Share Market Highlights 24 January 2024:

Sensex, Nifty updates on 24 January 2024: India’s equity markets are volatile on Wednesday. The ​BSE Sensex​ rose 689.75 pts or 0.98% to close at 71,060.31. The ​NSE Nifty​ jumped 215.15 pts or 1.01% to close at 21,453.95. Analysts anticipated sustained selling pressure from foreign portfolio investors, emphasizing the significance of upcoming results and heightened volatility during the monthly F&O settlement. Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Retail Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, highlighted caution in global sentiments due to Fitch Group’s warning about the impact on South Asian economies and increased hostilities in the Red Sea. Technical analyst Pravesh Gour noted Nifty’s breakdown, signalling potential testing at 50-DMA at 21000, while Bank Nifty faces hurdles and support challenges.                                                                                                                                                                                                   Market Update: Sensex surges 690 points to reclaim 71k leve Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded sharply by one per cent on Wednesday after sliding for the past two sessions, propelled by bargain hunting in metal, commodity, and telecom stocks. Currency Market Live Updates: Rupee ends slightly higher, aided by yuan’s uptick, dollar’s slip. The rupee ended marginally higher on Wednesday, aided by a slight uptick in the offshore Chinese yuan and a pullback in the dollar index.The rupee ended at 83.1225 against the US dollar, compared with its close at 83.15 in the previous session.Bharat Dynamics reported its standalone net profit for the quarter ended December 2023 at ₹135.03 crore as against ₹83.74 crore in December 2022. The stock closed at ₹1,696.50 on the NSE, up by 1.61%.“The market rebounded from yesterday’s sell-off taking cues from global peers. The sentiment was reinforced by the PBOC’s 0.5% cut in reserve ratio to boost growth and financial liquidity. However, overall sentiment is muted as concerns persist on FIIs selling due to premium valuations in India and below expectation Q3 earnings so far.”  

Republic Day 2024: Over 1,100 personnel awarded Gallantry and Service medals. Details here

On the occasion of the Republic Day 2024, a total of 1132 personnel of Police, Fire Service, Home Guard and Civil Defence and Correctional Service have been awarded Gallantry and Service Medals, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement on 25 January. Of these 1,132 personnel, President's Medal for Gallantry (PMG) has been awarded to two personnel, Medals for Gallantry (GM) to 275, President's Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) to 102 and Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) to 753. "On the occasion of the Republic Day, 2024, a total of 1132 personnel of Police, Fire Service, Home Guard and Civil Defence and Correctional Service have been awarded Gallantry and Service Medals," the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement. Among the majority of the 277 Gallantry Awards, 119 personnel from Left-wing extremist-affected areas, 133 personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir region and 25 personnel from other regions are being awarded for their gallant action. Out of 277 gallantry medals, 275 GM have been awarded to 72 personnel from J&K Police, 18 personnel from Maharashtra, 26 personnel from Chhattisgarh, 23 personnel from Jharkhand, 15 personnel from Odisha, 8 personnel from Delhi, 65 personnel from CRPF, 21 personnel from SSB and the remaining personnel from the other states, Union Territories (UTs) and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).                                                                                Out of 102 President's Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM), 94 have been awarded to Police Service and four each to Fire Service and civil guard and Home Guard Service. Out of 753 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM), 667 have been awarded to Police Service, 32 to Fire Service, 27 to Civil Defence and Home Guard Service and 27 to Correctional Service. As per the MHA, the government has taken many steps in recent years to rationalise and transform the entire award ecosystem of various awards. In this regard, sixteen gallantry and service medals (for police, fire service, home guard and Civil service) have been rationalised and merged into four medals: the President's Medal for Gallantry (PMG), Medal for Gallantry (GM), President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), and the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM).  

Indian investments key target of Western Australia’s minerals reforms

NEW DELHI : The state of Western Australia has implemented a series of reforms aimed at attracting investments in minerals and resources, including from India. In an interview with Mint, Western Australia deputy premier Rita Saffioti said there was much interest for greater investments and collaborations between Indian and Australian firms in the rare earths sector.  The approvals reforms are aimed at supporting projects that assist with decarbonization, she said. Western Australia has been in focus for its supply of key critical minerals including lithium, nickel and cobalt, as well as rare earth metals, which are used in smartphones, computers, batteries and electronics. Australia accounts for roughly half of the world’s lithium production and has a similarly important position in cobalt production. It is also the fourth-largest rare-earths producer. Western Australia has attracted investments from Indian state-owned firms including NMDC Ltd. Indian mines minister Prahlad Joshi visited the state in 2022, following which the Indian government announced that a bilateral critical minerals investment partnership between the two sides had identified two lithium projects and three cobalt projects. “Investments under the partnership will seek to build new supply chains underpinned by critical minerals processed in Australia, that will help India’s plans to lower emissions from its electricity network and become a global manufacturing hub, including for electric vehicles," India’s mines ministry had said in a statement. Saffioti said her visit to India was also aimed at promoting Western Australia as an investment destination for private Indian companies. “There are opportunities for Indian investment in Western Australia through offtake agreements for key battery minerals," Saffioti said.  

