Delhi EV Policy 2.0: Major two-wheeler makers will have to compete with EV-focused companies that have been building electric since inception. Read full report here

N. ArunaGiri, CEO, TrustLine Holdings

One of the most fascinating characteristics of financial markets is that they are inherently pro-cyclical. Markets have a tendency to amplify prevailing trends. When sentiment is negative, it often sets off a vicious feedback loop. Negative news leads to weaker prices, weaker prices fuel even more pessimism, and that in turn generates further selling. The cycle feeds on itself. The reverse is equally true. When sentiment turns positive, markets enter a virtuous cycle. This is exactly what India might experience going forward.

As geopolitical uncertainty intensified and FII outflows accelerated, which was already weak on India's conspicuous AI absence, the Rupee came under pressure. A weaker Rupee pushed bond yields higher, higher bond yields further discouraged foreign investors, leading to persistent FII selling, which in turn weighed negatively on equity markets. Each variable reinforced the next, creating a classic vicious cycle. However, the cycle now appears to be turning to the other side. The RBI's recent measures to encourage FCNR(B) deposits, together with the Government's tax incentives for FPI investments in Government Securities, have the potential to alter the direction of capital flows. The FCNR window remains open until September, and we expect a meaningful acceleration in NRI inflows before the deadline. The key attraction is the ability for NRIs to enhance their dollar returns through bank-provided leverage on FCNR deposits. As we understand it, SBI's structure can potentially deliver leveraged dollar returns of around 11 to 12%, with the exchange rate risk effectively hedged. Other large banks offer returns that are closer to 13-14%+. Such an attractive risk-reward proposition could lead to a significant surge in forex inflows through the FCNR route. At the same time, the impact of the Government's policy measures is already becoming visible in the debt markets. Following the tax incentives for FPI investments in Gsec bonds, foreign investors have already invested over US$2 billion, with flows continuing to build via FAR bonds (Fully Accessible) route. Together, these developments have the potential to reverse the current currency cycle. A stronger Rupee could ease pressure on bond yields, attract incremental foreign capital into debt markets, and eventually spill over into equities. At some point, FIIs may be compelled to reassess their consensus underweight positioning in India, potentially setting in motion a broader virtuous cycle for Indian financial markets. No one can predict precisely when that tipping point will arrive. But history suggests that once pro-cyclical forces reverse direction, they often become self-reinforcing. The tide, in our view, may finally be beginning to turn in India's favour.

SanchiConnect Private Limited, a founder-first DeepTech ecosystem builder, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Knowledge Chamber of Commerce and Industry to establish a strategic partnership aimed at driving meaningful, technology-led growth among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The MoU was signed in Ahmedabad by Dr Sunil Shekhawat, co-founder & CEO, SanchiConnect, and Mihir Chauhan, Director, KCCI. 

The partnership arrives at a defining moment for India's MSME sector. According to NASSCOM studies, while digital technology adoption has accelerated sharply among large enterprises, a significant majority of India's MSMEs remain at early or pre-adoption stages, operating on processes that constrain their efficiency, competitiveness and capacity to scale. With the Government of India placing MSME modernisation at the centre of its industrial growth agenda, and with deep technology maturing rapidly across sectors, the conditions for transformative MSME tech adoption have never been stronger. This partnership is designed to turn that opportunity into measurable outcomes on the ground.

SP Jain School of Global Management announced the placement outcomes for its Master of Global Business (MGB) program for the period of May 2025 to May 2026. Nearly two thirds of graduates are starting their careers outside India, with 65.26% securing international placements and 84.36% completing international internships.

Graduates with prior work experience reported an average four-fold increase in post-program earnings. The batch secured a highest compensation package of Rs 58.16 lakh, with an average package of Rs 23.42 lakh. The programme comprises 12 months of academic coursework followed by a four-month industry internship. 

The announcement comes at a significant moment in CheQ's growth journey as the company closes FY26 with full-year profitability and surpasses $40 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). The move reflects CheQ's belief that enduring companies are built by leaders who consistently demonstrate ownership, long-term commitment, and a founder's mindset.

Since joining the company in its early stages, Bipin and Vished have played a pivotal role in transforming CheQ from an ambitious vision into one of India's fastest-growing consumer credit platforms. Their leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company's technology, operations, business strategy, culture, and long-term growth trajectory.

Under the mandate, BigTrunk Communications will lead media strategy, planning, buying, execution and performance management across digital and traditional platforms. The partnership aims to strengthen brand visibility, deepen consumer engagement and support Wonder Cement's growth ambitions across key markets.

The appointment marks a significant addition to BigTrunk Communications' expanding portfolio and further reinforces the agency's growing expertise in delivering integrated media solutions for leading brands across sectors.

Commenting on the mandate win, Akhil Nair, Founder, BigTrunk Communications, said:

"Winning Wonder Cement's integrated media mandate is a proud milestone for BigTrunk Communications and a strong validation of the capabilities we have built over the years.

