Business

Market Breaks Eight-Day Losing Streak, Closes Slightly Upwards

Published

1 year ago

February 18, 2025

On Monday, benchmark indices broke their eight-day losing streak, closing slightly higher in a session characterized by volatility. The Nifty settled around 22,950, bolstered by strong performances from pharmaceutical, metal, and financial stocks.At the end of the day, the Sensex gained 57.65 points, or 0.08%, finishing at 75,996.86, while the Nifty rose by 30.25 points, or 0.13%, to close at 22,959.50.

The indices began the day on a weak note and experienced increased selling pressure as trading progressed. However, mid-session buying helped recover some losses, allowing them to finish slightly higher.

The performance of broader indices was mixed, with the BSE Midcap index climbing by 0.5%, whereas the smallcap index declined by 0.6%. The Nifty Small Cap 100 closed at 15,407.2.

Among Nifty’s top gainers were Adani Enterprises (up 3.30%), Bajaj Finserv (up 2.91%), IndusInd Bank (up 2.33%), Power Grid Corporation of India (up 2.27%), and Shriram Finance (up 2.08%). In contrast, the biggest losers included Mahindra & Mahindra (down 3.76%), Bharti Airtel (down 2.42%), Wipro (down 0.89%), Tata Consultancy Services (down 0.77%), and Infosys (down 0.76%).

The Bank Nifty closed at 49,099.45 after hitting an intraday high of 49,319.0 and a low of 48,525.6. The India VIX, which measures market volatility, rose by 4.71% to reach 15.72, indicating increased market fluctuations.

Sector-wise, gains were observed in Pharma, Banks, Financial Services, Healthcare, OMCs, Consumer Durables, and Metals. The Nifty Pharma index emerged as the top performer, up 1.27%, driven primarily by Glenmark Pharma and Ajanta Pharma.

On the downside, Nifty Auto, FMCG, IT, and Media indices fell by as much as 0.71%. The Bank Nifty, however, managed to recover from earlier losses, closing in positive territory at 49,209, led by a more than 2% increase in IndusInd Bank, along with HDFC Bank’s nearly 1% rise contributing significantly to the gains. IDFC First Bank and Punjab National Bank also saw gains of 1% and 0.44%, respectively, while the State Bank of India recorded a modest 0.4% increase.

On the BSE, over 900 stocks reached their 52-week lows, including NTPC, Tata Motors, Power Grid, SBI, Hero MotoCorp, Coal India, Tanla Platforms, Kirloskar Oil, Data Patterns, Carborundum, EIH, Relaxo Footwear, Tata Teleservices, PNC Infratech, Jyothy Labs, Anupam Rasayan, Titagarh Rail, Thermax, NMDC Steel, Shoppers Stop, and Balaji Amines.

Notable individual performers included GSK Pharma, whose shares soared 20% to hit the upper circuit following better-than-expected December quarter earnings. Similarly, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals shares rose by 4%. Meanwhile, shares of Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd fell by 7% in light of their Q3FY25 results.

Business

Overseas Loans by Indian Firms See Sharp Decline

Published

15 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : Indian companies borrowed $5.43 billion from abroad in March, according to RBI data. This was 51% lower than March last year.

Experts said the weak rupee and high global interest rates made foreign loans less attractive for companies.

In the financial year 2025-26, India Inc raised nearly $43 billion through foreign borrowings. This was down from $61 billion in the previous year.

In March 2025, borrowings had crossed $11 billion due to large deals by companies like JSW Steel and Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing.

Companies are also avoiding overseas loans because hedging costs have become expensive during currency volatility.

The RBI reportedly discussed easing foreign borrowing rules and offering hedging support, but no final decision was taken.

Market experts said the ongoing West Asia conflict has increased uncertainty, making companies cautious about raising funds from abroad.

Business

Fuel Prices Hiked by Rs.3 per Litre across India

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Petrol and diesel prices have been increased by Rs.3 per litre across the country from today. Oil marketing companies revised the rates due to the rise in global crude oil prices.

After the hike, petrol price in Bengaluru has reached Rs.106.17 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs.94.10 per litre.

The increase comes amid fluctuations in international crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia, including the Iran conflict. The fall in the value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has also increased import costs.

The fuel price hike is expected to affect transportation and daily essentials. Transport charges for goods may rise, leading to higher prices of vegetables, fruits, milk, and other items. Bus, auto, and taxi fares may also increase.

Earlier, fuel prices were reduced before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2022, the Centre had also cut excise duty to control inflation after the Covid pandemic.

Business

Gold Prices Rise in Mangaluru; Demand for Ornaments Remains Strong

Published

2 weeks ago

May 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: Gold prices in the coastal city of Mangaluru have been reported at high levels today. The rate for 24 karat gold (99.9% purity) stands at Rs.14,962 per gram. The price for 22 karat gold (91.6% purity) is Rs.13,715 per gram. Meanwhile, 18 karat gold (75% purity) is being sold at Rs.11,222 per gram.

Mangaluru is well known for its deep cultural connection with gold. The city has a long tradition of buying and wearing gold ornaments. This tradition continues strongly even today.

Local jewellers say that demand for gold remains steady despite high prices. Many people still prefer to invest in gold for safety and long-term value. Gold is also an important part of weddings and festivals in the region.

Apart from its love for seafood, Mangaluru is also famous for its gold market. The gold trade in the city has a long history and continues to grow.

Buyers are advised to check the latest rates before making a purchase. They can also use a gold rate calculator to get exact pricing based on weight and purity.

Experts say that gold prices may change depending on global market trends. Customers should stay updated and make careful decisions while buying gold.