Amber, Titagarh Rail Systems in deal for train components business

Both TRSL and Amber group, via its wholly-owned subsidiary Sidwal Refrigeration Industries Pvt Ltd, will invest approximately ₹120 crore each to obtain around 50% each in the SPV.The SPV will set up a new facility in India to manufacture critical railway components and subsystems used in the manufacture of railway and metro coaches and will also make fresh equity investments into Titagarh Firema. Titagarh Firema SpA, Italy, is an associate company of the Titagarh group where govt of Italy is also an equity stake holder.   The new SPV will also invest in Titagarh Firema while government of Italy will invest in the entity for which it has already taken approval from Invitalia, the Italians government’s investment arm. Under the agreement, Firema will grant Sidwal, Titagarh Rail as well as the SPV a preferred supplier status and right of first refusal (ROFR) for all their products.Titagarh Rail is involved in the railway rolling stock space for both freight and passenger rolling stocks. Apart from being an established railway wagon and metro coach manufacturer, it is also currently executing the projects of Vande Bharat trains, Surat, Ahmedabad, Pune metros as well as executing its first export order for passenger rail components received from Firema. Titagarh is targeting a capacity of almost 800-850 coaches per year in the coming years. The Amber group is a diversified B2B company having three business verticals: consumer durables, electronics and railway subsystems and mobility. Sidwal, an Amber group company, has emerged as a leader in the train air conditioner market and has also signed a technology licensing agreement with Ultimate group to manufacture passenger coach doors and gangways. Sidwal is also planning to enter the European market for its products portfolio, a company statement said.The strategic partnership in Firema will not only facilitate Sidwal’s entry into the European market, but will also give Sidwal a preferred access to Firema’s own demand, the statement added. Both companies are investing to grow capabilities and capacities for various products that can be exported to Europe such as train mechanical and electrical components by TRSL and HVAC, doors, gangways and pantry systems by Sidwal. Firema is one of the largest and reputed designers and manufacturers of passenger trains in Italy and has executed marquee projects in Italy and other parts of Europe. Firema has an order book of almost euro 1 billion for producing new coaches and has an existing capacity to produce upwards of 240 coaches per year and has plans to double this capacity.    

Deal values in India plunge to $66 billion in 2023, investors cautious, reports Grant Thornton

There was a significant drop in deal values in India for the year 2023, reaching $66 billion, marking a decrease of over 50 percent, a recent report from consultancy firm Grant Thornton Bharat found. Released on January 19, the report found a decline of over 20 percent in deal volume, with 1,641 deals compared to the previous year. Shanthi Vijetha, a partner at Grant Thornton Bharat, pointed out several factors contributing to this. The lack of liquidity in international markets, volatile market conditions, and cautious investor sentiment were identified as key hindrances to deal activities throughout 2023."While India's focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility positions it as an attractive hub for global economic opportunities, overcoming challenges such as currency strength and global instability is crucial," added Vijetha. Merger and Acquisition Impact The report indicates a significant impact on merger and acquisition (M&A) deal values, which plummeted by 72 percent to $25.2 billion across 494 transactions. Outbound M&As were particularly affected, dropping to $3.2 billion from $17.9 billion in the previous year. The sluggish M&A trend in the first half of 2023 recorded deal values of only $7.8 billion. The largest transaction during this period was Suraksha Group's $2.5 billion acquisition of Jaypee in the real estate sector. Private Equity and IPO Trends On the private equity (PE) front, 2023 witnessed a 23 percent decline in both deal volume and value, with 1,045 deals amounting to $27.4 billion. The most significant deal in this category was Temasek Holdings' $2 billion investment in Manipal Health Enterprises.  

