The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is set to simplify IPO processes by reducing offer document summary content and streamlining procedures for companies with pre-IPO pledged shares. Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey stated these changes aim to encourage informed investor feedback and prevent listing delays.

Life Insurance Corp, or LIC, saw its September quarter profit jump 31% to over ₹10,000 crore. This growth was fueled by its core business and improved margins. While premium growth faced a temporary dip due to GST benefits, LIC anticipates a strong second half. The company is focusing on profitable products and passing on GST benefits to customers.

State Bank of India and France s Amundi will sell a 10% stake in their asset management firm, SBI Funds Management. This will be done through an initial public offer. SBI will divest 6.3% and Amundi 3.7%. The IPO is expected to be completed in 2026. SBI Funds Management will be the third SBI subsidiary to list.

MSCI has updated its global indices. Fortis Healthcare, GE Vernova T&D India, Paytm, and Siemens Energy India are now part of the Global Standard Index. This move is expected to bring substantial investment into these stocks. Changes also affect the India Small Cap Index. Several companies will see their index weights adjusted, influencing fund movements.

Adani Enterprises is set to launch its largest fundraising yet, a ₹25,000 crore rights issue. This will be spread over six to eight months in four tranches. The company plans to use a significant portion to repay loans from its promoters. This move will free up capital for future debt. The rights issue details are expected soon.

Digital payment firm Pine Labs aims to raise over ₹3,800 crore via fresh equity and an offer for sale. Despite robust revenue and transaction growth, the company posted losses primarily due to ESOP costs, though Q1FY25 saw a net profit. Investors with a higher risk appetite may find this IPO appealing for long-term prospects.

Global markets experienced a downturn Thursday, with tech and consumer stocks leading the decline. The British pound strengthened as the Bank of England held interest rates steady. U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm saw its shares fall on future product concerns. Investors are closely watching corporate earnings, U.S. government shutdown impacts, and trade tariff developments.

The dollar weakened in early Asian trade as investors, awaiting U.S. labor data, reacted to private surveys indicating job cuts. This fueled expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut, despite caution from a Fed official. Meanwhile, Japanese household spending showed a modest rise, while the Australian dollar and kiwi remained steady. Sterling and the euro saw little movement.

Indian stock markets closed lower on Thursday. Early gains faded as investors booked profits. Analysts suggest the market is in a consolidation phase with a negative outlook. Key support levels are being watched closely. Global markets showed mixed movements. Foreign investors were net sellers, while domestic investors bought shares. The Indian Rupee saw a slight appreciation against the US dollar.