The Bharat Independent Ethanol Producers Association (BIEPA) today expressed concern over the spread of misleading information about E20 petrol on social media, stating that claims linking the fuel to engine damage, poor mileage and excessive water consumption are not supported by scientific evidence, industry testing or real-world operating data.

BIEPA said the growing volume of conflicting and unverified claims about E20 has created unnecessary confusion among consumers at a time when India's ethanol blending programme is delivering measurable economic, environmental and energy security benefits. The association said India's nationwide rollout of E20 petrol marks a significant milestone in the country's clean energy transition and urged consumers to rely on verified information from the Government of India, vehicle manufacturers, oil marketing companies and scientific institutions rather than unverified online claims.

Prasenjit Paul, Fund Manager at 129 Wealth & Research Analyst at Paul Asset 

'SBI Funds Management is the market leader in the mutual fund industry with a strong brand and consistent profitability. The company is well placed to benefit from the long-term financialization of household savings and rising SIP penetration across smaller cities and towns.The IPO is priced at a slight discount to listed peers like HDFC AMC, Nippon Life India AMC and ICICI Prudential AMC. However, considering the large issue size and the fact that it is entirely an Offer for Sale (OFS), investors should not expect significant listing gains. We believe the IPO is better suited for investors with a 2-3 year investment horizon rather than those looking for quick listing profits. Major risk is that SBI Funds earns relatively lower fees on every rupee it manages than peers like HDFC AMC, ICICI Pru, Nippon, etc because a large part of its assets are in low-margin passive and institutional funds. Also, increasing adoption of low-cost index funds and tighter SEBI fee regulations may keep margins under pressure. So investors should not expect significant quick listing gains. However, investors willing to hold for 2-3 years and benefit from India's long-term financialization trend, it remains a good long-term compounding story'.

Avinash Shekhar, Co-Founder & CEO, Pi42

"Bitcoin continues to display resilience as it holds above the $62,000 mark despite a cautious macro environment. Market participants are closely tracking upcoming economic data, while improving institutional interest and steady capital inflows are helping sustain sentiment. Technical indicators also point to an important resistance zone around $68,000, with a decisive move above that level potentially setting the stage for a stronger recovery during the quarter. The current price action suggests that buyers are gradually regaining confidence, even as the market remains selective in the short term." 

HCLTech's hiring announcement comes as it reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 4,624 crore for the financial quarter that ended in June. Read full report here

Nischal Shetty, Founder, WazirX

"Bitcoin briefly slipped below $62,500 as rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher, triggering a broader risk-off sentiment across global markets. Higher energy prices have renewed inflation concerns, with investors now closely watching this week's U.S. CPI, PPI and Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's testimony for clues on the interest rate outlook. However, the asset has made a modest recovery of 0.15% in the last hour.

Despite the short-term weakness, institutional confidence remains resilient. Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs both recorded net inflows last week, ending multi-week outflow streaks, suggesting long-term investors continue to accumulate. While macroeconomic uncertainty may keep volatility elevated in the near term, sustained institutional participation continues to reinforce the broader long-term outlook for crypto.

Futures traders may find it more useful to watch how price behaves around nearby support and resistance levels for confirmation of the next move. According to market research for XRP, traders may prefer to wait for either a confirmed hold above the $1.03-$1.05 support zone or a decisive break above $1.08-$1.10 before looking for stronger directional conviction. Solana is trading near an important support region after a sharp weekly decline. Based on market analysts, the $73-$75 zone could encourage short-term recovery attempts. A convincing move back above $77-$80 would be an early indication that buyers are regaining control."

Akshat Siddhant, Lead quant analyst, Mudrex

Gold briefly slipped below the $4,000-per-ounce mark as escalating tensions in the Middle East pushed crude oil prices to a four-week high, intensifying concerns over energy-driven inflation. At the same time, markets have raised the probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September to around 70%, increasing pressure on precious metals. Silver also remained under pressure, trading below $58 per ounce after falling 4% in the previous session. Investors are now closely watching the U.S. CPI report. A softer-than-expected inflation reading could help gold reclaim the $4,000 level, while prolonged tensions around the Strait of Hormuz may keep crude oil supported near $80 per barrel.

The Thesis

With Brent at $79 and VIX climbing to 13.28 on Strait of Hormuz escalation, InvestorAi is rotating into commodity-anchored quality - names that harvest the crude supply-shock premium or are structurally insulated from it. The portfolio pairs base metals (aluminum, copper, zinc) with FMCG staples and gold-linked consumer names. Nifty held flat at 24,211 despite Rs 3,062 crore FII outflows - DII conviction is carrying the tape.

Where We're Concentrated

Exposure clusters around commodity-repricing plays and defensive consumer names. The metals basket - aluminum, copper, zinc - bets the Middle East supply-risk premium stays elevated as US-Iran strikes enter a third day. A conglomerate with chemicals-to-cement breadth adds pricing-power leverage to the same commodity stress. The consumer anchor buffers any risk-off leg: gold-indexed jewellery surges on safe-haven flows while staples stay crude-resistant. Thesis breaks on ceasefire or VIX crossing 18.

