U.S. stocks closed at record highs on Monday, fueled by optimism surrounding potential AI technology and trade pacts. The S&P 500 marked its sixth straight record close, while the Nasdaq also advanced. A new U.S.-EU trade framework was unveiled, though met with some resistance.

Gold prices experienced a slight dip due to receding concerns about a global tariff war and a stronger U.S. dollar. Investors are keenly awaiting the Federal Reserve s policy meeting for insights into potential interest rate adjustments. Trade discussions between the U.S. and China, along with a trade agreement between the U.S. and EU, are also influencing market sentiment.

Oil prices rose due to optimism surrounding a U.S.-EU trade agreement, potential U.S.-China tariff truce, and a shorter deadline from President Trump for Russia to resolve the Ukraine war. The U.S.-EU deal averted a major trade war, while U.S. and China are continuing trade discussions.

The euro faced challenges following the U.S.-European Union trade agreement. France criticized the deal, and Germany anticipated economic harm. The euro weakened, strengthening the dollar. Trade talks between the U.S. and China occurred in Stockholm. Investors are awaiting rate decisions from the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan. These events are shaping the global economic landscape.

Laxmi India Finance Ltd garnered over Rs 75 crore from anchor investors, including Saint Capital Fund and BNP Paribas Financial Markets, prior to its IPO launch. The IPO, opening July 29, comprises a fresh issue and offer for sale, targeting Rs 254.26 crore. Proceeds will bolster the NBFC s capital for lending.

The Initial Public Offering of Aditya Infotech opened on July 29. The IPO aims to raise Rs 1,300 crore. The company fixed the price band at Rs 640–675 per share. The IPO will remain open until July 31. The company is a technology solutions provider. It specializes in security surveillance and enterprise communication systems.

Brigade Hotel Ventures IPO allotment is expected today. The IPO saw a subscription of 4.48 times. Retail investors subscribed the most at 6.4 times. Qualified institutional buyers bid 5.42 times. Non-institutional investors subscribed 1.92 times. The company will list on BSE and NSE on July 31. Allotment status can be checked on KFin Technologies and BSE websites.

Brokerages have shared their latest stock picks, highlighting attractive opportunities across sectors for the next 12 months.

Monarch Surveyors and Engineering is set to debut on the BSE SME platform with a strong grey market premium of Rs 210, indicating a potential 84% listing gain. The IPO, which closed on July 24, was oversubscribed by 250.65 times, driven by significant interest across all investor categories.