Latest Stock Market and Finance Updates

India’s upcoming FTA with Chile could give it a strategic advantage by improving access to critical minerals like lithium and copper, strengthening supply chains for clean energy and manufacturing and boosting bilateral trade.

December US retail sales flat at $735bn (0.0% month-on-month), 2.4% year-on-year; control-group -0.1%; 8 of 13 categories fell; growth forecasts cut, Fed-cut bets rose as consumption cooled into the year-end period.

Eicher Motors reported a 21% rise in consolidated net profit to ₹1,421 crore for the December quarter, driven by a 21% increase in Royal Enfield volumes and 24% growth in domestic sales.

Copper prices on Tuesday remained sideways ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays and weak international demand. However, the long-term outlook for the red metal remains positive.

Titan reported a 61% year-on-year jump in Q3 net profit to ₹1,684 crore, with total income rising about 40%, driven by strong festive-season demand and improved sales across its jewellery and other segments.

Cholamandalam’s Q3 numbers are attracting attention. The 27% profit growth, 20% AUM expansion and rising insurance premiums indicate strong credit demand in India. Is this just momentum, or the beginning of a bigger NBFC growth story?

Apollo Hospitals shares jumped ~6% after it reported a 35% year-on-year rise in Q3 net profit to ₹502 crore and declared a ₹10 per share dividend, driven by stronger operating performance and improved patient volumes.

Retail investors drove $176 million in monthly inflows into software ETFs in February, even after double-digit sector declines on AI disruption fears; U.S. ETFs attracted $156 billion in January inflows.

Oil India’s Q3 Performance tells a typical energy story where profits decline by 10%, but operations stay steady. Dividends flow, and Numaligarh Refinery’s 125% profit surge steals the spotlight. Is this a temporary slowdown or a smart long-term PSU opportunity?

As per a study by UC Berkley Researchers, the use of AI in workplaces can lead to burnout and lower quality work. The study suggested that companies rethink how they measure productivity, and employees must take intentional breaks.

Indian benchmark indices ended flat on Wednesday, with the Sensex snapping a three-day rally as weakness in IT stocks offset gains in banking and healthcare shares.

Goldi Solar, Gujarat-based 14.7 GW PV module maker founded 2011, plans up to $350 million IPO, mainly fresh shares; DRHP by April; raised ₹14.22 billion in 2023; sector targets $4+ billion listings.