FINANCIAL SECTOR RISKS
ICICI Bank shares rise 2% after Q4 results. What Jefferies, Bernstein and other brokerages are saying
Brokerages remain bullish on ICICI Bank after a strong quarter, citing stable margins, healthy loan growth and improving asset quality. Motilal Oswal, Elara Capital and JM Financial maintained buy ratings, with target prices up to Rs 1,783. They expect steady returns, strong buffers and consistent execution to support premium valuations and earnings growth over FY27-28.
As costs remain high, MFIs raise rates
Microfinance lending rates are rising for the poorest borrowers. This is happening despite a government credit guarantee scheme designed to lower these rates. Microfinance companies cite their own increased borrowing expenses as the main reason. They are paying more to banks for funds. This trend is impacting the cost for end borrowers.
Public sector banks told to take quantum leap in encryption for added security
Indian banks are preparing for a quantum computing future. The finance ministry has asked public sector banks to explore quantum-resistant encryption. This move aims to secure financial systems against future threats. Experts warn quantum computers could break current encryption. India's National Quantum Mission is also building a quantum communication network.
MDBs to deepen collaboration to support nations amid heightened global uncertainty
Global development banks are joining forces to help countries navigate economic challenges. They are combining resources and knowledge to manage immediate pressures and build future resilience. The banks are ready to provide timely support to manage risks and protect vulnerable populations. Collaboration will focus on private sector growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
Need innovative solutions to finance nuclear projects: Official
India is planning a significant expansion of its nuclear energy sector. Experts emphasize the need for new financial strategies and robust risk-sharing frameworks. The SHANTI Act of 2025 is enabling private sector involvement. Accelerating site studies and ensuring long-term fuel supply are crucial steps. These efforts aim to boost clean energy generation and achieve ambitious capacity targets by 2047.
ETMarkets AIF Talk| 3M framework helps us identify sustainable compounders: Rajesh Kothari
Amid market volatility, Rajesh Kothari advocates a disciplined stock-picking approach using his 3M framework—Market Size, Market Share, and Margin of Safety—to identify high-quality companies with strong long-term compounding potential.
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German banks examine risks of Anthropic's Mythos with authorities
German banks and authorities are scrutinizing Anthropic's new AI model, Mythos. Experts warn it could boost cyberattacks, posing challenges to banking systems. Regulators in Britain and the United States are also concerned. Anthropic is working with tech firms and banks to prepare defenses for future vulnerabilities. Updates are expected soon.
West Asia War: India’s BBB rating seen stable despite energy shock; S&P flags corporate stress, weaker credit growth
West Asia War: India's sovereign rating remains stable despite rising energy costs. However, supply disruptions for food and fuel could impact company credit quality. Top companies may see earnings drop, increasing debt ratios. Sectors like refining and airlines are most vulnerable. Banks might see slower credit growth. Government revenue could be affected by fuel price support measures.
Bank of England says it is testing AI risks to financial system
The Bank of England is actively assessing artificial intelligence risks to the financial system. They are conducting simulations and working with global partners to understand AI's impact on trading. This proactive approach aims to address potential market stress. Meanwhile, the Treasury Committee urges faster action on regulating critical AI and cloud firms.
Earnings may drop but opportunity bigger; Vikas Khemani makes bullish call on India markets
Indian markets are rallying after a sell-off. Vikas Khemani of Carnelian Asset Management believes India's investment case remains strong. He sees short-term earnings disruptions as opportunities. Khemani has increased exposure to banking, financial services, and aviation. He also believes the narrative around Indian IT is exaggerated, with AI presenting new opportunities.
Why are US stock market futures up today, and will Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq stay in green or turn red again? Wall Street prediction, US stocks to watch, analysts insights, market outlook and what should investors do now
Why are US stock market futures up today, and will Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq stay in green or turn red again? Futures rise as investors track Middle East diplomacy and earnings season. Analysts say sentiment improved after strong bank results and ceasefire talks. Markets remain sensitive to geopolitical news and company earnings. Traders now watch key results and global developments.
Indian restaurants' 'slowdown' is ringing up a ₹79,000 cr bill as Iran war chokes LPG supply
The Indian dining scene is looking at a staggering monthly loss of ₹79,000 crore as a result of a commercial LPG shortage. This hiccup is forcing all types of eateries to shut down temporarily or seek alternative cooking methods.
ETMarkets AIF Talk| Performing credit emerges as core portfolio allocation for investors: Amit Dharod
India’s private credit market is emerging as a key part of alternative investments, supported by structural changes in lending and rising demand for stable returns. Once a niche, performing credit is becoming a core allocation, driven by a funding gap in mid-market firms and the flexibility of AIFs to provide customised financing.
Mutual funds raise tech exposure in March after 8-year low. Tactical move or trend reversal?
Mutual funds raised tech exposure in March after an eight-year low, driven by tactical rebalancing and improved valuations. Experts say global cues like US tech recovery and easing rate concerns are aiding sentiment. Despite recent losses of up to 25%, the sector outlook remains gradually positive, supported by AI and cloud trends, though near-term volatility persists.
Mutual fund bulls vs FII bears: The Rs 38,000 crore battle for 5 popular bank stocks
Domestic mutual funds bought banking stocks worth Rs 38,000 crore in March, countering heavy FII selling of Rs 60,655 crore during the Iran war selloff. Major accumulation was seen in HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Axis Bank. HDFC Bank emerged as the top pick across leading mutual fund houses, according to Prime Database estimates.
