Eyewear retailer Lenskart is launching its IPO on October 31, aiming to raise Rs 2,150 crore through a fresh issue and an offer for sale. Backed by Radhakishan Damani, the company plans to use the funds for store expansion, technology, and marketing. This IPO is anticipated to be the fourth-largest public issue of 2025.

Mukesh Ambani is steering Reliance Industries towards artificial intelligence, investing $15 billion in a bold tech pivot. This strategic shift aims to transform the conglomerate into a deep-tech powerhouse, potentially valued at $30 billion. Reliance is building AI infrastructure and partnering with tech giants like Meta and Google, while also developing its own AI products.

Nifty paused its six-day winning streak, with analysts suggesting potential near-term drift towards 25,400 before resuming an upside trajectory. While banking stocks show vulnerability, Oil & Gas counters, especially Reliance Industries, offer resilience. Further unwinding in derivatives is anticipated, with FIIs actively covering shorts.

Indian banks are set to go global, says Manish Chokhani, Director of Enam Holdings. He urges investors to focus on long-term wealth creation and global thinking while balancing fear (gold, real estate) and hope (equities) trades. Chokhani predicts India’s next decade will be marked by global expansion, innovation, and entrepreneurial success.

Retail investors are showing caution towards Indian auto stocks despite GST reforms boosting festive sales. While mutual funds are buying, individual investors are trimming holdings, mirroring some foreign investor sentiment. Analysts suggest concerns about demand sustainability post-festivals and high valuations are driving this divergence, though long-term structural benefits from GST remain.

Kotak Mahindra Bank shares: The bank’s Q2FY26 standalone net profit fell 2.3% YoY to ₹3,253 crore, even as NII rose 4% to ₹7,311 crore. NIM stood at 4.54% with a 4.70% cost of funds, while operating profit increased 3% YoY to ₹5,268 crore.

Indian capital market stocks have shown remarkable performance, delivering up to 70% returns in the past year. This surge is attributed to increased financialization and digitalization of assets. Growing investor participation and robust trading volumes have benefited exchanges and brokers. While some stocks lagged, the overall outlook remains constructive for the sector.

Toru Nakashima, the global CEO of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, recently engaged with employees at Yes Bank, emphasizing his commitment to their future. He conveyed a message of confidence regarding job security and anticipated growth, following SMBC s recent acquisition of a 20% stake in the bank.

Global central banks are reducing US Treasury holdings and increasing gold reserves. India s gold reserves surpassed $100 billion. Gold prices experienced a significant drop, which is expected to boost demand from investors and central banks. This shift indicates a diversification strategy amid political uncertainty. The trend shows a move away from dollar assets towards gold.