Indian markets rebounded modestly as IT and banking gains offset global risks. Nifty consolidates near key averages awaiting heavyweight earnings, while Bank Nifty outperforms. Analysts see range-bound action turning directional post-results, with IT, metals and banks favored in coming sessions.
Ahead of Budget 2026, Indias crypto industry is seeking regulatory clarity and tax rationalisation, especially relief from the 1% TDS and 30% flat tax, to boost liquidity, compliance, investor confidence and growth of the domestic Web3 ecosystem.
Indias primary market gears up for a busy week as four IPOs seek 2,066 crore, led by Shadowfax Technologies. Strong subscription buzz around Bharat Coking Coal and multiple listings underscore firm investor appetite entering 2026.
Indias auto sector shows sustained post-festive momentum, with Q3 volumes up 17% year-on-year across segments. Strong demand, lean inventories and easing discounts are lifting revenues, profits and margins, supporting a positive medium-term outlook for automakers and ancillaries.
Jefferies' global equity strategist, Chris Wood, has expressed serious concerns about Bitcoin's future, citing the potential threat posed by quantum computing. He has shifted his portfolio away from Bitcoin towards gold and gold-mining stocks, fearing that advanced quantum computers could compromise Bitcoin's security. The digital asset community is actively discussing solutions to safeguard against this emerging risk.
Venezuelan banks will receive 300 million dollars from oil revenues. This money comes from an account in Qatar. The banks will sell these dollars to Venezuelan companies. These companies need foreign currency to import materials. This move aims to ease a dollar shortage. The U.S. had previously seized Venezuelan oil tankers. This action impacted the country's main revenue source.
Oil prices increased on Friday as traders rushed to close short positions ahead of the extended weekend. Heightened fears about a possible US operation against Iran contributed to the fluctuating prices, pushing both Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate to gain ground. The recent deployment of a US Navy carrier group to the Persian Gulf couldn't be ignored either.
Gold prices dropped on Friday after reaching record highs. Investors took profits as geopolitical tensions eased, reducing gold's safe-haven appeal. Despite the dip, gold is set for its second consecutive weekly gain. Silver also saw a decline after hitting an all-time high. Analysts suggest gold could still reach $5,000 this year, with corrections expected.
The dollar strengthened Friday as President Trump's comments suggested economic adviser Kevin Hassett is unlikely to chair the Federal Reserve, boosting political credibility. Meanwhile, Japan warned of currency intervention as the yen weakened significantly against the dollar, with some Bank of Japan policymakers considering earlier rate hikes to combat inflation.
Investors await Union Budget 2026-27 amid global and domestic headwinds, assessing whether fiscal prudence, tax relief and growth measures can align bond and equity interests, revive FPI inflows, support earnings, and sustain Indias macro stability through disciplined deficits and reforms.
