PB Fintech, the parent company of Policybazaar and Paisabazaar, announced a robust 41% year-on-year increase in net profit for Q1, reaching Rs 85 crore. Consolidated operating revenue also surged by 33% to Rs 1,348 crore. The company s core online insurance premium witnessed a 35% growth, driven by a 46% rise in new protection premiums.

Fueled by impressive earnings reports from Meta and Microsoft, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq initiated trading at unprecedented peaks on Thursday, indicating that significant investments in artificial intelligence by major technology firms are yielding substantial returns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also experienced an increase, reflecting the positive market sentiment driven by these tech giants.

Indus Towers has recovered most of its backlog from Vodafone Idea, aiding a ₹1,570 crore free cash flow in Q1 FY26. Despite improved receivables, the company is conserving cash due to industry uncertainties, high capex, and strategic growth considerations.

Standard Chartered Bank reported an 11% rise in India pretax profit to $333 million in H1 2025, aided by cost control despite an 8% drop in loans and shrinking deposits. India is now the bank’s third-largest global contributor.

Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath refuted concerns about excess leverage in Indian markets, calling US comparisons flawed. He emphasized India s significantly lower margin funding and options exposure compared to the US, dismissing claims of speculative overheating.

Eicher Motors posted a 9% year-on-year rise in Q1FY26 net profit at ₹1,205 crore, driven by robust sales in Royal Enfield and VECV segments. Revenue rose 15% YoY, though sequential numbers dipped slightly. Management remains optimistic on continued growth.

Indian indices closed lower on Thursday amid tariff concerns and sectoral selling in energy, IT, and banks. Nifty showed signs of recovery but failed to hold above 24,900. Analysts see possible bullish reversal if Nifty crosses 25,000.

AM/NS India’s June quarter sales declined 6% YoY to $1.49 billion, while EBITDA dropped 15.6% to $200 million. However, both metrics improved sequentially due to steel price gains following safeguard duties.