CITI's latest India Equity Strategy report highlights resilient earnings in the third quarter of FY24, with BSE 100 and Nifty posting substantial growth in EBITDA. Auto and healthcare sectors performed well, while financials and materials fell short of expectations. CITI analysts have a positive outlook on state-run utilities and defence, industrials, banks, and insurance.

HSBC Holdings had a successful year in 2022, with CEO N. Quinn expressing optimism for the company's future. However, he also warned of potential challenges ahead, including tough market conditions in China and Hong Kong and US-China tensions. Analysts predict strong earnings and potential share buybacks for HSBC in 2023, but the sale of their Canadian business could impact the company's profits.

The Bank of Japan is considering ending negative interest rates in the coming months, despite the recent recession and weak domestic demand. They are closely monitoring wage growth before making a decision. The next round of annual wage negotiations will be more important than the recent GDP data. The governor of the central bank has been working to shift away from radical monetary stimulus.

Mumbai's current account deficit (CAD) estimates for FY24 have been revised down due to a smaller trade deficit and higher services exports in January. FDI and portfolio flows are expected to improve, but the rupee may not strengthen as the central bank could use the opportunity to boost its reserves. Various banks and research firms have also lowered their CAD forecasts for FY24.

Today, Adani stocks saw a huge surge in buying interest ahead of an investors' meeting on February 22, 2024. Adani Wilmar opened with a 7% rally and other group companies also witnessed strong buying. Market experts attribute the rise to speculations about fundraising and bond reset. However, they advise caution as these are mere speculations and urge investors to wait for official announcements.

Chinese regulators are facing a difficult decision regarding their monetary policy as they try to balance economic risks and deflation pressures. Despite hopes for stronger stimulus, the central bank has refrained from cutting interest rates, but has taken other steps to boost confidence in the economy. However, with external factors such as the US-China trade war and strength of the USD in play.

Shares of Healthcare Global rose 4% to a 52-week high on Feb 19 as private equity firms EQT, TPG Capital & KKR competed to acquire a controlling stake in the cancer hospital chain. The three firms are looking to buy out CVC Capital's 60% stake. CVC acquired a 59% stake in 2020 at Rs 1,100 crore and is now looking to exit. Q3 saw a revenue increase of 11%.

On February 16, high-frequency trading (HFT) firms were active in Confidence Petroleum India, Dish TV, and Zee Media Corporation. HFTs use complex algorithms to execute trades at fast speeds and are typically active in large, liquid stocks. However, in recent times, they have also been seen in smaller, illiquid stocks, which can attract retail investors due to the high volumes generated by HFTs.

PB Fintech's subsidiary, Policybazaar has been upgraded to a 'Composite Insurance Broker' from a 'Direct Insurance Broker' by the insurance regulator. This move is expected to improve reinsurance pricing for the company and allow it to deepen insurance penetration in India. The company received target upgrades from brokerages such as Morgan Stanley, BofA, Kotak Institutional Equities, and more.

Extending its winning streak for the fifth straight session, the Nifty 50, representing India's top 50 companies, soared to yet another all-time high of 22,150 points in today's session, surpassing its previous high of 22,124 touched on January 16. (Please note that this is a developing story, and updates will be provided shortly.)

Larsen & Toubro's shares saw a 1% drop on February 19 as Saudi Aramco deferred bid process for a $10-billion project in Safaniyah oilfield. The delay is due to a directive to cap production, leading to the cancellation of at least 10 EPCI deals. L&T registered a 25% growth in orders during the last quarter, with international orders accounting for 67% of the total inflow.

Goldman Sachs predicts an 8% increase in S&P 500 company profits this year, leading to a higher year-end target of 5,200 for the index. This is due to improved economic outlook and stronger margins for mega-cap stocks, especially in the tech industry. However, lower rates and oil prices may have a slight negative impact on earnings.

Paytm stock saw a 10% increase in two days due to positive news, but Jefferies has temporarily suspended coverage on the fintech company. They state that valuation could vary based on merchant/user attrition and a hit to net revenues. The RBI extended the deadline for Paytm Payments Bank ban but did not provide relief on wallet/FASTag transition.

Tata Motors Ltd has seen a significant increase in its stock value over the past year, and experts believe that the rally may continue. Short-term traders may want to consider buying the stock, with a target of Rs 975, as it has shown strong momentum and reached an all-time high recently. It is trading well above key moving averages and the RSI suggests a possible pullback.

Rail Vikas Nigam's shares rose 12% to ₹281 on Monday as it announced a ₹65,000 crore order book with 50% coming from railway projects. They also revealed plans for new offshore projects. However, officials stated that only half of this order book is from the market, while the other half is from nomination. The company has also seen a 6% drop in net profit and revenue for the December quarter.