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RBI's foreign capital push reflects rising inflation

Maruti, Tata lead hatchback revival

For nearly a decade, India's carmakers chased the sport utility vehicle (SUV) dream.Higher margins, aspirational buyers and a growing appetite for larger vehicles pushed manufacturers to flood showrooms with sport utility vehicles and compact SUVs, steadily relegating hatchbacks — once the backbone of India's passenger vehicle market — to the sidelines.Also Read: Tata Motors PV launches next-gen Tiago from Rs 4.69 lakh, Tiago.ev from Rs 6.99 lakh with lifetime battery warrantyThe strategy worked. Utility vehicles now account for well over half of all passenger vehicle sales in India and contributed nearly two-thirds of the 4.3 million vehicles sold in FY25.But as economic pressures mount, vehicle prices climb and first-time buyers struggle to enter the market, India's biggest automakers are beginning to acknowledge a reality they may have overlooked: the country's next wave of growth could come from the very segment they left behind.From Maruti Suzuki's renewed commitment to entry-level cars to Tata Motors' ambitious reinvention of the Tiago, hatchbacks are once again finding themselves at the centre of boardroom conversations.Also Read: Small cars strike back: Maruti Suzuki bets on mass mobility while costs squeeze fourth quarter profitsAnd this time, carmakers are betting that small cars no longer have to feel small.The forgotten customerThe shift is being driven by a growing recognition that India's passenger vehicle market cannot rely indefinitely on premiumisation.While SUVs have transformed the industry's revenue mix, they have also pushed average vehicle prices steadily higher, making car ownership increasingly difficult for millions of households.Maruti Suzuki Chairman R. C. Bhargava recently signalled the company's intent to rebalance its portfolio."We are planning to develop both small cars and SUVs. The small car market is growing. India is a country where small cars have a long-term future," Bhargava said.The comments mark a notable shift in tone from an industry that spent years focusing on larger and more expensive vehicles.For Maruti, which built its dominance on models such as the Alto, WagonR and Swift, the renewed emphasis reflects confidence that affordability will remain central to India's mobility story."A large part of the population… need small cars" for basic mobility, Bhargava said.Industry analysts say the opportunity remains substantial."In the small cars segment, there is a much bigger conversion pool that carmakers can navigate. Hence, there is this renewed push towards small cars and that segment," said Hemal Thakkar, Senior Director, Crisil Intelligence."India is a price sensitive market and hence, small cars will stay and customers are looking for upgrades within vehicles. If carmakers can provide small cars with new features and upgrades, then there will be more customers for the small car space," he added.Making hatchbacks aspirational againIf Maruti is signalling a strategic return to small cars, Tata Motors is attempting something more ambitious — making hatchbacks desirable again.The company this week unveiled the next-generation Tiago and Tiago.ev, positioning them as technology-rich products aimed at reviving a segment many in the industry had effectively written off."Hatchbacks remain the gateway to personal mobility for millions of Indian families and yet, for far too long, this segment received scarce attention from the industry, when it genuinely deserved far more," said Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles.Calling the new Tiago "not an evolution but a full reinvention", Chandra said the vehicle brings substantially upgraded design, connected technologies and safety features that were once largely reserved for more expensive categories.The next-generation Tiago gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, a dual-screen dashboard, wireless charging and a segment-first 360-degree surround-view camera."The feeling of wow shouldn't be reserved for expensive cars," Chandra said."Today hatchback customers want far more than mobility, they want design, tech, safety and pride of ownership. A car they want to flaunt."The company has also positioned the Tiago.ev as an affordable electric mobility option, offering a lifetime battery warranty and fast-charging capability that can add up to 100 kilometres of range in 18 minutes."Tiago will make EV more accessible," Chandra said.Why affordability is back in focusThe renewed interest in hatchbacks comes as affordability re-emerges as a key concern across the industry.Vehicle prices have risen sharply in recent years because of stricter regulations, higher commodity costs and the addition of new safety and technology features.That has increasingly pushed first-time buyers out of the market.According to Srikumar Krishnamurthy, Senior Vice President and Co-Group Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA Limited, hatchbacks continue to play a critical role in expanding the customer base."Hatchbacks remain a preferred segment, particularly for first-time buyers and households seeking a second vehicle, as affordability and comfort are key purchase considerations," he said."From an original equipment perspective, a presence across segments also helps improve reach, especially in Tier 2/3 cities."Krishnamurthy added that rising vehicle costs are forcing manufacturers to revisit their entry-level offerings."With input costs rising and vehicle prices expected to increase further, affordability is becoming even more important, especially in the mass-market segment. In response, OEs are looking to reposition entry-level hatchbacks and compact SUVs through new launches and refreshed variants that offer a stronger value proposition to consumers."Beyond SUVsThe industry's renewed focus on hatchbacks does not mean SUVs are going away.Far from it.Utility vehicles remain India's dominant passenger vehicle category and continue to drive growth and profitability for manufacturers.What is changing, however, is the recognition that growth cannot come solely from moving customers up the value chain.To sustain volumes, carmakers need to bring new buyers into the market.That is especially important as India adds millions of young consumers entering the workforce, many of whom are seeking their first personal vehicle but remain highly sensitive to price.Affordable electric hatchbacks could further strengthen the segment's appeal in coming years."Affordable EV hatchbacks could become an attractive proposition as charging infrastructure improves, range-anxiety concerns ease, and the financing environment becomes more supportive," Krishnamurthy said.For much of the past decade, India's hatchbacks were treated as yesterday's story while SUVs became the industry's obsession.Now, as automakers search for their next growth engine, the segment that once put millions of Indians behind the wheel is beginning to look relevant again.The future of India's auto market may still be taller, bolder and SUV-shaped. But increasingly, carmakers are recognising that the road to scale may once again begin with a hatchback.