Conviction Picks

Highest Conviction

Grasim Industries

Chemicals and cement span gives Grasim pricing leverage as energy-led input cost inflation resets sector margins upward.

Vedanta

Zinc, copper, and aluminum exposure makes Vedanta a direct play on commodity re-rating as the Hormuz supply-risk premium widens.

Nestle India

Staples demand insulation and pricing power make Nestle the portfolio's defensive anchor against crude-linked market volatility.

Kalyan Jewellers

Gold's safe-haven surge on geopolitical risk lifts jewellery demand tailwinds for Kalyan's aspiring-India consumer franchise.

Hindalco Industries

Aluminum's role in EV transition and power grid buildout gives Hindalco a structural demand floor above near-term crude noise.

One Thing to Watch

Brent above $82 - the next Strait of Hormuz supply-fear threshold. CPI inflation data released today is the second catalyst: a surprise upside print could reset rate expectations and accelerate FII outflows beyond Monday's Rs 3,062 crore exit.

Pune Gas has submitted a representation to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, seeking what it describes as India's first LPG Efficiency Policy Framework. Read full report here

Akshat Siddhant, Lead quant Analyst, Mudrex

Bitcoin is consolidating around the $62,500 zone as renewed U.S.-Iran tensions and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz pushed oil prices higher and revived inflation fears. Markets are now focused on today's U.S. CPI report and Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's testimony, both of which could shape expectations for interest rates. A higher-than-expected inflation reading may increase the likelihood of a rate hike, while a softer print could improve risk sentiment. However, on-chain data shows long-term holders accumulating 5,912 BTC in just 2 days, signalling continued conviction. Bitcoin needs to reclaim $64,000 to strengthen momentum, while $60,000 remains the key support level. 

BTC slipped below $62K as renewed US-Iran tensions weighed on broader market sentiment and revived geopolitical uncertainty. BTC closed last week above its 200-week moving average, preserving an important technical support level. Attention now turns to this week's US CPI report, softer inflation could support a recovery, while a stronger reading may add further pressure. Stablecoin supply has also declined, suggesting that some capital moved back into fiat rather than remaining within the crypto ecosystem. However, this as a temporary correction rather than a structural deterioration in market liquidity.

Gaurav Udani, Founder - ThinCredBlu Securities Pvt. Ltd. 

"Nifty is expected to open lower around 24,050, down nearly 150 points, indicating a cautious start amid mixed global cues.

With weekly expiry today, traders should be prepared for heightened volatility and sharp intraday swings as derivatives positions are adjusted throughout the session.

Technically, 24,000 remains the immediate support level. A sustained break below this zone could invite further selling pressure and weaken the short-term structure. On the upside, 24,200-24,300 will continue to act as the key resistance range.

The market remains highly sensitive to global developments, and expiry-related positioning could further amplify price movements.

Traders should avoid aggressive positions at the open and focus on disciplined, level-based execution. Expect volatility to remain elevated throughout the day, especially around key support and resistance levels."

Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst, Delta Exchange

Global markets have shifted into an inflation-led risk-off phase as renewed US-Iran tensions pushed crude oil sharply higher, reviving concerns over energy inflation, tighter monetary policy and pressure on corporate margins. The rise in oil has lifted US Treasury yields and strengthened the dollar, while technology and semiconductor stocks have led the decline in equities. Energy shares have outperformed, but broader risk appetite remains weak as investors reassess the possibility of further rate hikes.

Gold's fall despite geopolitical stress is particularly significant. It suggests that higher real yields and dollar strength are currently outweighing safe-haven demand. XAUT remains technically weak below the $4,065-$4,105 region, with $4,000 and $3,960 acting as immediate support levels.

Crypto has broadly followed the global risk-off move. Bitcoin remains range-bound between $61,200 and $64,000; a sustained move above $64,000 could support a recovery toward $65,000-$65,600, while a break below $61,200 may expose $60,000. Ethereum continues to show better relative strength, holding above key moving averages, with $1,805-$1,850 as the next major resistance zone.

Near-term market direction will depend on oil prices, US inflation data, Treasury yields and central-bank commentary. Until these pressures ease, rallies across equities, gold and crypto are likely to remain tactical rather than signalling a durable return to risk-on conditions.

Rajesh Palviya, Head of Research, Axis Direct

The Nifty 50 ended Tuesday virtually unchanged at 24,211, gaining just 4 points, as sharp sectoral rotation kept the headline index flat. Early weakness triggered by a spike in crude oil prices and renewed geopolitical tensions in West Asia was offset by a strong rally in IT stocks. The Nifty IT index surged 3.6%, led by TCS after its earnings and optimistic management commentary, while FMCG, metals and realty remained under pressure.

