDFC Bank's board is moving with increased urgency to identify the next chief executive as Sashidhar Jagdishan's current tenure nears completion, according to reports. This contrasts with the bank's previous reappointment process, which was initiated significantly earlier in the cycle.

Fed Officials Divided on Inflation Outlook as Mixed Signals Emerge

Federal Reserve officials presented conflicting assessments of US inflation, with Boston Fed President Susan Collins characterizing July's data as mixed while maintaining expectations for gradual disinflation, whereas Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack took a more hawkish stance, arguing inflation could remain elevated through next year. The divergence underscores ongoing uncertainty within the Fed about the trajectory of price pressures and the appropriate policy response.

Fed Officials Signal Possible Rate Hikes Amid Persistent Inflation Concerns

Federal Reserve policymakers at Jackson Hole expressed ongoing concerns about stubbornly elevated inflation, with some officials indicating that further interest rate increases may be necessary in the near term. Persistent price pressures pose a potential threat to the central bank's credibility and could lead to entrenched inflationary expectations in the broader economy.

Priority Jewels raises Rs 27.45 crore in anchor round ahead of IPO

Priority Jewels secured Rs 27.45 crore from anchor investors including Whiteoak Capital in its pre-IPO placement round, with the public offering set to launch on August 28, 2026. The capital raised will support working capital requirements and general corporate purposes for the jewelry company.

Nvidia shares surge 7% on blockbuster earnings and bullish AI outlook

Nvidia's stock jumped approximately 7% following strong second-quarter results and an optimistic revenue forecast that dispelled concerns about moderating artificial intelligence spending. The chipmaker reported $96.2 billion in Q2 revenue with expectations of $108 billion in the current quarter, alongside a 70% fiscal 2028 growth outlook that reinforced investor confidence in the AI sector.

ESDS Software raises Rs 216 crore from anchor investors before IPO

ESDS Software Solution secured Rs 216 crore from anchor investors, including Quant Mutual Fund, ahead of its Rs 720 crore initial public offering launching August 28 with a price band of Rs 408-429 per share. The fresh issue proceeds will fund cloud computing equipment, data centre infrastructure expansion, and general corporate requirements.

Sebi proposes merchant banker exemption for small private debt issues

India's Securities and Exchange Board (Sebi) has proposed exempting eligible listed issuers from mandatory merchant banker appointments when raising small-value debt privately, targeting cost reduction and faster issuance timelines. The exemption would apply only to regulated companies issuing senior secured debt with AA- or higher credit ratings, maintaining investor protections.

Indian Markets Brace for Friday Volatility After Sharp Thursday Decline

Indian equities closed significantly lower on Thursday as expiry-day volatility increased following the first monthly expiry under the Closing Auction Session, with the Sensex declining 539 points and Nifty falling 117 points. Technical indicators reflected weakening momentum amid broader global and geopolitical uncertainties heading into Friday's trading session.

Bitcoin's Uptober Challenge: Will August Rebound Lead to Rally?

Bitcoin has rebounded sharply from its July lows, reigniting hopes of a traditional 'Uptober' rally, though the cryptocurrency remains approximately 37% below its October 2025 record high. Analysts suggest that sustained ETF inflows, institutional demand, regulatory clarity, and Federal Reserve policy will be more decisive factors than seasonal patterns in determining whether this recovery proves lasting.

Bitcoin's October Rally Hopes Hinge on Inflows and Fed Policy

Bitcoin has rebounded sharply from its July lows, sparking renewed expectations of an 'Uptober' rally, though the cryptocurrency remains roughly 37% below its October 2025 peak. Analysts indicate that sustained exchange-traded fund inflows, institutional participation, regulatory developments, and Federal Reserve policy decisions will be more influential than seasonal patterns in determining whether this rebound materializes into a lasting advance.