RBI MPC highlights: Top decisions by Guv

Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Friday announced the Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) decision, with repo rate remaining unchanged at 5.25%. The status quo reflects the RBI's cautious approach amid uncertainties arising from the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has heightened concerns over inflation and economic growth. At its previous policy review in April, the RBI had kept rates unchanged, choosing to closely monitor the evolving geopolitical situation and its potential impact on energy prices, inflation and economic activity.All six members of the rate panel, which includes three central bank officials and three external appointees, voted to hold rates. The MPC decided to continue with its "neutral" stance."The central bank's rate panel noted that the global environment has deteriorated," RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said. Also Read- RBI MPC 2026 LiveKey Policy Rates Unchanged Repo rate: 5.25% Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 5.00% Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Bank Rate: 5.50% Stance: NeutralInflation updateThe governor said that the CPI inflation remains below the target despite the global shock, as the pass-through to domestic prices has been limited, while the baseline projections point towards headline inflation firming up towards the upper tolerance level in Q3 this year.

IndiGo suspends ops to 6 int'l destinations

IndiGo has announced the temporary suspension of flights to six international destinations as it adjusts its network amid softer travel demand and rising operational costs.The airline said the move is part of a broader network optimisation strategy aimed at matching capacity with current market conditions while maintaining operational efficiency.Which International Routes Has IndiGo Suspended?According to the airline, services to the following destinations will be temporarily suspended:Hong KongShanghaiHo Chi Minh CityLangkawiKrabiSiem ReapFlights to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, Langkawi and Krabi will be suspended from July 1, while services to Siem Reap will be paused from July 3.Read more: HSBC says Asia's largest slum could soon have metro stations, green spaces & 125,000 new homesThe suspension is expected to remain in place until September 30.Why Has IndiGo Suspended These Flights?IndiGo said the decision was driven by a combination of softer seasonal demand and a challenging operating environment.The airline noted that the upcoming quarter typically witnesses lower travel demand, especially on certain international routes.At the same time, airlines continue to face increased operational expenses, making it necessary to review network deployment.In a statement, IndiGo said: "These measured changes are designed to align capacity with current market conditions and demand trends, while ensuring the airline maintains reliability and network integrity across its global destinations."Will IndiGo Restart These Routes?Yes. The airline has confirmed that bookings for all affected routes will reopen from October 1, subject to an improvement in market conditions.IndiGo also stated that it remains prepared to restore services earlier if demand improves and operational conditions become more favourable.Airspace Restrictions Continue To Affect AirlinesApart from rising costs, airlines are also dealing with continuing airspace restrictions that have impacted flight operations and route planning.Several carriers globally have been forced to adjust schedules, reroute aircraft and review international networks due to changing geopolitical and operational challenges.IndiGo said it will continue monitoring the situation closely before making further decisions regarding these routes.IndiGo Retains More Than 1,800 Weekly International FlightsDespite the temporary suspension of six destinations, IndiGo said its international network remains largely intact.The airline continues to operate more than 1,800 international flights every week across its global network.This allows the carrier to maintain strong international connectivity while adjusting capacity where demand is currently weaker.What Does This Mean For Travellers?Passengers planning trips to the affected destinations between July and September may need to consider alternative airlines or adjust their travel plans.However, travellers heading to other international destinations served by IndiGo are unlikely to see any major disruption, as the airline has retained the majority of its overseas operations.The move highlights how airlines are increasingly balancing demand, operating costs and network efficiency as global travel patterns continue to evolve.IndiGo Focuses On Network OptimisationThe temporary suspension reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry, where airlines are becoming more flexible in managing capacity.Rather than operating flights with lower demand, carriers are increasingly redeploying aircraft to stronger-performing routes and adjusting schedules based on market conditions.For IndiGo, the strategy is aimed at protecting profitability while ensuring reliable operations across its growing domestic and international network.Inputs from PTI

