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JM Financial maintains a Buy on Varun Beverages with a Rs 675 target, citing strong domestic and international growth drivers. Despite competition from Campa, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola retain dominance. The company plans Rs 2,000 crore capex for expansion, including Africa.

Mumbai s real estate market is experiencing growth due to infrastructural upgrades, job creation, and aggressive land acquisition in peripheral areas. Redevelopment and greenfield projects are on the rise, driven by improved connectivity and investor confidence bolstered by RERA, despite the additional taxes.

US equity funds are undergoing reversion to the mean. Europe and Japan equity funds are attracting more inflows while the interest in emerging markets persists. Indian valuations are becoming attractive again. China sees cautious inflows with some investments directed towards Hong Kong equity funds. Investors await concrete policy impacts before increasing their investments in China.

Girish Pai from BOB Capital Markets analyzes the IT sector, predicting tepid growth for FY26 due to factors such as dollar interplay, AI adjustment, and fiscal tightening in the US. He highlights the potential impact of tariffs and a looming recession on Indian IT companies, emphasizing cautious optimism for a stronger year in FY27.

Manish Sonthalia sees India’s market near bottom, driven by consumption growth. Rate cuts, rural demand, and commodities offer opportunities, while infrastructure faces valuation concerns. Nifty 50 may reach 24,500-25,000 by early 2026.

The IT sector saw significant decline amid U.S. recession fears, while Nifty showed stability. Investments are advised to shift towards large-cap stocks for stability. Economic conditions remain volatile, affecting global markets differently and requiring careful monitoring.

A short buildup was observed in five stocks on March 17 as open interest rose while prices fell, indicating bearish sentiment. Tube Investments, Dabur, Britannia, BPCL, and IOC saw notable short positions.

In February 2025, 13% of alternative investment funds (AIFs) reported positive returns, with Vivriti AMC and Northern Arc AMC among the top performers. Category II funds dominated, reflecting a mix of equity and debt investments. Meanwhile, most Category III AIFs, focused on short-term trading, showed negative returns.

Warren Buffett s Berkshire Hathaway has expanded its investments in five leading Japanese trading houses, increasing its stakes in Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Itochu, and Marubeni. These trading firms, known as sogo shosha, handle various materials, products, and food, and provide key logistical support. This move follows an agreement to moderately increase Berkshire s ownership limits in these firms.