Berkshire Hathaway is trailing the S&P 500 by its widest gap this year, as Warren Buffett’s move to significantly trim the conglomerate’s Apple holdings continues to pressure performance, even as Berkshire’s shares rebound from summer lows. Class B shares have climbed 7.2% since their August 4 low of $459.11, partially recovering a nearly 15% drop. Year to date, Class B and A shares are up 8.6% and 8.5%, respectively.

The combined market valuation of seven of the top-10 most valued firms jumped by Rs 1,55,710.74 crore in the holiday-shortened last week, with Reliance Industries and Tata Consultancy Services emerging as the biggest gainers, amid a positive trend in domestic equities.

These lenders, already proven multibaggers, are back in the spotlight as investors bet on improving credit growth, cleaner balance sheets, and a pick-up in profitability.

Eyewear giant Lenskart is launching its IPO on October 31, aiming to raise Rs 2,150 crore. The funds will fuel store expansion, technology upgrades, and marketing. This move follows a significant pre-IPO investment, highlighting strong investor confidence in the company s growth trajectory.

The Federal Reserve is expected to announce its second rate cut of the year on Wednesday, despite a lack of clarity over the health of the US economy due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The Nifty 50 is nearing an all-time high, driven by expectations of a US Fed rate cut and easing FII selling. Strong domestic earnings and progress in trade talks, including potential India-US and US-China agreements, are bolstering bullish sentiment. Investors are closely watching Q2 corporate results and shifts in crude oil dynamics.

Nifty closed lower on Friday amid sectoral selling pressure. Analysts expect short-term volatility but potential for a sustained rally. Cholamandalam Investment and CreditAccess Grameen are recommended for Monday, showing strong breakouts, bullish momentum, and support above key EMAs. Upside potential is 6–10%, with clearly defined stop-loss levels.

Before Zomato’s 2021 IPO, Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani advised pricing for balance: protect retail investors, satisfy institutions, and ensure long-term reputation. His framework emphasised conservative pricing, avoiding excessive first-day pops, and maintaining trust. The guidance foresaw risks of underwater IPOs, highlighting ethical and strategic considerations for high-growth tech listings.

Ajay Bagga highlighted India’s equity outlook, noting a near-term earnings recovery, rural-led consumption growth, muted urban demand, and opportunities in autos and durables, while cautioning on telecom, financials, and high-valuation FMCG stocks.

Reliance Industries saw continued domestic investor confidence in Q2 FY26, with mutual funds, LIC, and retail investors increasing stakes. Q2 PAT grew 10% YoY to Rs 18,165 crore, while FPIs trimmed exposure slightly.