Chinese humanoids are one step closer to IPOs

China is pitching itself as the global fulcrum for the next phase of artificial intelligence and a legion of robotics companies is lining up initial public offerings to test investor appetite.Unitree Robotics, one of the most recognizable names in the industry after its robots practicing martial arts made headlines, on Monday received approval for a listing in Shanghai. Its IPO will serve as an early test for what could be a broader wave of offerings. Hong Kong alone has at least 46 robotics-related companies in the pipeline, more than 10% of applicants, according to a report. Companies that have filed IPO applications include Leju Robotics and Deep Robotics. “Chinese humanoids are one step closer to IPOs, igniting market interest on humanoids in the second half of 2026,” Sheng Zhong, head of China industrials research at Morgan Stanley, wrote in a note. “Funds from most of the Chinese humanoids’ IPOs will go toward R&D, especially robot models.” The deep pipeline of robotics IPOs mirrors the fast rise of China’s AI ecosystem, where an array of listings whipped up an investor frenzy in the past six months. It also aligns with Beijing’s push to shift high-tech industries from innovation to large-scale deployment. China is rushing to set the pace of funding, industrialization and ultimately leadership in what Nvidia Corp. CEO Jensen Huang calls “physical AI.” Shares of OneRobotics (Shenzhen) Co. jumped as much as 18% in Hong Kong on Tuesday, while component maker Leader Harmonious Drive Systems Co. gained as much as 11% on the mainland. 131456136“This is the decade of the robot – and it belongs to China,” Barclays analysts, including Zornitsa Todorova, wrote in a note last month. “This leadership reflects a decade-long, state-guided push.”The firm says China’s robotics roll-out is already unmatched, accounting for 50% of global industrial robots and 85% of humanoids in 2025. Backed by coordinated industrial policy and tight supply-chain control, humanoids could reach about 3.8% of the nation’s labor capacity by 2035, it estimates. Unitree got a nice shoutout from Nvidia’s Huang on Monday, when he showcased his company’s endeavors in robotic AI. The two companies have partnered to build humanoid “reference” machines, featuring five-fingered hands and built-in chips to replace cumbersome “Frankenrobots” in research labs.Some investors remain more cautious, though, when looking at the companies’ fundamentals. Many robotics firms are expected to burn cash for years and concerns are mounting that valuations could run ahead of earnings.A gauge of humanoid robot stocks has fallen about 13% this year, after registering a 47% gain in 2025. ChinaAMC CSI Robot ETF, a major exchange-traded fund tracking robot-related stocks, has seen net fund outflows for most of this year. Valuations were also elevated, with the sector trading at about 40 times forward earnings, compared with about 14 times for the CSI 300 Index, according to Bloomberg-compiled data.“Investors trading at such elevated valuations are typically not driven by long-term fundamentals, but rather by the pursuit of short-term price gains,” said Shen Meng, a director at Beijing-based investment bank Chanson & Co. “It indicates that sentiment is driven more by market dynamics than by conviction or long-term vision.”The state-run China Securities Journal also struck a cautious tone in an editorial published Tuesday, warning that pre-IPO valuations may outpace fundamentals, with many firms still unprofitable, raising the risk of a sharp correction if growth or commercialization disappoints. Still, prospective issuers can look at the performance of China tech IPOs this year, with many listings thousands of times oversubscribed and producing big gains on their debuts. Two of those companies, AI model developers Knowledge Atlas Technology Joint Stock Co. and MiniMax Group Inc. last month gained inclusion in the Hang Seng Tech Index after massive rallies since their January listings. For investors, the robotics companies can also offer a way to benefit from the rapid expansion of a cutting edge industry, said Zhou Nan, founder and investment director of Shenzhen Long Hui Fund Management Co.“With continued advances in AI, the robotics sector is poised for substantial long-term growth,” Zhou said. “Robotics is expected to become a key driver of enterprise value, and progressively complement or replace human labor across a wide range of use cases.”

US detains 30 Indians, begins deportation

New York: About 30 individuals from India, found to be living in the US illegally and working as commercial truck drivers, have been arrested as part of a federal operation and will soon be deported.The US Customs and Border Protection said in a statement Monday that during the week of May 11-15, Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector in Arizona arrested 52 individuals during 'Operation Checkmate' for being in the US illegally, including 36 who were found to be driving semi-trucks.Out of the 36 illegal semi-truck drivers arrested, 30 were from India, while the remaining six were from Mexico, El Salvador, and Russia. They had commercial driver's licenses from states such as California, New York, Washington and Virginia, while some did not possess any form of driver's license. Most possessed employment authorisation documents, which were obtained during the Joe Biden administration and were no longer valid. All individuals were processed in accordance with federal law and will be deported.Also read: India-US meet to resolve final 'commas and full stops' of bilateral trade pactOperation Checkmate is aimed at enhancing public safety through enforcement of immigration statutes to detect and arrest illegal persons operating commercial motor vehicles in the country."Operation Checkmate reflects our commitment to safeguarding communities and roads from unlawfully present drivers who pose significant risks to public safety," Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the US Border Patrol's Yuma Sector Dustin Caudle said. Federal agents are on patrol every day to "ensure we stop these individuals and prevent more deadly crashes from occurring on the road across the United States."Under the administration of President Donald Trump, the Department of Transportation issued an order to stop unqualified foreign drivers from obtaining licenses to drive commercial trucks and buses.Over the past several months, there have been instances of Indian-origin truck drivers arrested and charged with causing fatal crashes while driving commercial vehicles in the US.

