Apple Breaks Sales Records in India, iPhone Dominates

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed changes to the rules for related-party transactions (RPTs), which have been positively received by the industry. The new scale-based threshold aims to simplify compliance, especially for companies with lower turnovers. The updated thresholds will reduce the paperwork and help audit committees focus on significant transactions, improving efficiency. However, experts caution that vigilance is necessary to prevent companies from fragmenting larger transactions into smaller ones to evade the rules. Overall, SEBI's reforms strive to balance investor protection with ease of business operations.

India had a golden opportunity to win against England, chasing a daunting 374 runs at the Oval. Despite a strong bowling performance, a crucial error by Mohammed Siraj changed the game's momentum, allowing England to recover. India struggled with aggression and fitness issues among fast bowlers, which could impact future series. Although the victory brought joy, it highlighted the need for introspection and improvement, especially with Australia set to visit in 2027. It's time for India to address gaps in their bowling strategy to secure a stronger future.

Shares of Paytm's parent, One97 Communications, remained stable after a significant block deal involving 1.86 crore shares. Antfin, a major shareholder, plans to sell its 5.84% stake worth around ₹3,803 crore. This sale, seen as a "clean-up trade," is intended to reduce its exposure in Paytm, aligning with regulatory sentiments. Over the past two years, Antfin has gradually decreased its stake from 28% pre-IPO to just 5.84%. With the exit of major Chinese investors, Paytm's stock may react positively, allowing investors to focus on its fundamentals and growth potential.

Indian companies are racing to enter the public markets as they seek to attract global investors before the August 12 deadline. Over a dozen firms have announced IPOs worth Rs 18,700 crore in the last two weeks, driven by favorable market conditions and concerns over an impending slowdown. With US tariffs looming, companies want to secure strong valuations. This IPO rush, while common, is fueled by ample liquidity and seasonal trends. Experts predict more than 10 IPOs worth over $1 billion each by year-end, highlighting India's robust financial landscape.

On August 5, equity benchmarks faced a slight decline, with the Nifty 50 dropping as market sentiment leaned towards bearishness. Despite this, several stocks show promise for short-term trading. Recommendations include buying Bank of Baroda and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, both showing signs of recovery. Tata Consumer Products and Hero MotoCorp also exhibit potential for upward trends. Investors are advised to use dips as buying opportunities, as many stocks are expected to gain momentum in the coming sessions, despite overall market volatility.

Markets are on edge as President Trump hints at new tariffs on India, particularly targeting the chip and pharma sectors. This news sent the Dow Jones down by 93 points, with semiconductor stocks suffering significant losses. Economic concerns are also rising, as the US services sector shows signs of contraction. Investors are shifting towards safer assets, leading to a drop in bond yields. Meanwhile, European markets remained steady, despite similar fears affecting semiconductor stocks. The volatility in the markets reflects a mix of political and economic uncertainties, keeping investors alert.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to maintain a neutral stance while assessing the impact of previous rate cuts. Inflation control is crucial for potential future cuts, likely in FY26. Recent US tariffs on Indian exports, mainly affecting merchandise, could challenge diplomatic ties but may not heavily impact overall trade. India’s economy remains primarily domestically driven, meaning global trade slowdowns won't greatly affect inflation. With initiatives like Production-Linked Incentives, India's manufacturing base is growing, hinting at an increase in global trade share in the coming years.

Gold is on a winning streak, experiencing its longest gains since February, driven by worries of a US economic slowdown and increasing demand for safe investments. With prices steady at around $3,383 per ounce, gold has risen nearly 30% this year, reflecting investor caution amid trade tensions and a shaky labor market. Analysts predict a 90% chance that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates at its upcoming meeting, which would further support gold prices. Despite recent gains, gold remains below its all-time high, indicating a cautious market outlook.

Major defence stocks are set to attract attention following the Defence Acquisition Council's approval of capital proposals worth around Rs 67,000 crore. This significant move aims to enhance the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Key procurements include advanced drones, radar systems, and missile upgrades, benefiting companies like Bharat Electronics and Hindustan Aeronautics. With India's defence spending growing rapidly, experts predict a robust growth trajectory for the industry, positioning India as a global leader in defence solutions.

