Private sector banks experienced a decline in net profit for the second consecutive quarter due to dwindling net interest income, while public sector banks continued their double-digit growth. Overall net profit growth for the sampled banks slowed to a four-and-a-half-year low, reflecting a deceleration in net interest income, which saw its first drop in over five years.

Global central banks are showing caution in gold buying. They are navigating geopolitical issues and high prices. The long-term plan to move away from US assets continues. Reserve Bank of India is also watching geopolitical cues. High gold prices are a reason for the slowdown. RBI s gold holdings remain at a record high of 880 tonnes.

Foreign investors heavily sold Indian equities in August, withdrawing over ₹80,000 crore in July and August combined. Financial services faced the brunt, with ₹9,817 crore offloaded in the second half of August, following ₹13,471 crore earlier. IT stocks also experienced sustained pressure, with FPIs selling ₹4,905 crore in the latter half after an earlier sell-off.

OPEC+ decided to increase oil supply. They will add 137,000 barrels a day from October. This is part of a larger plan to release 1.65 million barrels a day. The decision shows optimism about the oil market. The group aims to regain market share. The next meeting is scheduled for October 5.

LG Electronics is set to launch its Indian arm s IPO in October, aiming to raise ₹15,000 crore. The offering, approved by Sebi, involves selling 15% of the local unit. This move follows a postponement due to market volatility and seeks to capitalize on the current bullish primary market momentum, making it potentially the largest IPO of 2025.

Indian stock market witnessed Nifty rebounding from 24,400, yet facing resistance near 25,000. Analysts suggest stock-specific strategies due to expected volatility. A breakout above 25,000 could propel Nifty towards 25,500, while support lies at 24,400. Metal and consumption stocks show promise, IT and financial stocks are currently under selling pressure.

Indian markets remained mostly stable on Friday, with several companies making headlines. Hyundai India will reduce prices following GST reforms, while Adani Power will develop a hydroelectric project in Bhutan. Vedanta s bid for Jaiprakash Associates includes a staggered payment plan, and Tata Motors will pass on GST benefits to commercial vehicle customers.

Supreet Chemicals, based in Gujarat, plans to launch an IPO. The specialty chemical intermediates manufacturer has filed its draft prospectus with SEBI. The IPO aims to raise ₹499 crore through a fresh issue of shares. The company intends to use the funds to establish a new manufacturing facility. Part of the proceeds will also be used to repay existing loans.

Japanese markets brace for instability as Prime Minister Ishiba s departure looms, triggering yen pressure and potential sovereign bond sell-offs. Uncertainty surrounds the fiscal policies of potential successors and the Bank of Japan s rate hike trajectory. Concerns over rising JGB yields could spill over into global debt markets, already sensitive to fiscal pressures.

Institutional lending to stockbrokers witnessed a significant surge of 28% in FY25, fueled by increased trading activity and greater investor participation in the equities market. Punjab National Bank experienced the most substantial growth, while ICICI Bank remained the leading lender. Conversely, State Bank of India reduced its exposure to this sector during the same period.