NSE pre-IPO window to close soon. Can you still profit?

The long wait for the NSE public listing appears to be entering its final stretch. The exchange recently confirmed that it expects to file its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) by the second week of June, putting the country's most anticipated IPO one step closer to reality.The update has once again sparked interest in NSE's unlisted shares, which continue to change hands actively in the private market. With the DRHP now less than two weeks away, investors may want to know does it still make sense to buy NSE shares before the IPO?The answer from analysts is nuanced. Most experts agree that NSE remains one of India's strongest financial franchises. However, they also caution that investors should not treat the approaching IPO as an automatic opportunity for quick gains.NSE currently trades in the unlisted market at around Rs 1,950-2,050 per share, implying a valuation of roughly Rs 5 lakh crore. That valuation already reflects significant optimism around the company's eventual listing."NSE is clearly one of India's strongest capital-market franchises and remains one of the most awaited IPO candidates. However, investors looking to buy unlisted shares purely because the DRHP filing is close should exercise caution," said Paresh Bhagat, CIO of Veer Growth Fund and chairman of Mangal Keshav."The business quality is not in question. The key risk is valuation and entry price." Bhagat noted that based on FY26 profit after tax of around Rs 10,300 crore, the exchange is already valued at nearly 48-50 times earnings.While NSE enjoys dominant market share, strong profitability and significant cash generation, he believes much of that strength is already reflected in current unlisted market prices. One of the biggest assumptions among investors is that buying shares before the IPO guarantees a profit once the company lists. Analysts say that assumption may not always hold true.The eventual IPO pricing remains unknown. In many large public offerings, companies deliberately leave room for public market investors by pricing the issue below prevailing unlisted market valuations.If that happens, investors entering NSE at current unlisted prices could face limited upside or even temporary mark-to-market losses. "The pre-IPO window should not be seen as a guaranteed arbitrage opportunity," Bhagat said. "If the IPO is priced more reasonably for public-market investors, the gap versus current unlisted prices could be meaningful."Others echo the same concern. "I would avoid buying NSE unlisted shares purely on the expectation of the upcoming DRHP filing," said Arpit Jain, Joint Managing Director at Arihant Capital Markets."While the filing could be an important milestone in the IPO journey, a significant portion of the optimism around the listing is already reflected in the current unlisted market price." Jain pointed to several high-profile IPOs in recent years where strong excitement before listing did not necessarily translate into exceptional post-listing returns.He said investors should focus on valuation, offer pricing, market conditions and the final IPO structure rather than rushing to buy shares simply because the DRHP is approaching.At the same time, few analysts dispute the quality of the underlying business. NSE remains India's largest stock exchange and dominates equity derivatives trading. The exchange reported total income of Rs 18,713 crore and consolidated net profit of Rs 10,302 crore in FY26.Its capital-light business model, strong cash flows and dominant market position have made it one of the most sought-after names in the unlisted market.According to Nitant Darekar, Research Analyst at Bonanza, NSE currently trades at around 45 times FY26 earnings, based on earnings per share of Rs 41.62. While that valuation is not cheap, it remains below some listed peers."NSE remains a capital-light near-monopoly," Darekar said. "At around Rs 1,950-2,170 in the unlisted market, it trades near 45x FY26 earnings. That's rich, but below BSE at around 70x and MCX at around 80x."Darekar added that the recent settlement of the long-running co-location case has removed a major overhang on the IPO process. However, he cautioned that the exchange's earnings remain linked to derivatives trading activity, which can be volatile, especially after regulatory changes in the futures and options segment.He also highlighted another practical consideration for investors. "The urgency is real. Post-DRHP, fresh unlisted purchases face a one-year lock-in. But valuation, not the calendar, should drive the decision."That point is particularly important because many retail investors view the narrowing pre-IPO window as a reason to buy immediately.Ishan Tanna, Senior Associate at Ashika Capital, said history suggests otherwise. "Historically, buying unlisted shares very close to the IPO stage has not always offered the best risk-reward for investors," he said."In many cases, the biggest gains are made when IPO visibility is low and uncertainty is high. Once the DRHP gets filed and listing draws closer, valuations often become expensive as the IPO excitement premium starts getting priced in."Tanna said NSE remains a rare financial infrastructure asset with strong profitability and a dominant position in Indian capital markets, making it attractive for long-term investors.However, investors chasing quick listing gains should recognise that late-stage entry into pre-IPO stories often carries greater risks than many assume.For now, the consensus among market experts is that NSE remains one of India's highest-quality businesses and its IPO will likely attract enormous investor interest. But with the stock already trading at elevated valuations in the unlisted market, investors may need to focus less on the countdown to the DRHP and more on whether the current price adequately compensates them for the risks ahead.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)

Bearish move or buying opportunity? Geojit's Anand James on Nifty levels and top stocks to watch

