European shares were largely flat as Middle East tensions kept investors cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s July meeting minutes. Gains in basic resources stocks, supported by higher gold prices, offset technology losses caused by rising bond yields. UK inflation also accelerated, adding uncertainty over interest rates and the broader European monetary-policy outlook.
On Wednesday, yields on Eurozone government bonds saw a slight decline as the U.S. Treasury markets regained stability. However, high oil prices are ongoing concerns, heightening inflation and borrowing apprehensions for governments. The recent selloff predominantly affected longer-dated bonds, while the gap between French and German bond yields has widened amid France's fiscal worries. Investors need to remain wary due to persistent oil price pressures.
Bitcoin remained near the $64,000 mark as analysts flagged caution amid weak spot liquidity and subdued on-chain activity, despite signs of stabilising capital flows. Short covering and improving spot ETF flows provided some support, while experts highlighted key support and resistance levels as the cryptocurrency remained in a consolidation phase.
Swiggy is moving closer to becoming an Indian-owned and controlled company (IOCC), a move that could enable an inventory-led model for Instamart and potentially improve margins. However, Jefferies expects the shift to trigger passive outflows of over $400 million from MSCI and FTSE indices due to foreign ownership limits. The brokerage retained its Buy rating with a target price of Rs 435.
Sebi will soon issue guidelines for responsible AI and machine learning use in India’s securities market, with mandatory safeguards including a “kill switch”, human oversight and data controls. Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said the framework will balance innovation with investor protection as AI adoption expands across surveillance, risk assessment, fraud detection and investor servicing, while ensuring accountability among regulated entities.
Behari Lal Engineering shares surged 14% after making a strong market debut, listing at a 63% premium to the IPO price. Brokerages remain positive, citing strong investor appetite and reasonable valuations, though they advise investors to book partial profits after the sharp listing gains. Here’s what SBI Securities and Swastika Investmart recommend on the stock.
IDFC FIRST Bank raised $500 million through its maiden international bond issuance, marking its entry into global debt markets. The three-year senior notes, due in 2029, carry a 5.625% coupon and attracted major investors including BlackRock, Capital Group and AllianceBernstein. The fundraising diversifies the bank’s funding base and supports its long-term growth ambitions.
Indian Bank raised $400 million through a four-year overseas funding programme via its GIFT City branch, joining Indian lenders tapping global debt markets. Banks are accelerating dollar bond issuances following regulatory changes to the concessional swap window for FCNR deposits. Axis, ICICI, Federal, IDFC First, Kotak Mahindra and Yes Bank are also active.
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