The Indian Rupee has recovered from its historic low against the US Dollar. This rebound comes as the dollar index weakened. Forex traders noted broad dollar weakness contributed to the Rupee's gain. Geopolitical uncertainties and capital outflows continue to pressure the Rupee. A pending trade agreement with the US remains a key stabilizing factor.
Retail investors bruised by small-cap losses are increasingly considering selling equities to chase soaring gold and silver ETFs. With precious metals sharply outperforming stocks, the temptation is strong. However, wealth managers warn that reallocating based on recent returns reflects recency bias and risks undermining disciplined asset allocation by turning portfolio hedges into concentrated bets near a potential cycle peak.
Gold and silver hit fresh lifetime highs on the MCX on Tuesday amid strong safe-haven demand and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Gold February futures traded above Rs 1.58 lakh after breaching $5,100 globally, while silver March futures rallied nearly 6%. International prices also stayed firm, supported by a softer dollar and robust investor demand. Analysts see continued volatility, with bullion expected to remain firm and buying on dips advised.
Axis Bank shares saw a significant jump on Tuesday. The bank reported a 3% year-on-year rise in its standalone net profit for the December quarter. Net interest income also showed growth. Brokerages like Citi and Bernstein have reacted positively to the results, maintaining their ratings and target prices. The bank's asset quality remains stable, with strong provision coverage ratios.
Waaree Renewable Technologies shares are in focus after its board approved acquiring a 55% stake in Associated Power Structures Limited for Rs 1,225 crore, a move expected to strengthen its power infrastructure presence and act as a near term stock trigger.
Axis Mutual Fund's Karthik Kumar highlights how their new Sector Leaders Index Fund addresses portfolio gaps by offering diversified exposure to top companies across 21 sectors. This rules-based approach aims to reduce concentration risk and capture leadership, providing a resilient core holding for investors navigating an earnings-led market in 2026.
As earnings season progresses, investors are keenly watching 59 BSE-listed companies, including Nifty giants Asian Paints and Tata Consumer Products. Asian Paints is expected to show stable performance with improved volumes, while Vodafone Idea anticipates subdued results with widening losses. Tata Consumer Products is projected for a significant year-on-year profit increase.
Asian equities declined as renewed tariff concerns emerged following President Trump's threat of levies on South Korean goods. The yen held its gains, while the Kospi Index fell and the South Korean won weakened. Investors await megacap technology earnings to gauge the sustainability of the AI-driven rally.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty have seen a significant decline of over 4% this month, driven by foreign fund outflows, a weakening rupee, and geopolitical risks. Market participants are hoping for a pre-budget recovery, a trend observed historically. Elevated crude oil prices and rising global bond yields are further contributing to investor caution.
