Asian stocks showed mixed performance as investors await key inflation data that could influence the Federal Reserve s rate cut decisions. Hopes for rate cuts were fueled by signs of a cooling US labor market, even as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher. Traders are also monitoring potential trade actions and economic data from China.

Indian life insurers experienced a 6.01% increase in new business premiums in August 2025, reaching Rs 1,63,461.52 crore, fueled by growth in both single and non-single premium policies. This expansion is attributed to insurers efforts to reach new customers and enhance distribution networks.

Despite policy rate cuts, banks are hesitant to significantly lower lending rates to microfinance institutions due to lingering asset quality concerns and internal margin pressures. Smaller MFIs face tightened purse strings and higher risk premiums, hindering their access to crucial funding.

Delays occur because many Indian banks contact the receiver before crediting their account to confirm the payment, or re-verify final account details. In addition, differences in how institutions update tracking information or credit client accounts-often tied to batch processing in back-office systems-slow down deals.

Gujarat has remained the top state in attracting investments as it got the most number for projects in each year between FY15 and FY25, while Maharashtra has retained the second place for the last four fiscal years, showed data available in a study by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) staff.

Infosys share buyback announcement has historically boosted its stock performance, raising investor optimism. On Tuesday, Infosys shares surged 5% following the buyback declaration, with the Nifty IT index climbing 2.8%. This marks the IT firm s fifth buyback, aiming to counter a 20% stock decline this year amid US slowdown worries.

The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has directed SEBI to explain why it withheld documents from Jane Street, a US trading firm accused of manipulating the Indian derivatives market. SAT has also halted in-person hearings in the case until further notice.

Urban Company plans to raise ₹472 crore through fresh equity and ₹1,428 crore via offer for sale. While revenue grew 34.1% to ₹1,144.5 crore between FY23-FY25 and the company turned profitable in FY25, net profit dipped 45% in the June quarter. With a high P/E multiple of 62, the IPO is suitable for investors with high-risk tolerance.

Markets saw gains amid weekly expiry, with several companies in focus. Prakash Industries declared a dividend, while Blue Jet Healthcare s promoter will sell shares via OFS. Sumitomo Mitsui plans to sell its stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Bajaj Auto will pass on GST reductions to customers. Vodafone Idea is challenging AGR demands in the Supreme Court.

Shringar House of Mangalsutra raised Rs 120 crore from anchor investors, including Kotak Mahindra Life and Societe Generale, ahead of its Rs 401 crore IPO opening on September 10 at Rs 155–165 per share.