Cryptocurrencies traded mixed as Bitcoin held above $84,000 amid caution following Fed Chair Powell’s tariff warning. Ethereum stayed under $1,600, while altcoins saw varied moves. Analysts expect rangebound action due to macro uncertainty, miner activity, and technical indicators like a potential death cross in Bitcoin.

In Q4, mutual fund holdings in ITC remained steady at 12.87%, while foreign institutional investors (FIIs) slightly reduced their stake from 40.17% to 39.87% quarter-on-quarter. Additionally, the number of FII investors declined significantly, dropping from 1,675 to 974 during the March quarter.

Over the past two decades, the Nifty Midcap 150 has generally outperformed the Nifty 100, delivering higher returns but with greater volatility, especially during market downturns like 2008. While midcaps offer significant growth potential during economic expansions, large-caps provide stability in uncertain times, suggesting a diversified approach may be optimal for long-term investors.

Short covering occurred in four stocks on April 17, with a decrease in open interest and a rise in stock prices. Stocks include Dr Reddy s Laboratories, Hindustan Copper, National Aluminium, and Manappuram Finance.

KFin Technologies’ shares surged 8.7% after the company revealed an agreement to acquire a 51% controlling stake in Singapore-based Ascent Fund Services for $34.7 million. The acquisition will accelerate KFin’s entry into the global fund administration market, enhancing its international client base and regulatory licenses.

PSU banks have rebounded, delivering up to 23% returns in a month, driven by RBI’s rate cut stance and improving asset quality. Experts see further upside, with stocks like SBI, BoB, and Canara Bank showing strong potential.

Japan s Nikkei share average bounced back on Thursday from the previous session s declines, helped by a weaker yen after the first round of closely watched trade negotiations between Tokyo and Washington were lauded by President Donald Trump.

​The kind of exposure that you have in your portfolio should be such that in the worst case at least the relative damage from a sector point of view, from a bottoms-up point of view should be as limited as possible, that is the approach we have taken in our portfolio while remaining cognisant to the risk which is emerging every alternate day on a new front.

Wipro faces revenue growth challenges, particularly in Europe, despite growth in America. The company focuses on large deals and cost optimization to maintain profitability amidst margin pressures. Strategic priorities include targeting key accounts, building AI-powered solutions, and upskilling talent. Wipro is committed to returning capital to shareholders while navigating uncertain market conditions.

Rahul Sharma of JM Financial Services advises booking profits on Nifty longs due to resistance levels and gap-up driven rally. He suggests focusing on banks and financials, particularly Cholamandalam Finance and Bank of Baroda. Adani Ports is also highlighted for potential upside. He recommends underweighting midcaps and smallcaps, favoring largecaps and sectors like domestic consumption.