Market volatility took center stage following a sharp late-Friday sell-off triggered by MSCI rebalancing and global cues. While cautious sentiment prevails, Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, highlights critical Nifty support levels that could prevent further damage. In this exclusive interview, he breaks down the June series rollover data, IT sector resilience, and top stock picks.Edited excerpts from a chat:The sell-off seen in the last 30 minutes on Friday has scared traders as to what could be in the offing on Monday morning. What do you think?IMD’s below-normal monsoon forecast and uncertainty over US-Iran talks in the backdrop gave an ominous feel to the drop that unfolded towards Friday’s close. However, the steepness of the fall is apparently due to MSCI rebalancing, with futures and options segment appearing reluctant to match such move. Nevertheless the large red candle registered on Nifty’s chart needs to be acknowledged, and we will start the new week on a cautious note. That 23500 was defended, gives us reason to be optimistic, but slippage past the same, or inability to reclaim the 10 day SMA near 23750 will confirm bearishness calling for 22800.Nifty has been seeing profit booking at higher levels in last few weeks. What does the rollover data indicate for the June series?The rollover data for June series suggests a cautious to mildly negative undertone despite selective strength. Nifty’s rollover dropped to 69.98% in May, below the 3-month average of 73.05%, indicating reduced willingness to carry forward positions, likely reflecting profit booking at higher levels. Similarly, Bank Nifty rollover moderation points to some cooling in conviction within the heavyweight banking segment.Market breadth has weakened as well, with only 52% of stocks closing positive vs 91% in April, highlighting broader profit-taking pressure. While strong rollovers in select sectors like Oil & Gas, Metals, Power and Infra signal pockets of resilience, weakness in Pharma, Healthcare, and Transportation suggests lack of uniform participation.Although long buildup was visible in Telecom, Capital Goods, and Pharma, the early trend in June appears cautious. Importantly, banks-despite prior long build-up-have started the June series on a weak footing, with heavyweights like SBI and HDFC Bank under pressure, which could weigh on Nifty due to their high index weight.Nifty IT is showing signs of resilience even during sell-off. What are the charts indicating at?The Nifty IT index is showing early signs of a trend reversal after a prolonged corrective phase. On the daily chart, the formation of an inverted head and shoulders pattern suggests a base-building process, with prices currently hovering near the neckline zone around the 29,500-29,600 region. A sustained move above this level could confirm a breakout and trigger momentum towards higher resistances.On the higher timeframe, the weekly MACD is on the verge of a bullish crossover, indicating a potential shift from bearish to positive momentum. This aligns with improving price structure and supports the medium-term recovery thesis.From a longer-term perspective, the monthly candlestick is forming a pin bar Doji, typically seen near inflection points, highlighting rejection of lower levels around the 27,000-28,000 zone and signaling demand absorption.However, confirmation is key. Immediate support lies near 28,000, while a decisive breakout above the neckline could open upside towards 31,000-32,000. Failure to sustain above key resistance may keep the index range bound.HFCL was among the top gainers of the week. Do you see signs of the momentum continuing in the week ahead?Long wicked candle on Friday, with a close above upper bollinger band point to a mix of strong trending nature and emerging cautiousness. Oscillators appear reluctant, but are yet to confirm an impending collapse. With these in the backdrop, longs may be held on to, but ideally with a stop loss placed near 168.Natco Pharma fell 14% on Friday after weak Q4 results. Do you see signs of bottom-fishing emerging in the coming week?Yes. The single day red candle which has resulted in a break of structure, is likely to be followed by bottom fishing and a pull back rally that could extend 3-4%. However, we do not see enough signs to indicate that such pull back attempt could sustain.Give us your top ideas of the week. INDIANB (LTP: 833)View: BuyTarget: 930SL: 790 Indian Bank continues to maintain a structurally strong uptrend on the weekly chart, characterised by a series of higher highs and higher lows since early 2024. The recent profit booking since April seems to have found a support near 800 healthy consolidation after a sharp rally, with the stock holding firmly above the 780-750 support zone, which now acts as a strong demand base.Despite the recent pullback from near 1000 levels, the correction appears time-wise rather than price-destructive, suggesting profit booking rather than trend reversal. The presence of a rising support trendline reinforces the bullish structure.Momentum indicators are cooling off from overbought levels, which is constructive in a trending market. The RSI is stabilising near the mid-zone, providing room for a fresh upside leg, while MACD is approaching levels where a potential bullish crossover on lower drawdown could emerge.SHYAMMETL (LTP: 973)View: BuyTarget: 1080SL: 930 Shyam Metalics is exhibiting a strong bullish breakout from a descending trendline on the weekly chart, indicating a potential resumption of the broader uptrend after a period of consolidation. Price has decisively moved above the 950-960 resistance zone, which also coincided with prior swing highs, adding conviction to the breakout.The structure reflects higher lows formation, suggesting steady accumulation. Momentum indicators are turning supportive with RSI trending upward above the mid-zone, while MACD has delivered a bullish crossover with rising histogram, reinforcing improving momentum. Weekly Supertrend breakout adds to positivity. Volume expansion near the breakout area further validates buyer participation and strengthens the breakout reliability. Additionally, price holding above short-term supports near 930 indicates a favorable risk-reward setup.As long as the stock sustains above the breakout zone, it is well-positioned to extend its upward move towards the 1080 target.

