Meme stock enthusiasm has returned, creating uncertainty for professional investors. Stocks like Opendoor Technologies and Kohl s experienced gains. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 indices reached record highs. Investors are borrowing heavily to buy stocks. Some analysts suggest caution due to high valuations. Comparisons are being drawn to the GameStop and AMC surge of 2021.

With stocks near peaks and volatility low, investors are seeking sophisticated hedging strategies beyond standard put options. Lookback or re-settable puts, which adjust their strike price as the market rises, are gaining popularity due to their relatively low cost compared to vanilla puts.

The Nifty closed below 25,000, signaling potential short-term weakness, with support around 24,500 and resistance in the 25,200-25,500 range. Pharma stocks are expected to continue their upward trend, while the Nifty Defence index shows bearish signals. Investors might consider accumulating specific stocks like Capri Global Capital and NLC India.

Canara Bank intends to sell its surplus priority sector loans this quarter to offset margin pressures caused by declining interest rates. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, the bank generated ₹1,248 crore in commission from these sales. Despite the sales, the bank s priority sector debt remains at 45.6%, exceeding the regulatory requirement of 40%.

Emerging-market debt hedge funds, boasting impressive double-digit returns this year, are strategically mitigating risks amidst a deepening rally. Funds are swapping longer-maturity bonds for shorter-dated ones, prioritizing higher-rated, liquid securities, and increasing cash reserves. This cautious approach addresses uncertainties stemming from US policies, global conflicts, and tight pricing, while still seeking selective opportunities for further gains.

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Swiss automated parking solutions major Sotefin SA s Indian subsidiary, Sotefin Bharat, on Sunday said it will hit the capital market to raise Rs 80 crore to support indigenous manufacturing of robots for automated parking systems in West Bengal.

The combined market valuation of 6 of the top-10 most valued firms diminished by Rs 2.22 lakh crore last week, with Reliance Industries taking the biggest hit, in-line with a bearish trend in equities.

IndusInd Bank will announce its Q1 earnings on Monday, July 28, where the private lender is expected to report a sharp decline in its year-on-year net profit driven by elevated provisioning, MFI stress, and weak loan/deposit growth.

About 66% of Nifty50 stocks expiring in the week ahead have short buildup, and 86% of August series constituents have also seen similar positioning which could act as a contrarian indicator and potentially trigger a bounce back, says Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited.