Markets faced pressure on the weekly expiry day, reversing previous gains. Several companies reported their Q1 results, with IEX, SBI Life, Bajaj Finance, and Adani Energy showcasing profit growth. However, Cyient experienced a decline in net profit and revenue. Additionally, Cigniti Technologies saw Morgan Stanley acquire a stake, and Bajaj Consumer Care approved a share buyback.

RBI data reveals a surge in liquid demand deposits and currency with the public, indicating increased liquidity in the banking system and real economy. This rise is attributed to policy measures like liquidity easing, a pickup in rural activity, and higher disposable incomes from tax benefits.

Ajay Seth, a 1987-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the chairman of IRDAI for a three-year term, succeeding Debasish Panda. With over three decades of experience, Seth s primary focus will be on expanding insurance access and affordability in India. He assumes the role as the insurance sector faces challenges in raising penetration, currently at 3.7% of GDP.

Indian Energy Exchange shares experienced a significant drop. This decline followed the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission s decision. The commission plans to implement market coupling . This move is expected to impact IEX s revenue streams. Market coupling aims to unify power prices. Hindustan Power Exchange and Power Exchange India may benefit. IEX s market share could potentially decrease as a result.

Trent s shares plunged nearly 4% following a downgrade by Goldman Sachs from buy to neutral, citing concerns over slowing sales and underperformance of Zudio stores. The brokerage reduced its price target by 21% to ₹5,500. Despite expecting Zudio s FY25 sales to grow by 60%, Goldman Sachs lowered Trent s revenue and earnings estimates.

The rupee has weakened against the dollar recently due to tariff uncertainties, foreign portfolio investor outflows, and central bank dollar purchases. The upcoming trade deal with the US and India s involvement in BRICS, along with oil imports from Russia, add complexity. Concerns about US fiscal sustainability are favoring developed markets over emerging ones, impacting the rupee.

Bajaj Finance reported a 22% surge in standalone net profit, reaching ₹4,133 crore for the June quarter, driven by robust loan growth. Despite this, provisions for bad loans increased by 24% to ₹2,078 crore, reflecting a slight weakening in asset quality. Anup Saha s resignation as managing director, just three months after his appointment, adds to the recent developments.

ACC Ltd reported a 4% YoY rise in Q1FY26 net profit to Rs 375 crore, driven by record-high sales volume of 11.5 million tonnes and 17% revenue growth. Despite strong demand and higher EBITDA, earnings missed expectations due to rising tax expenses.

Three Indian infrastructure investment trusts, including the National Highways Infrastructure Trust, are planning to raise up to 43 billion rupees ($499 million) through corporate bonds in the coming weeks, three sources familiar with the matter said.