Japan raises PR, residency fee caps

Japan has increased the maximum fees that foreign nationals may be charged for renewing or changing their residency status, with the new cap set at 100,000 yen ($630) for standard residency permits and 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications. according to a report by Nikkei Asia. The measure was approved by the Japanese parliament on Friday as the country prepares for a growing foreign resident population and plans new integration programmes. The previous upper limit for residency renewal or status-change fees was 10,000 yen. According to Japan's Immigration Services Agency, the revised fee structure reflects services provided to foreign residents. While the law sets the maximum amounts, the actual fees will be decided later through a cabinet order. Under the proposed structure, fees for standard residency permits will vary depending on the length of stay. A three-month residency period is expected to cost about 10,000 yen, while a five-year permit could cost around 70,000 yen. The current fee for in-person renewal applications is 6,000 yen regardless of the duration of stay. Additional revenue to fund integration measures The fee for permanent residency applications is expected to rise to about 200,000 yen. The government said reductions or exemptions will be available for applicants facing financial hardship, and the Immigration Services Agency plans to issue guidelines on eligibility for such relief. The higher fees could generate up to 90 billion yen in additional revenue. Japan's foreign resident population exceeded 4 million at the end of 2025, and the government said the funds will be used to strengthen measures that help foreign residents adapt to life in the country. Planned initiatives include expanding consultation services offered by local governments, improving Japanese-language education and supporting programmes that teach daily-life rules and customs. The government intends to introduce these educational programmes in phases beginning in fiscal 2028. The revenue will also help cover the costs of addressing illegal residency cases. Previously, fees collected were limited to covering administrative expenses such as personnel costs. Faster rollout of JESTA screening system The legal revisions also include changes affecting short-term visitors. Japan will introduce the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) as early as fiscal 2028, two years earlier than originally planned, as per Nikkei Asia report. Under the system, travellers from visa-exempt countries will need to submit information online before departure, including their travel purpose, occupation and accommodation details. Authorities will use the information to screen travellers before arrival. Airlines will be required to deny boarding to passengers who do not obtain authorization. The government said the system is expected to help prevent illegal stays while simplifying immigration procedures and reducing waiting times at airports. The legislation faced opposition from the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Japanese Communist Party, which argued that the fee increases would place an excessive burden on foreign residents. However, the measure was passed by parliament and is set to take effect as Japan continues to adjust its immigration and residency policies amid rising foreign arrivals and residency numbers.

Zepto shares crash 30% in unlisted market despite Sebi nod for IPO. What's cooking?

The unlisted shares of Zepto Limited have fallen nearly 30% over the past month despite the company securing regulatory approval for its IPO, highlighting growing caution among investors amid volatile market conditions.Zepto's shares, which were changing hands at around Rs 52 in the unlisted market a month ago, have dropped to about Rs 40, according to dealers tracking pre-IPO transactions.The decline comes even as the quick commerce startup recently received approval from Sebi to launch its much-awaited public issue. The company had taken the confidential route to file the DRHP but may soon file its papers publicly in June, according to Bloomberg.Analysts said the fall reflects weakness in the unlisted market and a broader reassessment of valuations rather than any company-specific development. The company is being valued at around Rs 38,000 crore in the dealer market.Several companies that had planned public offerings this year have either delayed listings or adopted a wait-and-watch approach because of volatility in equity markets, geopolitical tensions and uncertainty around investor demand.The benchmark Nifty has remained under pressure for much of 2026, while foreign institutional investors have continued to remain cautious on Indian equities amid concerns over crude oil prices, global growth and the earnings outlook.The weakness in the secondary market for pre-IPO shares has also affected several startup names, with investors becoming more selective on valuations after a strong rally in the segment over the past two years.Zepto is preparing for a public market debut that could raise around $1.3 billion, or roughly Rs 11,000-12,000 crore, making it one of the largest internet IPOs since the listing of Swiggy.If the issue proceeds as planned, Zepto could become the youngest venture-backed Indian startup to enter public markets, just four years after its founding.The proposed offering is expected to comprise a substantial fresh issue of around Rs 11,000 crore along with an offer-for-sale component by existing investors.The IPO assumes significance because it comes amid intensifying competition in India's fast-growing quick commerce sector.Zepto competes with Blinkit, owned by Eternal, as well as Swiggy Instamart, Flipkart Minutes and Amazon Now.The listing is also expected to strengthen the company's balance sheet at a time when the quick commerce industry continues to spend aggressively on expansion, dark stores and customer acquisition.As of late last year, Zepto had around Rs 7,000 crore in cash, significantly lower than the roughly Rs 17,000-18,000 crore cash reserves reported by listed rivals Eternal and Swiggy.The company raised $450 million in October last year at a valuation of $7 billion. Following the fundraise, it accelerated customer acquisition efforts through higher discounts and promotional campaigns as competition intensified across major cities.Zepto had also completed its domicile shift from Singapore to India, a move increasingly adopted by venture-backed startups preparing for domestic listings.The company has appointed a consortium of investment bankers including Morgan Stanley, HSBC, Goldman Sachs, Axis Capital, JM Financial, IIFL Securities and Motilal Oswal Financial Services to manage the public issue. The IPO is expected to hit the market in the July-September quarter of 2026.While the recent decline in the unlisted share price may reflect near-term market caution, investors will closely watch the final valuation and broader market conditions when Zepto eventually launches what is expected to be one of the year's most closely watched public offerings.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)

