National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIF) has announced a commitment of Rs207 crore ($25 million) from NIIF Fund of Funds – I, the first fund under its Private Markets business to Amicus Capital Partners India Fund II.With a target size of $200 million, Amicus Capital Fund II expects to support businesses that leverage technology to scale, early in their growth journey

Reported Consolidated quarterly numbers for Quess Corp are:Net Sales at Rs 4,841.83 crore in December 2023 up 8.43% from Rs. 4,465.56 crore in December 2022.Quarterly Net Profit at Rs. 63.89 crore in December 2023 down 27.42% from Rs. 88.02 crore in December 2022.EBITDA stands at Rs. 186.25 crore in December 2023 up 22.4% from Rs. 152.17 crore in December 2022.

Reported Consolidated quarterly numbers for Central Depository Services Ltd are:Net Sales at Rs 214.48 crore in December 2023 up 51.91% from Rs. 141.19 crore in December 2022.Quarterly Net Profit at Rs. 107.42 crore in December 2023 up 43.92% from Rs. 74.64 crore in December 2022.EBITDA stands at Rs. 152.93 crore in December 2023 up 45.8% from Rs. 104.89 crore in December 2022.

Reported Consolidated quarterly numbers for Arihant Capital Markets are:Net Sales at Rs 72.66 crore in December 2023 up 116.59% from Rs. 33.55 crore in December 2022.Quarterly Net Profit at Rs. 19.59 crore in December 2023 up 173.52% from Rs. 7.16 crore in December 2022.EBITDA stands at Rs. 29.54 crore in December 2023 up 135% from Rs. 12.57 crore in December 2022.

Reported Consolidated quarterly numbers for Sambandam Spinning Mills are:Net Sales at Rs 52.92 crore in December 2023 down 6.36% from Rs. 56.52 crore in December 2022.Quarterly Net Loss at Rs. 3.74 crore in December 2023 up 48.63% from Rs. 7.28 crore in December 2022.EBITDA stands at Rs. 0.03 crore in December 2023 up 101.09% from Rs. 2.76 crore in December 2022

Reported Consolidated quarterly numbers for Sarda Energy and Minerals are:Net Sales at Rs 925.39 crore in December 2023 up 1.91% from Rs. 908.04 crore in December 2022.Quarterly Net Profit at Rs. 117.17 crore in December 2023 down 10.12% from Rs. 130.36 crore in December 2022.EBITDA stands at Rs. 225.40 crore in December 2023 down 5.69% from Rs. 239.01 crore in December 2022.

In 2023-24, the sugar production is expected to decrease due to lower rainfall and less sugarcane plantation. This year's production is estimated to reach 316 lakh tonnes, down from last year's 329 lakh tonnes. There are fewer operating mills this year compared to last year, resulting in a decrease in production across states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.

The Tata Group companies have experienced impressive growth over the past year, leading to a market capitalization of $365 billion, surpassing Pakistan's GDP of approximately $341 billion. This is largely due to strong performances from Tata Motors, Trent, Titan, TCS, and Tata Power. Interestingly, eight Tata companies have doubled their wealth in this period, showcasing the conglomerate.

Global markets struggled on Monday as investors were disappointed by fading hopes for interest rate cuts and Chinese markets returned from holiday with only modest gains. Despite strong tech stock performance, upcoming economic data and uncertain inflation levels have left traders waiting for a consistent story. Meanwhile, concerns over potential spikes in core inflation.

On February 19, 2024, PNB MetLife India Insurance Company launched the PMLI Small Cap Fund, which allows policyholders to accumulate wealth through an equity portfolio of small-cap companies. The unit price for this fund is set at ₹10 during the new fund offer period from February 19-29, 2024. The fund aims to invest in high-growth potential small companies across various sectors and is managed.

JSW Steel is in talks to acquire a 20% stake in the Blackwater coal mine from Whitehaven Coal for around $1 billion. The deal, expected to close by the end of the financial year, would provide JSW with a strategic joint venture partner and access to coking coal, a key input in steelmaking. This comes after JSW's failed bid for Teck Resources' metallurgical coal business.

Five Indian jewellery companies, including Malabar Gold & Diamonds and Titan, made it to the global top-100 luxury brands list. They were ranked among prestigious names like LVMH and Richemont. This reflects the growth of India's luxury market and opportunities for domestic brands on the international scene. In 2023, the top-100 luxury goods sellers had a turnover of $347 billion.

The Nifty closed at a new high of 22,187 on February 19 despite mixed global cues. Experts expect it to reach 22,500 in the near term but caution a possible correction towards the support zone of 21,900–21,930. Bank Nifty also gained for the fifth consecutive day, with resistance at 46,700 and support at 46,000. Volatility increased with the India VIX at 16.02.

The government is considering a new PLI scheme for the pharmaceutical sector to boost local production of key chemicals used in making APIs. This move aims to reduce India's reliance on China for these supplies, which currently stands at over half of the country's imports. The scheme may be introduced after the formation of the new government and could be included in the upcoming Union Budget.

CRISIL's shares rose over 8% after the company reported a 33% increase in consolidated net profit and recommended a final dividend of Rs 28 per equity share for FY2023. The total dividend for the year would be Rs 54, subject to shareholder approval. MD and CEO Amish Mehta expressed confidence in growth despite macro uncertainties and cost pressures on global clients.