Asian stocks are poised for a rebound, mirroring Wall Street s positive sentiment driven by resilient US labor market data and a brief retreat in tech shares. Investors see opportunities in the current market pullback, with strong earnings momentum and encouraging economic indicators supporting a bullish outlook. Meanwhile, Treasuries slipped as the Fed signaled a less dovish stance.

Markets closed lower on the weekly expiry day, with the Nifty 50 slipping 0.7% to 25,600, retesting its 20-day EMA. Several companies like Paytm, IndiGo, and M&M are in focus due to Q2 results and news developments, impacting trading sentiment.

Domestic institutional investors holdings in Indian stocks reached an all-time high in the September quarter, widening the gap with overseas investors to a 25-year peak. While local funds, fueled by retail inflows, continued to invest, foreign investors sold shares amid growth and valuation concerns, preferring other markets.

Emirates NBD Bank plans to acquire a 26% stake in RBL Bank via an open offer at ₹280 per share, totaling ₹11,636 crore. This move, part of a larger $3 billion investment to gain a majority stake, marks a significant FDI in India s banking sector. RBL Bank is seeking an increased FDI limit to facilitate the transaction.

Jewellery stocks are experiencing a rally driven by robust festive demand and the upcoming wedding season, despite higher gold and silver prices. Analysts anticipate continued momentum, with strong quarterly results and shifting consumer preferences towards modern designs supporting sales and margins. While near-term outlook remains positive, potential moderation in gains is expected after the recent surge.

Mahindra & Mahindra is set to exit RBL Bank by selling its entire 3.5% stake. The deal is valued at approximately $78 million. Kotak Securities is managing the transaction. The sale is scheduled for Thursday. This move represents a profitable exit for Mahindra, which had invested in the bank in July 2023.

Hindustan Unilever Limited s notice for Priya Nair s appointment as CEO included an unusual offer: shareholders could obtain a copy of her CEO agreement via email. While not legally mandated, this move goes beyond typical inspection procedures, sparking debate on transparency versus competitive risks in executive contracts.

Indian equities closed lower amid persistent FII outflows, with market direction hinging on Q2 earnings and global macro signals. Positive US-India trade talks could boost sentiment and export-linked sectors. The rupee recovered, gaining 7 paise against the dollar, supported by a correction in global crude oil prices.

State Bank of India shares surged following strong September-quarter results, with analysts upgrading price targets and projecting a 7-20% upside. The bank s profit after tax rose 10% year-on-year, beating estimates, and asset quality improved. This performance has attracted renewed investor interest in public sector banks.