European stocks closed higher on Friday, extending a winning streak to seven months. Investors reacted to corporate earnings and news of a US presidential nominee for the Federal Reserve. Banks led gains, with Spanish lender Caixabank seeing a significant rise. Swiss watchmaker Swatch and German sportswear maker Adidas also reported positive results. However, some companies faced weaker-than-expected earnings.
In a strategic move, Canara Bank will raise 4,000 crore through tier-2 bonds by the end of March, aiming to support a promising 13% increase in fiscal year advances. With board approval for a more ambitious fundraising strategy, the bank also plans to reinvest profits to boost its expansion efforts.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has given the National Stock Exchange the go-ahead for its initial public offering. This marks a significant milestone after a decade of planning. The NSE's IPO is anticipated to be the largest in terms of size and post-market capitalization. Investor interest is high, with a surge in retail participation in unlisted shares.
The Indian stock markets faced a downturn on Friday, ending January with a notable 3.1% declinethe sharpest drop seen in January since 2016. Analysts suggest that investors are holding back in anticipation of the upcoming budget. Still, there's a silver lining on the horizon, with expectations of a gradual market recovery soon.
The Indian rupee faced a turbulent Friday, marking a grave closing low and inching closer to 92 against the dollar. However, the Reserve Bank of India's prompt measures acted as a safety net, preventing it from breaching this crucial milestone before the weekend's budget.
