Latest Stock Market News

Ashi Anand, Founder & CEO of IME Capital, discusses the current market dynamics and the cautious approach due to various uncertainties including weak growth and US policies. He highlights potential opportunities in banking, capital markets, insurance, and tech sectors, suggesting patience and careful timing for investments amidst a volatile market environment.

Assuming that market returns in the long run track earnings growth, Indian markets offer an attractive risk-reward if return expectations are 9-12%.

As reported earlier by ET, Vodafone Idea is in talks with major global satellite communication providers, including Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon Kuiper, to explore potential collaborations.

The Indian market is expected to consolidate on Wednesday amid muted global cues. Nifty futures closed 1.41% higher at 22,902, while India VIX dropped 1.5% to 13.21. Options data indicates resistance at 23,000 and 23,500, with support at 22,500 and 23,000. Call writing was seen at 23,200 and 23,500, while Put writing occurred at 22,800 and 22,700.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) recommended a 12% safeguard duty on the import of certain steel products. This development may also impact shares of other steel companies like Tata Steel, Jindal Steel and Power, NMDC Steel, and Jindal Stainless.

LIC is in the final stages of acquiring a stake in a health insurer, with an announcement expected before March 31, CEO Siddhartha Mohanty confirmed. The insurer won’t seek a controlling stake. Meanwhile, LIC reported a 9% decline in Q3 net premium income to Rs 1.06 lakh crore, despite a 17% rise in net profit to Rs 11,056 crore.

Anand Rathi advises buying Venus Pipes & Tubes with a target price of Rs 1,700 within a year. The company s current market price is Rs 1299.9. Positive outlook is based on capacity expansion, backward integration, and global presence. Risks include slow domestic demand and delayed capex. Promoters hold 48.12% stake as of December 2024.

U.S. stocks fell on Tuesday, snapping a two-session winning streak, due to caution ahead of the Federal Reserve s monetary policy decision and concerns over President Trump s tariff policies. Key indices saw declines with the Dow down 260.32 points, the S&P 500 losing 60.46 points, and the Nasdaq dropping 304.55 points.

Oil prices fell slightly after Russia agreed to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, potentially easing sanctions and increasing oil supply. However, declines were limited by ongoing Middle Eastern turmoil, with U.S. aggression in Yemen, Israeli air strikes in Gaza, and mixed U.S. crude stock data.

The yen steadied and the dollar struggled on Wednesday ahead of key rate decisions from the Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve. Traders were cautious ahead of these central bank meetings. The euro scaled a five-month high, driven by optimism over Germany s fiscal plans. Sterling and the Australian dollar showed slight movements, while the Fed s policy decision was awaited.