SINGAPORE BANKING STOCKS
D Street lights up, ends Diwali week with a firecracker of a Friday
Indian stocks witnessed impressive growth, with the Sensex and Nifty surging over 2%, defying declines in Asian markets. This robust rally is fueled by strong corporate earnings coupled with declining crude oil prices, boosting investor morale significantly. Over the recent weeks, foreign portfolio investors have surpassed net purchases of $4 billion, enhancing the positive outlook.
Rupee finds its footing as oil worries cool, traders watch flow momentum
The Indian rupee climbed to its highest value in two weeks, following a notable fall in oil prices. This uplifting trend was mirrored by a stark rise in Indian stock markets and a reduction in bond yields. Recently, foreign investments poured into Indian equities, showcasing hefty net purchases. Analysts emphasize that ongoing investment inflows are crucial for bolstering the rupee further, as market sentiment improves amid reduced energy cost pressures.
DBS Group Q3 net profit falls 5% to S$2.81 billion, misses estimates
DBS Group reported a 5% year-on-year decline in third-quarter net profit to S$2.81 billion, missing analyst estimates due to weaker market trading income. The bank also announced dividends and a leadership transition, with Anthony Lim set to become chairman in January 2027.
Issue for foreigners is they don't pay taxes elsewhere: Samir Arora, founder and Group CIO of Helios Capital
Samir Arora from Helios Capital discusses India's optimistic earnings forecast, suggesting a growth of 14-15%. Despite this, foreign investors remain wary due to uncertainties surrounding the capital gains tax regime, impacting their sentiment towards investment. He draws an analogy between the current AI investment frenzy and historical market trends, emphasizing that substantial corporate investments are persisting even amidst falling valuations.
Why Walmart would rather keep Flipkart private, for now
Over the past few weeks, much has been written about former employees of the online commerce company writing to Walmart's board, asking for liquidity on the stock options they were granted 10 to 15 years ago. On October 1, at least eight former senior executives, among them former Myntra CEO Mukesh Bansal and former chief business officer Ankit Nagori, wrote to Walmart chairman Gregory Penner, other board members and Flipkart Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy, seeking a complete exit for all former employees holding vested options.
India’s business owners need to match the global ambitions of Korean and Chinese peers: Gautam Kumra, Chairman of McKinsey's offices in Asia
McKinsey Asia chairman Gautam Kumra discusses why owner-led businesses have outperformed professionally managed and state-owned peers, accounting for $7 trillion of the $14 trillion in market value created by Asia’s top 300 companies over 25 years. He explains the leadership traits that distinguish founders, succession challenges, AI adoption and why Indian businesses must look beyond domestic markets to build global franchises.
Global Market Today: Asian stocks slide after US tech rout
MSCI Inc.’s regional equities benchmark slipped 0.3%, declining for a second day, leaving the gauge hovering around levels last seen in July. Taiwan’s stock exchange will be shut Friday due to a typhoon. Sentiment stayed weak as contracts for the Nasdaq 100 Index fell 0.3% in early Asian trading.
I-T likely to send notices over undisclosed foreign property
The Income-Tax Department will send notices to resident Indians regarding undisclosed foreign properties. Information was obtained through spontaneous exchanges and prior investigations into overseas assets. The FAST-DS scheme allows individuals to voluntarily disclose properties without facing penalties or prosecution. This opportunity aims to regularize the foreign assets of small taxpayers effectively. Overall participation in the scheme has been lower than anticipated due to its limitations.
AI debutant’s flameout stokes fears boom is ending
Elice, a data center and AI developer, faced a significant decline in its stock price during its debut. This situation exemplifies a broader trend where investors are increasingly skeptical about AI valuations and prospects. Several companies, including CoreWeave and Firmus Grid, have also encountered investor pushback regarding their financial outlooks. Rising borrowing costs are contributing to these concerns, impacting the performance of tech stocks, including semiconductors.
Jio Platforms' IPO draws Rs 2.5 lakh crore in anchor bids
Global investors included BlackRock Global Funds, Capital Group, Fidelity, New World Fund and American Funds Developing World Growth and Income Fund. Other overseas participants included Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Janus Henderson, Societe Generale, Morgan Stanley Investment Funds, Norway's Government Pension Fund Global, Citadel Securities Singapore, Eastspring Investments, T. Rowe Price, Prudential Hong Kong and Integrated Core Strategies (Asia).
Oil Price Today (October 19): Crude oil dips 2% to $108 after hitting its highest levels since May. Here’s why
Brent crude futures dropped $1.80, or 1.64%, to $108.06 a barrel after settling at their highest level since May 19 on Friday. US West Texas Intermediate crude declined 53 cents, or 0.52%, to $100.88 a barrel.
Global investors against use of judicial anti-avoidance rule by tax officials
International investors have raised concerns regarding the Indian Income-tax authorities' invocation of the judicial anti-avoidance rule. At a recent meeting, investors communicated their issues with the Central Board of Direct Taxes on this matter. The use of JAAR to deny relief on grandfathered shares contradicts prior regulations established by the CBDT. The standing of both GAAR and JAAR remains complex due to Supreme Court rulings.
FMCG stocks lost their tag of defensive stocks, will they get it back? 7 FMCG stocks with an upside potential of up to 32%
Those who have been following the market for long know this: When there is nervousness on the street, money instinctively moves towards a particular sector. That is the one with companies that sell soaps, biscuits, tea – all the everyday things that people buy whether the news is good or bad. Yes, we are talking about the FMCG sector.
Axis Bank appoints former HDFC Bank veteran Rahul Shukla to head Commercial, Bharat Banking
Axis Bank has appointed Rahul Shukla as the group head of Commercial and Bharat Banking, effective October 19. He brings over three decades of banking experience, previously working at HDFC Bank and Citibank. Shukla's role will focus on accelerating growth and customer relationships in rural and semi-urban markets.
Market selloff, rising rates test AI data centre deal boom
A market selloff is forcing companies driving the global AI boom to delay fundraising plans or pay more for capital as investors demand proof they can absorb rising interest rates and computing-power costs.
Global Market: AI trade faces biggest test yet as chip stocks tumble across Asia
Asian AI stocks tumbled as rising bond yields, higher financing costs, and concerns over excessive infrastructure spending weakened investor confidence. South Korea’s Kospi and Japan’s chipmakers suffered sharp losses, while AI-related funding faced tougher scrutiny. Investors increasingly demand sustainable revenues and profits, questioning whether massive AI investments will deliver expected returns.
Bandhan Bank shares jump 7% as Abu Dhabi’s IHC explores stake in promoter Bandhan Financial Services
Bandhan Bank shares jumped nearly 7% after reports that Abu Dhabi-based IHC was in early-stage discussions to acquire a promoter stake in Bandhan Financial Services, potentially giving existing investors an exit opportunity.
IHC, First Abu Dhabi eye stake in Bandhan Bank promoter
Early investors GIC & IFC jointly hold 30% in Bandhan Financial Services (BFSL), keen to exit. PE funds tapped too to gauge strategic interest. BFSL, led by Bandhan founder Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, has been working with advisers Jefferies to find strategic investors for 25-32%.
Policymakers take on energy shock, rising debt at IMF-World Bank meetings
Finance ministers and central bankers will meet in Bangkok to discuss challenges affecting the global economy this week. The key concerns include the economic fallout from the US-Iran war and rising inflation. Policymakers face difficult choices regarding spending and support for vulnerable populations amid growing financial pressures. Investment in artificial intelligence presents new opportunities and challenges, especially for developing nations. The meetings will shape responses to these ongoing global issues.
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