F&O Talk: Nifty may stay range-bound; Sudeep Shah sees opportunities in banks, IT, picks 7 stocks

The Indian stock market witnessed a sharp selloff on Friday afternoon, with the Sensex and Nifty falling over 1% as passive fund flows linked to the MSCI index reshuffle weighed on sentiment.Sensex dropped over 1,092 points to 74,776 while Nifty 50 crashed nearly 359 points to 23,547. This came as India VIX, which measures volatility in markets, jumped around 8% to 16.18. The sharp losses wiped off nearly Rs 6 lakh crore from the total market capitalisation of all companies listed on BSE, pulling it down to Rs 465 lakh crore.Analyst Sudeep Shah, Vice President and Head of Technical & Derivatives Research at SBI Securities, interacted with ETMarkets regarding the outlook for the Nifty and Bank Nifty, as well as an index strategy for the upcoming week. The following are the edited excerpts from his chat:Nifty rollover for May expiry came in below both the three-month and six-month averages. Does this suggest traders are turning cautious near higher levels, or is it simply profit-booking after the recent recovery?In the month of May, the benchmark index Nifty traded within a narrow range of 1219 points, marking its smallest monthly range since December 2025. The rollover in the May series also came below the prior month and 3-month average. Notably, a majority of the trading sessions during the month witnessed either an upside or downside gap at the opening, followed by range-bound price action throughout the day. As a result, opportunities for intraday and short-term traders remained limited despite the frequent gap openings. But what made this phase even more unusual was the message hidden within the broader monthly price structure.On the monthly chart, Nifty has formed a bearish candle with shadows on either side, reflecting indecisiveness among market participants amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. Zooming into the final week of May, the index continued to trade within a narrow range for most of the week before witnessing a sharp decline during the final hour of Friday's trading session, which tilted the balance in favour of the bears. While the market remained range-bound for most of the week, the late sell-off has raised an important question—was this merely profit booking or the beginning of a larger directional move?From a technical standpoint, Nifty continues to trade below all its key moving averages. More importantly, these moving averages have flattened out, indicating the absence of a strong trend. The daily RSI remains in a sideways zone as per the RSI Range Shift framework, while the daily Stochastic oscillator is also moving within a narrow band. Adding to this, the trend strength indicator, Daily ADX, is placed at near 15 level and continues to decline, suggesting a lack of directional momentum in the index. While these indicators point towards a lack of trend, Friday's late sell-off has injected fresh uncertainty into the market setup.Talking about crucial levels, on the upside, the 20-day EMA zone of 23,750-23,800 is likely to act as an immediate hurdle for the index. On the downside, the zone of 23,300-23,250 remains a crucial support area. A breach below 23,250 could intensify selling pressure and open the doors for a decline towards the psychologically important 23,000 mark. With the index approaching key support levels, the market's next move could set the tone for the coming weeks.Bank Nifty rollover saw a sharper decline and futures data indicates short build-up despite price weakness. Are banking stocks likely to remain drags on the market in the June series?In the month of May, the banking benchmark index Bank Nifty traded within a narrow range of 3,550 points, marking its tightest monthly range since January 2026. On the monthly timeframe, it has formed a High Wave candle, reflecting market indecisiveness.During the past week, the index witnessed a strong upmove in the first half; however, it failed to sustain above the 55,500 level and subsequently underwent a sharp correction. This led to the formation of a bearish candle with a long upper shadow, indicating selling pressure at higher levels.At present, the index is trading below its key moving averages, which are trending downward, suggesting a weak bias. The daily RSI remains in a sideways zone as per the RSI range shift rules, indicating lack of clear momentum.Going ahead, the 53,500–53,400 zone is expected to act as an important support for the index. A breach below 53,400 could trigger further downside, with the next key support placed around 52,700. On the upside, the 50-day EMA zone of 55,300–55,200 is likely to act as a crucial hurdle.FIIs reduced nearly 9,800 index shorts while also adding fresh longs. Do you see this as the beginning of a more constructive stance from foreign investors, or is positioning still defensive overall?There were clear signs of short covering in Index futures between 21st May and 27th May, with FII net Index futures shorts reducing sharply from 2,31,190 contracts to 1,63,012 contracts. This also led to the long-short ratio improving from 11.80% to 16.14%, indicating a relatively constructive shift in positioning. On Friday, massive short positions were built up leading to net index futures short contracts once again rising to 2,01,309 and the long short ratio dipping to 11.98%. Similar phases of short covering in the past were quickly followed by aggressive selling, causing bullish expectations to fade rapidly. This pattern has persisted for quite some time and is likely to continue until there is greater clarity on the US-Iran deal, a meaningful fall in the Dollar Index (DXY), stability in crude oil prices, and depreciation in the dollar against the rupee. Until these external factors stabilize, FII sentiment is likely to remain cautious rather than decisively bullish.What are key levels to watch out for in June series? What triggers could push Nifty decisively beyond in either direction?Talking about crucial levels, on the upside, the 20-day EMA zone of 23,750-23,800 is likely to act as an immediate hurdle for the index. On the downside, the zone of 23,300-23,250 remains a crucial support area. A breach below 23,250 could intensify selling pressure and open the doors for a decline towards the psychologically important 23,000 mark. With the index approaching key support levels, the market's next move could set the tone for the coming weeks.IT continues to trade near 52-week lows with elevated open interest and negative carry. Is the sector still witnessing aggressive short positions, and what would it take for sentiment to improve meaningfully?The Nifty IT Index has rebounded nearly 8% from its 14th May low of 27,078. However, over the last seven sessions, the Index has remained range-bound between 29,747 and 28,678, indicating a lack of strong directional momentum. The RSI remains flat, while a subdued ADX reflects low volatility and absence of trend strength. Additionally, the MACD continues to trade below both the zero line and signal line, highlighting weak underlying momentum. On the Relative Rotation Graph (RRG), the Index has shifted from the lagging to the improving quadrant, suggesting early signs of momentum recovery, though relative strength remains limited. The Index continues to trade below its 50, 100, and 200-day EMAs, keeping the near-term trend weak. The 29,900–30,000 zone remains a crucial resistance area, and a decisive breakout above this level could trigger a stronger pullback rally in the IT pack.Given that the broader market structure remains range-bound with elevated volatility, should traders focus more on stock-specific opportunities rather than aggressive index directional bets in the June series?With the broader market remaining range-bound amid elevated volatility, traders are likely to find better opportunities in stock-specific setups rather than aggressive directional bets on the Index in the June series. The rising ratio line in the Midcap and Smallcap indices relative to Nifty highlights continued outperformance in the broader market space. Despite the strong bearish candle on 29th May, the overall market structure remains bullish, with no concrete signs of a major reversal yet. Currently, strength is visible in sectors such as private banks, PSU banks, financial services, and select midcap IT names. Meanwhile, the Index continues to react sharply to geopolitical developments, leading to frequent gap-ups and gap-downs that reduce trading clarity. In such an environment, strong price-action structures backed by robust technicals in trending sectors are likely to outperform across market conditions.What stocks are you looking out for?For the short term, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank, Nuvama Wealth Management, RR Kabel, Syrma SGS Technology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), and Minda Corporation are looking attractive based on their current market setup.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Apple faces Indian engineer’s bias lawsuit

