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Gold, silver soared in 2025, stocks were major drags. What could 2026 have in store for investors?
After gold and silver delivered spectacular gains in 2025, Indian equities enter 2026 shaped by slower global rate cuts, geopolitical risks and a shift from slowdown to recovery. Largecaps may stay resilient, while mid and smallcaps could benefit from improving consumption trends and banking reforms, though global growth and currency risks persist, a report by 1 Finance suggest.
Laurus Labs shares are up 100% in the last 12 months and Motilal Oswal sees further upside
Motilal Oswal expects Laurus Labs to end financial year 2026 with a Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹850 crore and reach ₹1,150 crore by financial year 2028, implying a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16% by this period.
Behind MPC Pause: RBI Rate-Setting Panel Weighed In On Benign Inflation, Buoyant Growth, Minutes Show
Vendors in Bengaluru, India.
India's core sector grows at 4% in Jan-26, Steel and Cement production surges
The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) increased by 4.0 per cent (provisional) in January, 2026 as compared to the Index in January, 2025. Growth has eased from a revised 4.7% in December. The production of Cement, Steel, Electricity, Fertilizer and Coal recorded positive growth in January, 2026. The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 percent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The final growth rate of Index of Eight Core Industries for December 2025 was observed at 4.7 per cent. The cumulative growth rate of ICI during April to January, 2025-26 is 2.8 per cent (provisional) as compared to the corresponding period of last year.
RBI notes overall demand conditions remain upbeat, electricity demand sustains robust growth
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stated in its latest monthly update that economic activity continued to be resilient in January, as evidenced by high-frequency indicators of energy consumption, digital payments, trade and logistics. E-way bills continued to exhibit double- digit growth supported by GST rate rationalisation. Electricity demand sustained its robust growth, primarily due to higher demand on account of the cold wave conditions across northern and eastern regions of the country, as well as from sustained industrial activity. GST revenue growth held steady. Petroleum consumption growth remained resilient, notwithstanding the deceleration. Digital payments registered steady growth in both transaction value and volume. Toll collections in January continued with the declining trend, observed post the introduction of the FASTag Annual Pass scheme in August 2025.
INR tumbles near three-week low amid surging international oil prices, firm dollar overseas
The Indian rupee plunged 31 paise to settle at 90.99 (provisional) against the US dollar on Friday, tracking a strong American currency against major currencies and higher crude oil prices amid intensifying US-Iran tensions. Positive momentum in domestic equity markets failed to support the Indian unit. Indian shares bounced back on Friday after falling sharply in the previous session on rising geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over the Federal Reserve's rate path. The benchmark BSE Sensex jumped 316.57 points, or 0.38 percent, to 82,814.71. The broader NSE Nifty index surged 116.90 points, or 0.46 percent, to 25,571.25, with metal and banking stocks leading the surge.
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance hit with Rs 984 crore tax demand
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance faces a significant tax demand of Rs 984 crore. An appellate order upheld the demand, which relates to input tax credit reversal. The company plans to file a further appeal. Despite the large sum, ICICI Prudential Life states there is no immediate impact. This development concerns tax liabilities from July 2017 to July 2022.
HUL approves ₹2,000-cr investment to expand premium beauty & well-being, home care biz
The investment aligns with HUL’s strategy of focusing on fewer, bigger bets and strengthening its presence in high-growth demand areas, including premium skin care, hair care, personal care, and home care liquids. Shares of Hindustan Unilever Ltd ended at ₹2,323.70, up by ₹11.50, or 0.50%, on the BSE today, February 18.
NSE and BSE to Remain Open 1st February 2026 for Union Budget Session - ICICI Direct
NSE and BSE to Remain Open 1st February 2026 for Union Budget SessionICICI Direct
NSE and BSE to Remain Open 1st February 2026 for Union Budget Session - ICICI Direct
NSE and BSE to Remain Open 1st February 2026 for Union Budget SessionICICI Direct
ICICI Prudential MF acquires additional 1% stake in AWL Agri Business for Rs 234 crore
ICICI AMC through its Multi-Asset Fund had held 3.84 percent stake in AWL Agri Business as of March 2026.
Markets end higher in volatile week; rupee recovers from record low
The total market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies rose marginally by ₹1.79 lakh crore during the week. Among the gainers, Reliance Industries led the increase in market capitalisation, while ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, and Axis Bank witnessed a decline in their market capitalisation.