Indian equities ended in the green on Friday, with the Nifty 50 rising for an eighth consecutive session, as softer U.S. labour market data helped temper concerns from a stronger-than-expected inflation reading, bolstering expectations that the Federal Reserve could begin cutting interest rates.

Indian equities may remain range-bound in the near term but are set to pick up momentum in the second half of the fiscal, driven by earnings recovery and GST-led consumption boost, said Mahesh Patil, Chief Investment Officer at Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC.

SME IPOs in 2025 have raised Rs 6,819 crore by August, marking the second-highest annual fundraising. With 154 issues, the segment shows strong investor interest. Fourteen IPOs turned multibaggers, supported by solid fundamentals and growth narratives. The market is poised to challenge 2024’s record, highlighting SMEs’ role in India’s equity growth.

The Indian rupee faces pressure, testing levels near 88.6. Currency experts, like Anindya Banerjee, draw parallels to 2013 s underperformance. Factors include FPI outflows, reduced FDI, and trade disputes with the U.S. Despite a weaker rupee compared to other currencies, optimism remains. The Reserve Bank of India may intervene if the rupee weakens further.

Defence company stocks experienced a surge. This was fueled by government spending and indigenisation efforts. Apollo Micro Systems and GRSE saw significant gains. Technology transfer deals and new orders boosted MTAR Technologies. HAL received engines for the Tejas Mk1A program. Experts highlight the sector s structural growth potential. They cite strong order books and profitability as key factors.

Japanese government bond yields showed mixed movements on Friday, with shorter-dated yields rising and longer-term yields falling. The 30-year JGB yield declined after hitting a record high, attracting dip buyers and international investors. Meanwhile, short-term JGB yields increased due to accelerating inflation and hawkish signals from the Bank of Japan, fueling speculation about potential interest rate hikes.

Japan s Nikkei share average ended at a closing high for a second straight session on Friday, as chip-related stocks tracked Wall Street s strong finish overnight.

Sigachi Industries shares surged 15% to Rs 43.24 on September 12, rising nearly 40% over two sessions. Gains were driven by US-India trade optimism, strong volumes, and an upcoming dividend record date. Q1 FY26 showed revenue growth but a net loss, while operations remain impacted by a June plant explosion.

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In CY25, select BSE500 stocks have significantly outperformed the broader market. Nine top performers, led by Godfrey Phillips India, have surged between 50% and 99%, rewarding investors. With bullish momentum continuing into the final quarter, market watchers are closely tracking these equity winners.