India's 2026 IPO market begins cautiously with no mainboard issues, focusing instead on three SME offerings in infrastructure, electric mobility, and textiles. Gabion Technologies, Victory Electric Vehicles, and Yajur Fibres are set to launch their public issues next week, aiming to raise funds for expansion and working capital amidst a typical slow start to the year.
Markets kicked off the new year with a strong rally, mirroring 2025's trend. Investors saw significant gains across stocks, bonds, and commodities, driven by AI enthusiasm and easing inflation. However, this broad synchrony raises concerns about diversification's effectiveness and the sustainability of future returns, with some experts warning of anemic growth ahead.
The U.S. stock market anticipates a dynamic start to 2026, with crucial jobs data on January 9th poised to signal the Federal Reserve's next move on interest rates. Investors are also keenly awaiting Supreme Court decisions on tariffs and a new Fed chair, alongside the upcoming corporate earnings season.
Major hedge funds like D.E. Shaw and Bridgewater Associates achieved significant double-digit gains in 2025, fueled by an AI-driven stock market rally and global economic volatility. These top performers navigated a year of record fluctuations, with some funds posting their highest profits ever, attracting substantial investor interest.
Markets anticipate a busy start to the year. Key U.S. jobs data is due. OPEC+ meets on oil output. Commodity indexes rebalance. Initial public offerings are expected to increase. Investors remain optimistic despite potential risks from U.S. Supreme Court rulings and a new Federal Reserve chair announcement.
A Buddha Air flight carrying 51 passengers and four crew members skidded off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in Nepal late Friday night. All individuals were safely rescued with no injuries reported. A technical team is being dispatched to assess the situation following the incident.
Major indexes like the Dow and S&P 500 closed higher on Friday, ending a four-day losing streak to begin 2026. Chip makers, industrials, and utilities fueled the gains, while tech giants and consumer discretionary stocks saw declines.
ITC shares plummeted to a three-year low following a government excise duty hike on tobacco products. Brokerages downgraded the stock, citing fears of dampened cigarette demand and significant impact on profitability. Investors are advised to wait for clarity on price hikes and volume trends before considering buying.
Sebi is developing an AI-powered tool to analyze the cyber safety preparedness of regulated entities, aiming to strengthen risk-based supervision. Additionally, a working group is being formed to create a technology roadmap for market infrastructure institutions, ensuring innovation enhances market integrity.
The Indian rupee depreciated by 22 paise to settle at 90.20 against the US dollar on Friday. This decline was attributed to disappointing macroeconomic data, foreign fund outflows, and strong dollar demand from importers. However, weak crude prices and a surge in domestic equities provided some support.
