Amidst inflationary pressures and fluctuating G-Sec yields, bond investors should exercise caution. Sandip Raichura suggests a barbell approach, advising a mix of short-term, gilt, and corporate bond funds to navigate evolving interest rate dynamics. He also highlights the potential of fixed income as a hedge during volatile market phases.
V. Srivatsa of UTI AMC is strategically reducing exposure to financial services within the UTI Large & Mid Cap Fund due to rising valuations. While maintaining a focus on stability and growth, the fund is selectively diversifying into other sectors.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Thursday that there would be no Palestinian state, speaking at a signing ceremony for a major settlement project in the occupied West Bank. All of Israel's settlements in the West Bank, occupied since 1967, are considered illegal under international law, regardless of whether they have Israeli planning permission.
Austere Systems' IPO received massive subscription. The shares are ready to debut on the Bombay Stock Exchange SME platform this Friday. The IPO was booked 1,077 times. It is one of the most sought-after small-cap issues. The IPO will fund capital expenditure and general corporate purposes.
Wall Street's main indexes achieved record-high closes, propelled by gains in Tesla and Micron Technology. U.S. inflation and jobless data have strengthened expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut this month. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow all reached new peaks, with materials and healthcare sectors leading the gains.
A recent Israeli strike in Qatar has sparked anger among Gulf leaders. Saudi Arabia and UAE are united in condemning the attack. They view it as a violation of international norms. The incident raises concerns about US commitment to regional security. This could complicate efforts to expand Abraham Accords. It may also affect countering Chinese and Russian influence.
Indian banks are projected to reduce dividend payments in fiscal year 2026 due to squeezed profitability from slowing loan growth, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. The total dividend payout of 12 major banks is expected to decline by 4.2% to $5.98 billion. HDFC Bank and Bank of Baroda are anticipated to cut dividends, while SBI's payout will remain stable.
Indians are actively buying Apple shares, anticipating a price increase after the iPhone 17 launch. Trading volumes for Apple have significantly increased this month. Buy orders are exceeding sell orders, indicating strong investor confidence. Investors believe the iPhone's success drives Apple's stock performance. Some investors are buying now due to a recent drop in Apple's share price.
Indian equity valuations, while below historical averages, remain elevated compared to Asian peers, raising concerns amid slowing earnings growth. Foreign investors are paring exposure due to the combination of rich valuations and decelerating nominal GDP growth. Fund managers suggest considering sector weights within Indian indices for a more accurate valuation assessment, as consumer-heavy indices inflate overall metrics.