Regardless of the president, Canada must deal with a more protectionist United States: former envoy

"No matter who wins the election in November, Canada needs to get ready for a more isolationist and protectionist U.S., according to the country's ambassador to the United States for the majority of Donald Trump's administration.   David MacNaughton stated in an interview with Global News, ""What you've got down there is a challenging situation where we need to be able to demonstrate to them that we are a reliable, good friend and good partner.""   ""The last time, we spent a lot of time demonstrating to them our importance from an economic standpoint.""Trump defeated Nikki Haley in the Republican New Hampshire primary Tuesday night with 54 per cent of the vote, putting him one step closer to securing the GOP nomination.   Trump, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, adds a level of ""unpredictability"" to ties with the United States." No matter who wins in November, MacNaughton emphasized how crucial it is for Canada to sell its economic friendship by offering to supply vital minerals and hydroelectricity, but more importantly, by sharing how it can work with the United States on priorities.   "I believe that this time, even more importantly, is going to be to assist them with some of the things that they're most concerned about, which include drugs entering the country, illegal immigration, and possible terrorism," MacNaughton remarked.A Jan. 15 Angus Reid poll indicates that 53% of Canadians believe a Biden win would be better for the country's economy, while only 18% believe a Trump win would be advantageous. In anticipation of the upcoming American administration, Trudeau declared that he had assigned current Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, and Trade Minister Mary Ng to spearhead a "Team Canada" strategy in their dealings with the United States.   According to MacNaughton, Canada frequently brings up a list of demands during these talks, but it frequently pays little attention to our largest trading partner.   It resembles spending all of your time talking about yourself while out on a date. Most likely, it will be your one and only."Although you can't always meet everyone's needs, you should consider what they need and see what we can do to meet it."

Chinas changes to its monetary policy to support economic recovery

A number of monetary policy changes were announced by the People's Bank of China (PBOC) on Wednesday with the goal of boosting liquidity and encouraging national economic expansion.   Reducing the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) is one of the PBOC's primary actions. The RRR is the amount of cash that banks are required to hold as reserves. The PBOC will lower the RRR by 0.5 percentage point, effective from February 5, 2024. This move will inject 1 trillion yuan ($139.45 billion) into the market, thereby increasing liquidity.   Beginning on January 25, 2024, the PBOC will reduce the re-lending and rediscount rates by 0.25 percentage points, from 2 percent to 1.75 percent, in addition to the RRR reduction. It is anticipated that this cut will lower social financing's overall cost, accelerating economic recovery.   The announcement of these policy adjustments has had a positive impact on the Chinese stock market. Following the news, the Shanghai Composite Index climbed by 1.80 percent, while the Shenzhen Component Index and the ChiNext Index increased by one percent and 0.51 percent, respectively.JLL Greater China's chief economist and head of research, Bruce Pang, emphasized the PBOC's dedication to a steady and exacting monetary policy. The goals are to support credit allocation to the real economy, guarantee stable liquidity in the banking system, and lower funding costs for financial institutions.   In spite of the challenges posed by the global economy, financial institutions and markets in China remain stable, as PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng reassured.The PBOC plans to enhance its financial risk monitoring and assessment capabilities. It seeks to create a system for resolving financial risks that strikes a balance between accountability and authority. This initiative reflects the PBOC's commitment to managing financial risks and maintaining stability in the face of global economic challenges. The PBOC plans to use a range of monetary policy instruments in the future to ensure that there is enough liquidity. Aligning the money supply and social financing with targets for price level and economic growth is the aim. Additionally, the PBOC wants to enhance financial services for the actual economy, especially by helping small and private companies.   Zhu Hexin, deputy governor of the PBOC and head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, predicts that the stability of China's cross-border capital flows will further improve in 2024. The current account is expected to maintain a reasonable surplus, with an increase in foreign capital inflows under the capital account.The recent monetary policy adjustments by the PBOC reflect China's proactive approach to navigating its economic trajectory amid global uncertainties. By reducing the RRR and cutting re-lending and re-discount rates, the PBOC aims to enhance liquidity, support economic growth, and ensure stability in the banking system.  

Chinese envoy finds it unacceptable that the Israeli leadership is rejecting the two-state solution.