In a significant step to deepen India's investment commitment for infrastructure and other nationally important sectors, the Union Cabinet last week approved an additional investment commitment of Rs 30,000 crore by the Centre towards new and upcoming funds of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF).

With the decision of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government's total commitment to NIIF stands at Rs 60,000 crore, an official statement said on Monday.

The Digital Built India (DBI) Regional Extension - Pune concluded at NICMAR University with a full-day confluence of infrastructure, mobility, and technology leaders converging under the theme Maharashtra 2030: Infrastructure Led Economic Transformation. Among the key voices at the event was Roy Aniruddha, Founder of TechnoStruct Group, who was among a select group of industry leaders invited to participate in The Great Roundtable, Shaping Maharashtra's Open, Inclusive & Future-Ready Digital Information Management Policy, the capstone technical session of the day.

Organised by CDCPIndia and buildingSMART India, with NICMAR University Pune as co-organiser, the event brought together policymakers, infrastructure practitioners, digital technology leaders, and academia to deliberate on the digital roadmap powering India's fastest-growing state economy.

Shravan Shetty, Managing Director, Primus Partners

"Expect share markets to be range bound while the geopolitical risk has reduced the focus now is on monsoon and earnings. Expect consumption related stocks to face downward pressure due to delayed monsoon impacting rural demand something that was driving growth and doing better than urban demand."

K-12 learning technology company HMH today announced that it is expanding its Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Pune, moving into a new, larger office as the centre continues its evolution and growth in service of creating positive outcomes for educators and students. 

The new office at Shivaji Nagar, Pune is now open and features an expanded 24,000 sq. ft. footprint with seating capacity for 230+ employees, collaborative and hybrid workspaces and room for growth, giving the Pune team the space and infrastructure to take on additional priorities and opportunities.

The latest decline is expected to reduce the country's oil import bill and improve macroeconomic indicators, including inflation and trade balance. Read full report here

Deveya Gaglani, Senior Research Analyst - Commodities, Axis Direct

Gold fell 1.7% to around $4,020 per ounce on Monday as uncertainty surrounding the upcoming US-Iran peace talks heightened inflation concerns and reinforced expectations that the US Federal Reserve could maintain a tighter monetary policy. The precious metal is on track for its fourth consecutive monthly decline, having lost more than 10% so far this month. Comex Silver declined by more than 1% in the previous session, settling below the $58 level. A stronger U.S. dollar index and a fragile trade deal continued to weigh on the white metal, keeping prices under pressure

WTI Crude Oil prices climbed above $70 per barrel, rebounding modestly from a four-month low as a decline in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz offset broader market optimism. Market focus remains on geopolitical developments, with President Donald Trump announcing that the U.S. and Iran are scheduled to hold fresh peace talks in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday

The Thesis

As US equities close at records and Brent collapses on Iran ceasefire progress, InvestorAi positions into the direct beneficiaries - pharma and FMCG defensives where cheaper crude cuts API and packaging costs. India VIX rising while BankNifty deeply lags the broader market confirms rotation away from rate-sensitives; defensives earn a quality premium going into Q1 FY27 results.

Where We're Concentrated

Concentration sits in specialty pharma and consumer-staples FMCG - sectors that absorb crude-linked inputs rather than produce them. With Brent near multi-month lows and Hormuz supply normalising, raw-material relief arrives before any Fed hike can crimp growth, making these businesses defensive plays with margin-expansion upside. Auto-components add industrial torque as energy-cost deflation ripples through supply chains. Thesis breaks if Hormuz stalls and crude re-rates above $80.

Conviction Picks

Highest Conviction

Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Brent's collapse cuts API procurement and solvent costs; premium formulation margins expand into Q1 FY27 results.

Nestle India Ltd.

Sub-$75 crude flattens packaging and edible oil costs; FMCG pricing power holds into Q1 FY27 results.

Marico Ltd.

Vegetable oil inputs track crude; margin expansion thesis is direct and immediate as Hormuz supply resumes.

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd.

Crude-linked cost deflation boosts generics margins; US dollar revenue insulates against any domestic rate headwinds.

Bosch Ltd.

Auto-component margins leverage crude-driven cost deflation; EV and ICE platform diversity hedges the cycle.

One Thing to Watch

Brent holding below $75 Any Hormuz stall pushing crude above $80 dissolves the input-cost relief thesis - track Nifty 500's reaction to Brent spikes as the real-time barometer of this trade.

BTC has reclaimed the $60K mark, with improving macro backdrop after the US agreed to meet with Iran, with talks set for today. While some headwinds remain, including ongoing outflows from US spot Bitcoin ETFs and expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates elevated for longer, buyers are showing resilience. After a brief dip below $59.2K, they stepped in to push the price back above $60K. In the near term, $60.5K-$60.8K is the level to watch on the upside, while $60K is holding firm as solid support. A decisive break above resistance could open the door to further upside.