IMF’s Georgieva sees no risk of sharp downturn in India, flags financial sector as key watchpoint
India's economy shines brightly amidst global uncertainty. Growth is projected to be more than double the world's average. This strong performance is driven by stable economic conditions and consistent domestic demand. The International Monetary Fund's Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva highlighted these robust fundamentals. There are no signs of a significant slowdown in India's growth path.
11 nations call for coordinated IMF-World Bank support amid Middle East war risks
The finance ministers of 11 countries including Britain and Japan called Wednesday for "coordinated emergency support" to help countries hit by disruptions from the war in the Middle East. "We call on the IMF and World Bank to provide a coordinated emergency support offer for countries in need, tailored to country circumstances and drawing on the full range and flexibility of their toolkits," the ministers said in a joint statement issued by the UK government.
Quote of the day by David Tepper: "I am the animal at the head of the pack. I either get eaten, or I get the good grass."
David Tepper's 'animal at the head of the pack' philosophy highlights the survival-driven mindset needed in finance. It emphasises bold, opportunistic bets during market stress, focusing on contrarian thinking, risk acceptance, and decisive action to seize opportunities rather than succumbing to fear.
Liquidity unlocked, access denied: With rating rules, how TReDS leaves most MSMEs behind
Despite the government’s TReDS push, experts say the RBI’s move to ease onboarding lacks clarity as credit ratings continue to be a key bottleneck, limiting MSME participation.
ETMarkets Smart Talk | FY27 volatility a phase of adjustment, not a trend reversal; India’s growth story intact: Rajesh Iyer
FY27 begins with market volatility due to geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices, but experts see it as an adjustment phase. India's strong structural growth, supported by domestic consumption and public capex, offers constructive medium- to long-term prospects with stock-specific opportunities.
India's strong fundamentals to cushion oil shock, growth may slow up to 80 bps: S&P Global Ratings
India's strong economic and financial foundations are expected to absorb a sustained oil price shock, though growth could dip by 80 basis points if crude hits $130/barrel in 2026. Corporate earnings and bank asset quality might weaken, but robust balance sheets and well-capitalized banks offer significant buffers against prolonged disruptions.
ETMarkets Smart Talk| Financials, consumer discretionary, metals to drive FY27 growth: Rahul Bhuskute
Despite a volatile start to FY27 driven by geopolitical risks, oil price swings, and rate uncertainty, the outlook for Indian equities remains positive. Rahul Bhuskute of Bharti AXA Life Insurance expects near-term volatility and range-bound markets, but sees sector-led opportunities in financials, consumer discretionary, and metals supporting growth.
India Inc stares at a reckoning as Mythos rewires cybersecurity
Indian enterprises could be facing a structural cybersecurity risk after the release of the advanced AI model Mythos by Anthropic. As Mythos begins finding software vulnerabilities in hours, far faster than companies can fix them, experts said this could leave systems exposed, especially in sectors like banking and telecom that rely on older systems.
AI without safeguards can amplify existing weaknesses in financial sector: RBI DG
In a recent conference, Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Swaminathan J raised a red flag regarding the integration of AI in finance. He emphasized that, if left unchecked, AI could not only amplify existing challenges but also introduce unforeseen complications. On one hand, AI can transform customer interactions and enhance access to credit; on the other hand, it harbors potential pitfalls.
AI without safeguards can amplify existing weaknesses in financial sector: RBI deputy governor
Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Swaminathan J cautioned about AI in finance, saying that without proper safeguards, AI adoption can worsen existing issues and introduce new harms. While AI offers benefits like improved customer service and credit delivery, it also presents risks such as bias, opacity and data privacy concerns, he said.
Why are US stock market futures down today, and will Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq stay in red or turn green again? Wall Street futures, US stocks to watch out for, analysts insights, market outlook and what should investors do now
Why are US stock market futures down today, and will Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq stay in red or turn green again? Wall Street futures fell after failed talks between the United States and Iran. Oil prices crossed $100 again. Inflation fears rose. Investors moved to safe assets. Earnings season is starting. Travel stocks dropped while energy stocks gained. Markets now watch geopolitics and corporate earnings.
Can Trump’s Iran blockade plunge India into an 'everything crisis'?
India has so far managed the oil shock from the Iran war through policy buffers, diversified crude sourcing and intervention by the Reserve Bank of India, keeping inflation and supply chains stable. However, the proposed US naval blockade of Iranian ports by Donald Trump risks escalating the situation and disrupting energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially driving oil prices higher and prolonging the shock.
AUSTRAC flags financial crime risks in foreign-owned banks over low AML reporting and money mule activity
Australia's financial intelligence agency, AUSTRAC, has flagged serious concerns regarding foreign banks. Weaknesses in controls and low reporting of suspicious transactions are allowing criminals to exploit the system. Money mule activity is also a significant risk, particularly through foreign subsidiaries. AUSTRAC is urging banks to enhance their anti-money laundering systems and improve transaction monitoring to safeguard the nation's financial integrity.
Demand for senior technology leaders in India is bucking a slowdown in broader tech hiring
As per experts, many MNCs are considering shifting global tech positions to India, mostly to their GCCs. Ratna Gupta, senior partner, ABC Consultants, said the uptick in tech leadership hiring is strong, especially over the last two–three quarters in comparison to the first half of FY25 when companies were relatively cautious. There is an about 20% increase in mandates at the director, vice-president and higher levels, she said. “Quite a few country heads for GCCs are also coming in.”
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