" A Chinese envoy stated on Tuesday that the Israeli leadership's rejection of the two-state solution is intolerable.   Chinese permanent representative to the UN, Zhang Jun, stated that the two-state solution is the only practical means of bringing peace to Palestine and Israel and that it is also a serious prerequisite for the execution of pertinent Security Council resolutions.     Chinese envoy stated on Tuesday that the Israeli leadership's rejection of the two-state solution is intolerable.   Chinese permanent representative to the UN, Zhang Jun, stated that the two-state solution is the only practical means of bringing peace to Palestine and Israel and that it is also a serious prerequisite for the execution of pertinent Security Council resolutions.The remarks made by the Israeli leadership last week, which rejected the two-state solution and denied Palestine the right to become a state, give us great concern. This is intolerable,"" he declared during a high-level Security Council open discussion.   Chinese envoy stated on Tuesday that the Israeli leadership's rejection of the two-state solution is intolerable. The process of establishing an independent Palestinian state must be final. China is in favor of Palestine's immediate full membership in the UN as a first step in the process. Under the current circumstances, the Security Council needs to send a clear and unequivocal signal, reaffirming the urgency of the two-state solution as the sole feasible way out, he said.   Chinese envoy stated on Tuesday that the Israeli leadership's rejection of the two-state solution is intolerable. Zhang stated that for the time being, an immediate cease-fire must be given top priority. Extended hostilities will only increase the death toll and further distance us from peace. An instantaneous ceasefire is a necessity for all parties, not just one specific party. He stated that it is a fundamental requirement for achieving peace, freeing hostages, extending humanitarian aid, and saving lives.   Israel needs to stop destroying Gaza and launching indiscriminate military attacks on it right away. He said that all pertinent members of the international community ought to use diplomacy to encourage an instant ceasefire.Chinese envoy stated on Tuesday that the Israeli leadership's rejection of the two-state solution is intolerable. All possible measures should be taken to stop the situation from spreading to the Red Sea and the surrounding areas while advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. He said that China urges all sides to use caution and refrain from taking any steps that might cause the tension to rise.   Zhang demanded that steps be taken to remove barriers that stand in the way of the expansion of aid to Gaza.   The full implementation of Security Council Resolutions 2712 and 2720 is imperative. And Israel needs to help with that 100%. He stated that in order to guarantee safe, prompt, and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, the Security Council should be prepared to act further.     "  

Why Is Every Years Republic Day Parade Celebrated Along the Kartavya Path?

India is preparing to commemorate its 75th Republic Day on January 26, 2024, a momentous occasion in the history of the country. It is the day that India became a republic in 1950 and the recently adopted Constitution went into effect. The spectacular Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) in New Delhi serves as the centerpiece of the holiday celebrations. With marching contingents from all three branches of the armed forces, eye-catching displays of military hardware, and exhilarating performances by motorcycle teams, this magnificent event highlights India's military might. India has extended an invitation to French President Emmanuel Macron to join in the Republic Day festivities this year.Why is Kartavya Path the site of Republic Day celebrations? Kartavya Path, formerly known as Rajpath, is a significant historical route that runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. It was a major player in the Indian independence movement. Originally named Kingsway, this ceremonial boulevard is the main thoroughfare in New Delhi, which was established in 1911 when the British Raj moved its capital from Calcutta (now Kolkata). Kingsway was renamed Rajpath shortly after independence, and Queensway, which ran parallel to it, was renamed Janpath.Rajpath has experienced colonial rule, witnessed the dawn of independence, and basked in the glory of a free, democratic nation over the course of the last seven decades, from hosting yearly Republic Day celebrations to hosting the event. The path represents India's transition from colonial domination to independence as a democratic republic.   When was Kartavya Path renamed as Rajpath? In September 2022, "Rajpath" was renamed "Kartavya Path," and PM Modi soon after inaugurated it as a component of the renovated Central Vista Avenue. The government claimed that it represented a change from the Rajpath, which served as a symbol of power in the past, to the Kartavya Path, which serves as an example of public ownership and empowerment.   PM Modi declared in his speech following the inauguration that Kingsway, also known as Rajpath, a "symbol of slavery," has been permanently erased and consigned to the past.   The Republic Day Parade's schedule and location in 2024 Time: 10:00 am (Commencement time: 9:30 am)   Location: The procession begins at Raisina Hill, close to Rashtrapati Bhavan, and travels more than five kilometers along the Kartavya Path, passing India Gate en route to the Red Fort.   There are 77,000 seats available at the venue, 42,000 of which are set aside for the general public.  

