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Retail direct equity bets fall, MF holdings rise to new high
Individual investors reduced direct equity ownership for the third consecutive quarter, while mutual fund holdings reached a record high, driven by surging retail inflows. Foreign ownership hit a 14-year low amid a risk-off sentiment, contrasting with domestic institutional holdings climbing to an all-time peak.
Earnings Boom: 10 stocks with over 100% profit growth in Q4FY26
Several Nifty 500 companies reported over 100% year-on-year net profit growth in Q4FY26, reflecting strong earnings momentum. Firms like Eternal, India Cements, Kajaria Ceramics, and Chennai Petroleum led gains, showcasing improved profitability across sectors including finance, banking, and manufacturing.

TCG Asset Management’s Shahzad Madon picks digital infra, defence & renewables as key themes
Shahzad Madon of TCG Asset Management says investors should focus on long-term themes like energy transition, digital infrastructure, defence and manufacturing amid global uncertainty. He believes these sectors will see strong multi-year growth driven by geopolitical changes and rising demand. Madon prefers transmission plays within renewables, and remains comfortable with EMS companies due to steady earnings growth and improving margins. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on CNBCTV18.com are their own and not that of the website or its management. CNBCTV18.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
MFs pull back: Stakes cut in 11 smallcap stocks in Q3 after two quarters of buying
Mutual funds have sold shares in 67 BSE small-cap companies. This move follows two quarters of buying. Many of these stocks have seen their prices drop significantly this fiscal year. Some have gained substantially. However, the focus is on the major losers. This shift in mutual fund strategy warrants investor attention.

Markets in ‘fear phase’, deploy money in autos, banks, capital goods: AlfAccurate’s Rajesh Kothari
The sharp correction in Indian equities triggered by fears of a prolonged war in West Asia should be viewed as a buying opportunity, according to Rajesh Kothari, Managing Director at AlfAccurate Advisors.Benchmark indices declined nearly 3% this week — their steepest weekly fall in over a year — as rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions rattled investor sentiment. Financial stocks led the decline, with the Nifty Bank logging its biggest weekly drop in 14 months.However, Kothari believes the selloff reflects sentiment rather than a deterioration in underlying economic fundamentals.“We are currently in a fearful phase of the market. When others are fearful, that’s usually the time to be greedy,” Kothari told CNBC-TV18, advising investors to deploy money gradually over the next 30–60 days rather than attempting to time the market.He emphasised that the outcome of the West Asia conflict is less important for markets than its duration. While companies with exposure to the Middle East could face short-term uncertainty, the broader domestic growth story remains intact.Against this backdrop, Kothari highlighted four sectors that investors should focus on.Autos remain a key bet, supported by strong demand trends and low inventory levels across the industry. February sales data was robust, and leading automakers have reported healthy growth, signalling sustained momentum.Banking and financials are another preferred sector. Credit growth has improved to around 13% from about 8.5% earlier, while asset quality remains strong. According to Kothari, the sector could become a “strong buy on declines” if crude-driven inflation concerns ease.He also sees opportunities in capital goods, particularly companies reporting strong order inflows as India’s investment cycle picks up.Lastly, hospitals stand out as a defensive play. The sector remains largely insulated from geopolitical risks and technological disruptions such as artificial intelligence.“These are strong India stori

US Steps In to Escort Ships in Hormuz | Oil Near $108 | Kotak Bank Steady | Opening Bell
Markets kick off the week with global tensions in focus as US President Donald Trump announces “Project Freedom” to escort stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran calls the US response to its 14-point proposal unacceptable, keeping geopolitical risks elevated and pushing Brent crude near $108. US markets ended higher on Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and NASDAQ Composite gaining up to 1.6%, supported by strong earnings from Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and Estée Lauder. Economic data remains mixed, with steady manufacturing activity and a rise in consumption. Back home, Kotak Mahindra Bank reports a stable quarter, while GIFT Nifty suggests a positive start for Indian markets. Investors also keep a close watch on state election results for further cues.