Axis Bank shares saw a significant jump on Tuesday. The bank reported a 3% year-on-year rise in its standalone net profit for the December quarter. Net interest income also showed growth. Brokerages like Citi and Bernstein have reacted positively to the results, maintaining their ratings and target prices. The bank's asset quality remains stable, with strong provision coverage ratios.
Waaree Renewable Technologies shares are in focus after its board approved acquiring a 55% stake in Associated Power Structures Limited for Rs 1,225 crore, a move expected to strengthen its power infrastructure presence and act as a near term stock trigger.
Axis Mutual Fund's Karthik Kumar highlights how their new Sector Leaders Index Fund addresses portfolio gaps by offering diversified exposure to top companies across 21 sectors. This rules-based approach aims to reduce concentration risk and capture leadership, providing a resilient core holding for investors navigating an earnings-led market in 2026.
As earnings season progresses, investors are keenly watching 59 BSE-listed companies, including Nifty giants Asian Paints and Tata Consumer Products. Asian Paints is expected to show stable performance with improved volumes, while Vodafone Idea anticipates subdued results with widening losses. Tata Consumer Products is projected for a significant year-on-year profit increase.
Asian equities declined as renewed tariff concerns emerged following President Trump's threat of levies on South Korean goods. The yen held its gains, while the Kospi Index fell and the South Korean won weakened. Investors await megacap technology earnings to gauge the sustainability of the AI-driven rally.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty have seen a significant decline of over 4% this month, driven by foreign fund outflows, a weakening rupee, and geopolitical risks. Market participants are hoping for a pre-budget recovery, a trend observed historically. Elevated crude oil prices and rising global bond yields are further contributing to investor caution.
Investors are finding success by selling dollars and buying emerging-market currencies. This strategy is off to a strong start in 2026. Experts predict these gains will continue. Carry trades are already showing positive returns. Policies from President Donald Trump are impacting the dollar. Currencies like the South African rand and Colombian peso are at multi-year highs.
The Federal Reserve is expected to pause its interest-rate-cutting cycle this week, as a more stable jobs market eases divisions within the central bank. Officials believe current rates are appropriately positioned to support employment while keeping inflation in check. This decision aims to refocus on the Fed's core mandate, though it may intensify criticism from President Trump.