This Is A List Of The Chief Attendees Of Republic Day Over The Years

On Friday, January 26, India will commemorate the 75th anniversary of Republic Day. It is the day that India became a republic in 1950 and the recently adopted Constitution went into effect. The yearly parade at New Delhi's Rajpath, now known as Kartavya Path, is one of the festivities for the day. March-pasts by Indian Armed Forces personnel and colorful tableaus exhibiting the diversity and customs of various states are featured. Republic Day celebrations take place over three days, culminating on January 29 with the Beating Retreat ceremony. The French President, H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, will visit India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations at the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.   India and France are strategic partners who have a lot in common when it comes to local and global issues. We are commemorating the strategic partnership between France and India for 25 years this year. On July 14, 2023, in Paris, the Prime Minister was the honored guest at the Bastille Day Parade. On September 9–10, 2023, President Macron traveled to India for the G-20 Summit," the ministry continued.    The following is a history of Republic Day's top attendees: principal guest for the 2023 Republic Day Parade Egypt's President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi honoree at the Republic Day Parade in 2021 and 2022 No main guest because of the COVID-19 pandemic No main guest because of the COVID-19 pandemic The head of the 2020 Republic Day Parade Jair Bolsonaro, the president of Brazil   2019 Republic Day Parade chief guest   South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa   2018 Republic Day Parade chief guest   Heads of the ten states that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)   The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah   Hun Sen, the Cambodian prime minister   Indonesian President Joko Widodo   Thongloun Sisoulith, Laotian Prime Minister   Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak   Aung San Suu Kyi, State counsellor of Myanmar   Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines   Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore   Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand   Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of Vietnam   Chief guest at Republic Day Parade 2017   Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi   Chief guest at Republic Day Parade 2016   Francois Hollande, President

Zee-Sony Merger Called Off: These mutual funds have exposure to the stock

India's mutual fund houses have increased their stake in Zee Entertainment in all of the nine quarters since the Sony merger announcement in December 2021. As of the December quarter, the domestic mutual funds held a 32.49% stake in Zee Entertainment, which is more than double the 12.16% stake they held at the end of the December 2021 quarter when the deal was announced. The increase in stake also corresponds with the exit of its largest shareholder Invesco, which along with Oppenheimer, held close to 18% stake in Zee at the time of the merger announcement. While Invesco Developing Markets Fund exited the stock by selling its 7.8% stake in April 2022, the OFI Global China Fund earlier pared a 5% stake between October and December 2022, before making a complete exit in April 2023. Among the funds that own a substantial stake in Zee Entertainment as of the December quarter include ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund, Nippon India Multi-Cap Fund, and HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund, among others. Some of India's largest insurance companies, all listed, also own a stake in Zee Entertainment, including the country's largest insurer LIC, along with HDFC Life and SBI Life Insurance.   

Stock Market Nifty 50 falls below 21,500, Zee Entertainment shares down 25%

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has revised the Dynamic Price Band of shares of Zee Entertainment to 30% downward from 25% earlier. In case further relaxation is needed, it will be done at an interval of 15 minutes, a circular from the BSE said.It must be noted that the stock is currently in the F&O ban and hence there are circuit limits being imposed, something that is a practice with non-F&O stocks.   Otherwise, for F&O stocks, there is no price band. Barring ICICI Bank, the remaining 11 stocks in the Nifty Bank index are contributing negatively towards its downside. Reliance Industries shares were in focus on January 23 with analysts expecting up to 23% upside in the Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate’s stock following the results for the October to December 2023 quarter. Reliance shares traded more than a percent lower after the firm reported a steady third quarter with retail business revenue hitting a record high, Jio reporting a 2% rise in average revenue per user (ARPU) and oil and gas business witnessing record high margin of 86%. Shares of HDFC Bank Ltd. remain the top contributors to the Nifty 50’s downside on Tuesday, declining another 2%. India’s largest private lender is contributing 56 points to the index downside on Tuesday.   The lender’s market capitalisation has also slipped below the mark of ₹11 lakh crore, compared to its peak of ₹12.97 lakh crore, which it had on December 29.With Tuesday’s drop, the stock has declined in four out of the last five trading sessions, during which it has seen a drop of 13% from closing levels of January 16. Shares of Medi Assist Healthcare Services listed on the bourses on Tuesday, January 23. The stock listed at a premium of 11% at ₹465 a share on the BSE, and went on to scale an intra-day high of ₹509.60. On the NSE, it listed at ₹460, a premium of 10% against an issue price of ₹418. Ahead of its debut, shares of Medi Assist were commanding a premium of ₹32-36 in the unlisted market. As per trends, the company’s shares were expected to list at a premium of 8%. The initial public offering (IPO) of Nova Agritech Limited (NATL) will open for subscription on Tuesday (January 23). The public offer was postponed by a day due to the market’s holiday on January 22 and would close on January 25. Ahead of the issue launch, the company’s shares are commanding a premium of ₹20 in the unlisted market.Nova Agritech has fixed its price band at ₹39-41 per share, with a lot size of 365 equity shares in one lot and its multiples thereafter.