Apple Inc. lost an early round in a discrimination lawsuit brought in the U.S. by a female engineer from India who says her two managers -- one from her country, the other from Pakistan -- treated her as they would in their own countries: as a subservient.The woman’s case in California state court is the latest to allege workplace bias in Silicon Valley that focuses on cultural prejudices of some tech workers from South Asia. Cisco Systems Inc. is fighting a suit brought by California’s civil rights agency alleging bias against a member of India’s so-called lower castes, known as Dalits.Anita Nariani Schulze is part of the Sindhi minority -- she is Hindu, with ancestry in the Sindh region of what is now Pakistan. Her complaint alleges that her senior and direct managers, both male, consistently excluded her from meetings while inviting her male counterparts, criticized her, micromanaged her work, and deprived her of bonuses, despite positive performance evaluations and significant team contributions.Schulze claims the managers’ animus reflects sexism, racism, religious bias and discrimination on the basis of national origin. The Sindhi Hindu nationality is “known for its technical acumen” and its gender equality, she says, which “exacerbated the managers’ discriminatory treatment.”In a tentative ruling on Wednesday, Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Sunil R. Kulkarni rejected Apple’s request to toss out the suit. While not ruling on the merits of the case, Kulkarni said Schulze had adequately supported her legal claims. Apple had argued her claims weren’t specific enough and were based on stereotypes.But the judge rejected Schulze’s request to represent a class of female Apple employees who suffered job discrimination over the last four years. He agreed with Apple that she didn’t show a pattern of discrimination that could be applied to a broader group.It wasn’t clear from the court’s docket whether the judge will hold a hearing Thursday before issuing a final ruling.Apple didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.In the Cisco case, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing alleged that two Indian employees at the San Jose-based company discriminated against a Dalit co-worker on the basis of caste.Cisco has denied the claims, insisting it has “zero tolerance for discrimination.” It also said the lawsuit should be tossed out because caste isn’t a protected category under U.S. civil rights law.