The U.S. is set to introduce a visa bond requirement for certain foreign nationals, demanding up to $15,000 as a pilot program to reduce visa overstays. Effective from August 20, this initiative targets applicants from high-risk countries for B-1 business and B-2 tourist visas. If travelers adhere to visa rules, they will receive their bond back, but overstays will result in forfeiture. This policy aligns with the Trump administration's goal to strengthen immigration controls and national security, potentially impacting tourism as it raises visa costs.

AT&T expects to save $1.5 to $2 billion in taxes this year due to new laws, boosting its cash flow projections. These changes allow quicker tax deductions on assets and R&D expenses, benefiting companies like AT&T while fueling stock markets. Although this won't directly impact earnings, it provides more cash for shareholders and debt reduction. Other tech giants, such as Amazon and Meta, anticipate even larger tax savings, highlighting a significant shift in corporate tax benefits that could reshape financial landscapes.

Federal Bank's shares fell by 5% to ₹185 due to a drop in quarterly profit, impacted by higher provisions and bad loans. Despite this, brokerages like Nuvama and CLSA are optimistic, maintaining "buy" ratings with a target of ₹230, citing expected improvements in credit costs. The bank's management noted that stress in the microfinance sector peaked in May but is now easing. Although net profit dropped 14.6% to ₹861.8 crore, asset quality showed signs of improvement, making the outlook cautiously optimistic for investors.

Today, the Lok Sabha is set to discuss important legislation, including the National Sports Governance Bill, which aims to enhance transparency in sports management in India. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will also introduce the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill to strengthen anti-doping regulations. However, the session has faced disruptions as the opposition demands a debate on the electoral roll revision in Bihar. Despite these challenges, the government is determined to push forward with its agenda, including potential amendments to customs tariffs.

US stock futures rose on Monday, trying to recover from last week's tariff-driven decline. The market is gearing up for a busy week of earnings reports from major tech, consumer, and pharmaceutical companies. Palantir Technologies is leading the earnings season, while investors are keenly watching companies like AMD, Uber, McDonald's, and Disney. Additionally, macroeconomic data, including trade deficits and productivity numbers, will influence market expectations. With August being historically volatile, analysts predict increased market fluctuations as various factors converge this week.

SEBI is set to revise rules on related party transactions (RPTs) to ease compliance for companies. The proposed scale-based thresholds will adjust according to a company’s turnover, making it simpler for firms to categorize transactions as material. For firms with a turnover up to ₹20,000 crore, the threshold is suggested at 10% of turnover, while for those above ₹40,000 crore, a maximum of ₹5,000 crore or 2.5% of the excess turnover will apply. This adjustment is expected to reduce the number of transactions needing shareholder approval by 60%, thus benefiting minority shareholders and enhancing business efficiency.

Highway Infrastructure has garnered Rs 23.4 crore from institutional investors ahead of its IPO, set to open on August 5. With a target of Rs 130 crore, the shares are priced between Rs 65-70 each. The Madhya Pradesh-based company focuses on tollway collection and infrastructure development, planning to use Rs 65 crore of the funds for working capital. The tollway sector contributed a significant 77% to its revenue in FY25, highlighting its growth potential. As it embarks on this IPO journey, investors are keen to see how this infrastructure player will shape India's roadways.

The thrilling conclusion of the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy saw India clinch a nail-biting six-run victory over England at the Oval. With England needing 35 runs on the final day, Mohammed Siraj emerged as the hero, taking three wickets and completing a remarkable fifer. This win leveled the series at 2-2, despite the absence of cricket legends James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar during the trophy presentation. Siraj's exceptional performance, including nine wickets in the Test, showcased his determination to turn the game around, proving that every moment counts in cricket.

TCS's recent layoffs of nearly 12,000 employees signal a dramatic shift in the IT landscape, challenging the traditional belief in job security. As AI and agile models reshape the workplace, many seasoned professionals find their expertise undervalued. The notion of linear career growth is fading, replaced by a need for adaptability and transferable skills. To thrive in this new environment, job seekers must redefine their career identities and focus on core competencies. While TCS supports affected employees, a broader strategy is needed to ensure mid-career professionals can successfully navigate this evolving job market.