S&P 500 ended almost flat as Microsoft declined, while Meta Platforms recorded gains amid ongoing market fluctuations. Oil prices surged following geopolitical tensions and a missile attack on Saudi Arabia, raising supply concerns. Treasury yields also increased, with the 30-year bond yield reaching its highest level since 2004. Traders anticipate a significant chance of another Federal Reserve interest rate hike based on recent business activity data.
Philadelphia Federal Reserve President Anna Paulson indicated that additional interest rate hikes could be warranted to combat inflation. She stated that inflation remains persistently high, with underlying inflation at about 2.5 to 3%. Paulson characterized the US economy as relatively strong despite external pressures from tariffs and the Middle East conflict. Policymakers expect one further rate increase by the end of the year to manage inflation levels.
In a significant move, AceVector, the owner of Snapdeal, has successfully garnered Rs 189 crore from anchor investors for its upcoming IPO, scheduled to open on September 25 with a set price range of Rs 30-32 per share. Major allocations were made to funds like Negen Undiscovered Value Fund and Singularity Growth Opportunities Fund II.
Sebi has widened the definition of accredited investors by introducing new asset criteria for individuals and corporates. The board approved a common advertisement code that allows celebrity endorsements for brand promotions while restricting specific product advertisements. Furthermore, the agency introduced a new settlement scheme for non-genuine trades in illiquid stock options. Changes aim to simplify accreditation procedures and encourage listing of non-convertible debt securities.
Sebi’s board approved PRIM, allowing portfolio managers to invest client money in direct mutual fund plans, ETFs, index funds and SIFs. The new route carries a Rs 25 lakh minimum ticket size and expands PMS portfolio construction options beyond direct equities.
HDFC Mutual Fund bought 25 lakh PB Fintech shares worth about Rs 321 crore at Rs 1,282.30 each, even as the stock plunged 36% after IRDAI proposed renewed insurance commission caps, raising concerns over the company’s general insurance revenues.
Indian equities suffered a sharp selloff, with Sensex plunging 1,248 points and Nifty falling 1.6% as US Treasury yields hit 19-year highs, crude stayed above $100 and geopolitical concerns intensified. Financial stocks led losses, while market breadth remained heavily negative.
Sebi expanded its vault managers framework beyond Electronic Gold Receipts to cover bullion underlying specified ETFs and derivatives, while raising vault managers’ net-worth requirement to Rs 75 crore and strengthening security, segregation, compliance and governance requirements.
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