Akshat Siddhant, Lead quant analyst, Mudrex

Bitcoin remains below the $61,000 level despite improving risk sentiment following lower crude oil prices and the 60-day ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran. The recovery lost momentum after Strategy announced plans to sell up to $1.25 billion worth of Bitcoin through 2027, weighing on investor confidence. While easing geopolitical tensions have encouraged investors back into risk assets, weak spot demand has kept Bitcoin trading in a narrow range. Markets are now focused on Fed Chair Warsh's speech at the ECB Forum and the upcoming U.S. jobs report for clues on liquidity conditions in the second half of the year. A sustained move above $61,000 could revive buying interest, while $59,000 remains the key support level.

Avinash Shekhar, Co-Founder & CEO, Pi42

"Bitcoin is trying to stabilised around the $60,000 mark as improving geopolitical sentiment, following the announcement of fresh US-Iran talks, helped lift broader crypto markets. The rebound suggests that investors are responding positively to easing macro uncertainty, even as overall market participation remains measured.

Another notable development is the growing momentum around digital asset investment products. Continued interest in spot ETF inflows across major cryptocurrencies highlights that institutional engagement with the asset class remains intact, reinforcing the view that investors continue to look beyond short-term volatility and focus on long-term adoption.

At the same time, market is pointing to increasingly constructive on-chain signals, with some describing the current setup as a rare long-term accumulation opportunity. While near-term price swings are likely to persist, improving sentiment alongside strengthening structural indicators suggests the market is gradually rebuilding confidence.

For investors, the focus should remain on the quality of participation rather than daily price movements. As macro conditions stabilise and institutional interest continues, sustained buying demand will be the key factor in determining whether the current recovery can evolve into a broader upward trend."

"Global markets are entering an important week as investors await the U.S. payrolls data, which could shape expectations for the Federal Reserve's next policy move. A stronger-than-expected jobs report may reinforce the case for higher interest rates, keeping pressure on risk assets.

The Bank for International Settlements warned that AI-driven equity valuations have become stretched, raising concerns about broader market stability. Against this backdrop of capital inflows into AI stocks, Bitcoin briefly reclaimed the $60,000 mark yesterday before dropping down to $59k levels.

Bitcoin continues to hold the key $58,000-$60,000 support zone, while $62,500 remains the immediate resistance to watch. These levels will likely drive futures activity, with traders positioning for a breakout above resistance. Until then, range-bound trading is expected to dominate market participation.

According to market analysts, Ethereum Futures traders could be watching the $1,550-$1,560 support zone, and the $1,690-$1,700 resistance zone, according to market analysts. A break above resistance could trigger fresh long positions, while a breakdown below support may increase short-selling."

Rajesh Palviya, Head of Research, Axis Direct

The Nifty 50 ended Monday on a subdued note, falling 110 points (0.46%) to close at 23,946, slipping below the key 24,000 mark as profit booking intensified in the second half of the session. After an early attempt to reclaim 24,120, the benchmark erased gains to finish near the day's low, pressured by weakness in the rupee, which settled at its lowest level of the day, and investor caution ahead of key US labour market data. Broader markets also underperformed, reflecting subdued market breadth.

Global cues, however, remain supportive. US equities rallied sharply overnight, with the Dow Jones crossing the 52,000 mark for the first time, while the S&P 500 gained 1.2% and the Nasdaq advanced 2%, driven by renewed buying in technology stocks and easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Asian markets mirrored the positive sentiment, trading mostly higher, led by gains in Japan and China.

For domestic markets, the sharp decline in crude oil prices remains a key positive. Brent crude continues to hover near $73 per barrel after a steep weekly decline, easing inflation concerns and improving India's macro outlook. GIFT Nifty indicates a largely flat but stable opening.

Technically, the 24,000 level remains the immediate hurdle for the Nifty. A sustained move above this level could trigger a recovery towards 24,120-24,200. On the downside, 23,900 is the first line of support, while a decisive breach could extend the correction towards 23,800. Despite Monday's weakness, supportive global markets and lower crude prices are likely to keep the broader undertone constructive.

Piyush Walke, Derivatives Research Analyst, Delta Exchange

Bitcoin Remains Anchored near $60,000 Amid US Stock Market Surge. Bitcoin (BTC) is hovering at a key inflection point, with retail investors continuing to offload their holdings while institutional buyers remain on hold despite attractive valuations. As a result, the market remains range-bound, awaiting its next decisive move. Fresh capital is yet to return to Bitcoin, with trading volumes subdued and open interest showing only minor changes. This points to an indecisive market where buyers are still hesitant to step in aggressively.

Bitcoin remains range-bound, consolidating near the key $58,000-$59,000 support zone. The SuperTrend remains bearish, with immediate resistance at $61,800-$62,500. A break below $58,000 could trigger a decline toward the $55,000-$56,000 range.

Ethereum faced rejection at the 9 EMA and has slipped from $1,614. Immediate resistance is seen at $1,650-$1,670, with a breakout potentially driving a recovery toward $1,720-$1,800. On the downside, a break below $1,500 could send ETH toward the $1,400-$1,450 range. Overall, Ethereum remains in a corrective phase until it reclaims key resistance levels.

At the close on Monday, the total market cap of all BSE Sensex companies stood at Rs 4,73,69,159.