Latest Stock Market News

MTNL has once again failed to repay its bond payment due on August 24, citing insufficient funds in its escrow account. Despite the default, all bonds issued by the debt-ridden telecom firm are sovereign guaranteed by the government. In case of default, the government of India is obliged to make the payment.

Indian stock and commodity exchanges including Bombay Stock Exchange, National Stock Exchange will remain closed on August 15, 2025, for Independence Day. Trading will halt across equity, derivatives, and commodity segments. Multi Commodity Exchange and National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange will also suspend trading. Markets will resume on August 18, 2025.

Investor optimism cooled in 2025, leading numerous companies, including NSDL and JSW Cement, to reduce their IPO sizes. This adjustment comes amid a surge of new share sales, creating a competitive market where investors have ample choices.

GMR Airports ₹1,500-crore mutual fund bond tranche faced a lukewarm response, securing only ₹950 crore in bids despite a 10.35% yield. Morgan Stanley stepped in to cover the shortfall after limited interest from mutual funds like HDFC and Axis.

Spandana Sphoorty Financial reported a consolidated net loss of ₹360 crore in the first fiscal quarter, marking its fourth consecutive quarterly loss due to high asset quality stress and a drop in business volume. The lender s consolidated income fell significantly, with increased provisions for bad loans and substantial loan write-offs contributing to the losses.

Japan s Nikkei achieved a record high this week, closing with a 0.46% gain on Friday, fueled by a weaker yen and surprisingly resilient economic data showing 1% growth in the April-June quarter. Financial shares surged following rising U.S. Treasury yields and comments suggesting potential interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan, with banks leading the gains.

Global stocks experienced a slight downturn as U.S. Treasury yields increased following unexpectedly strong inflation data, which tempered expectations for aggressive Federal Reserve rate cuts. While the S&P 500 achieved a new closing high, the Dow and Nasdaq remained relatively unchanged. Investors are closely monitoring inflation signals amidst concerns about a slowing economy and potential stagflation.

Oil prices saw a slight increase, reaching one-week highs following President Trump s warning about potential consequences if Russia obstructs a Ukraine peace deal, raising supply concerns. Positive economic data from Japan, a major crude importer, also contributed to the upward momentum. However, prospects of sustained high U.S. interest rates curbed further price gains.

Gold prices edged lower on Friday and are poised for a weekly decline due to stronger-than-anticipated U.S. inflation data, which dampened expectations for a substantial 50 basis point U.S. interest rate cut in September. Investors are now awaiting insights from Fed Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole symposium next week. Elsewhere, other precious metals saw mixed movements.