Global sentiment turned cautious overnight after renewed concerns over disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Wall Street closed lower, with the Nasdaq falling 1.55% and the S&P 500 declining 0.79%, as technology stocks led the sell-off, although gains in energy shares helped limit losses in the Dow.

Asian markets have recovered from an initially weak start, indicating that investors are absorbing the crude-led shock rather than extending the risk-off move.

Brent crude's sharp jump to around $83 per barrel remains the key monitor for Indian markets, as sustained higher oil prices could fuel imported inflation, widen the current account deficit and reduce the scope for monetary easing. GIFT Nifty indicates a weak opening for domestic equities.

Technically, the near-term outlook remains cautiously neutral. Nifty needs to reclaim and sustain above 24,100 to improve sentiment, with 24,400 emerging as the next resistance zone. On the downside, 24,000 remains immediate support, while a breach could trigger further weakness toward 23,900. A moderation in crude prices would be the key catalyst for a stronger market recovery.

Vikram Subburaj, CEO, Giottus.com

Bitcoin traded near $62,450 in early Asian trading on Tuesday. It was down about 1.6% over the past 24 hours. Investors reduced risk ahead of the US inflation data. Renewed uncertainty in the oil market also weighed on sentiment.Immediate support is located between $61,800 and $62,000, followed by the psychologically important $60,000 level. Resistance is visible near $63,500, with the stronger $64,000-$65,000 band likely to determine whether the recent recovery can extend.

Institutional demand remains inconsistent. US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a net inflow of about $197.4 million during the July 6-10 trading week. This was followed by a $239.2 million net outflow on July 13. This suggests that large investors are still treating rallies cautiously rather than rebuilding exposure consistently.

On-chain data presents a similarly mixed picture. Bitcoin's True Market Mean near $76,600 and the short-term-holder cost basis around $72,200. This leaves the market below key investor breakeven levels. Long-term-holder loss realisation recently accounted for 43% of total realised value, with losses peaking near $280 million a day. Spot trading volume contracted by 21.5%. Active address activity also remains subdued.

Large-cap altcoins were broadly weaker. Ethereum traded near $1,784, down 1.1%. BNB was around $568, down 0.8%; XRP stood near $1.07, down 1.1%. Solana declined 1.8% to $75.09; and TRON fell 2.3% to approximately $0.324.

Macro risk is now central. The June US CPI is due later on Tuesday, followed by producer-price data on Wednesday and the Federal Reserve meeting on July 28-29. Futures markets were assigning roughly a 43% probability of a quarter-point July rate increase after hawkish comments from Fed Governor Christopher Waller. Rising oil prices linked to renewed Strait of Hormuz tensions add to the inflation risk.

Our advice: Investors should avoid chasing short-term moves before the inflation release. Staggered accumulation, conservative leverage and strict position sizing remain preferable while Bitcoin trades between $62,000 support and $65,000 resistance.

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, India's leading specialty coffee brand, has announced the opening of its newest cafe at Vihang Ventura, the upcoming premium commercial tower in Mira Road. The cafe is among one of the anchor brands to partner with Vihang Ahead for its landmark commercial development, envisioned as a vibrant destination for premium retail, flagship showrooms, modern office spaces, and contemporary businesses.

Blue Tokai's arrival at Vihang Ventura reflects the rapid socio-economic transformation underway in the Mira Bhayandar region. Once viewed primarily as an affordable residential destination, the micro-market is now emerging as a premium suburban growth corridor, driven by rising household incomes, improved connectivity, and the influx of entrepreneurs, global capability centre (GCC) professionals, senior corporate executives, and young affluent families. This evolving demographic is reshaping consumer behaviour, creating strong demand for organised retail, experiential dining, and lifestyle-led destinations that were once concentrated in Mumbai's established business districts.

Radhika Rao, Senior Economist & Executive Director, DBS Bank

June inflation was slightly above consensus, reflecting the continued normalisation of food prices and the pass-through of pump price increases implemented in mid-May. Perishables, along with cereals, pulses and milk, rose on a sequential basis. Beyond food and fuel, upside risks to core inflation remained limited, amid softer gold and other precious metal prices, as well as little scope for further retail fuel price adjustments unless global prices rise sharply.

Markets are also focused on the spatial and geographical distribution of the ongoing southwest monsoon. Encouragingly, the nationwide rainfall shortfall narrowed considerably in July to 15%, from over 40% at the end of June, with key crop-producing belts across central and north-west India seeing improved rainfall.

While policymakers will remain vigilant to weather-related and geopolitical risks, the lack of discernible spillovers into demand should limit any market tendency to bring forward rate hike expectations.

US-Iran War: The proposal calls for awareness campaigns on efficient LPG usage, greater collaboration between the government, OMCs and stakeholders. Read full report here

At the close on Monday, the total market cap of all BSE Sensex companies stood at Rs 4,82,41,293.