The Kolkata-based Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels' IPO offers investors a chance to invest in a 55-year-old mid-sized hotel business that has a strong presence in prime locations with high occupancy rates. It follows a conscious pricing strategy and has well-planned expansion plans. The company also operates multiple restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, and has seen significant growth in its finances.

On February 2, high frequency trading firms were active in stocks like HT Media, Shipping Corporation of India, and GE Power India. These firms use complex algorithms to make quick trades and typically focus on established stocks, but have recently been active in small, illiquid ones. This may attract retail investors, as seen in the increased trading volumes on these days.

The recently announced interim Budget may not have offered any major changes to tax rates, exemptions, or deductions, but taxpayers have reason to be happy. The government has proposed to withdraw all direct tax demands up to Rs.25,000 till the year 2009-10 and up to Rs.10,000 for the years 2010-11 to 2014-15, benefitting an estimated 1 crore taxpayers.

Pune resident Aakash Gaikwad, a software professional, is looking to switch to the new tax regime that offers no deductions or exemptions. TaxSpanner estimates he could save Rs.72,000 if his company restructures his pay to include tax-free perks and enroll him in NPS. Additionally, adjusting his perks such as LTA, internet allowance and meal coupons can further reduce his tax liability.

One 97 Communications, the parent entity that owns and operates the Paytm brand, has denied media reports that it is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). In a stock exchange filing late Sunday, the company, which owns 49% stake in Paytm Payments Bank, said, “(We) Categorically deny any investigation by the Enforcement Directorate on OCL.

Indus Towers (124.57 percent), India Cements (111.38 percent), Hindustan Copper (105.62 percent), Zee Entertainment (87.15 percent) and Steel Authority of India (82.45 percent) have been placed on the National Stock Exchange’s futures and options (F&O) ban for trade on February 5. These stocks are prohibited in the F&O sector because they have exceeded the 95 percent of the market-wide.

The Reserve Bank of India's action against Paytm Payments Bank has sparked a discussion on the proposal for a market share cap for UPI apps. Paytm, currently the third-largest UPI app, is facing troubles and this is expected to benefit PhonePe and Google Pay, the top two players. NPCI, which manages the UPI railroad, may seek RBI's approval before allowing migration of merchants.

GIFT Nifty indicated that Indian equity indices BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 may see a negative opening on Monday. Here’s a look at the key stocks to watch in trade. Stocks in Focus: GIFT Nifty traded down by 31.50 points or 0.14% at 21,935 indicating a negative opening for domestic indices NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex on Monday. Previously, on Friday, the NSE Nifty 50 gained 156.35 points.

Mumbai: RBI is likely to keep interest rates unchanged after its monetary policy review this week as it battles inflation, said respondents in an ET poll, but some of them said a fiscally prudent interim budget and signs of global monetary easing may prompt the central bank to soften its communication on tight liquidity conditions which have pushed borrowing costs well above policy rates.

Bank Nifty has been performing poorly compared to the Nifty, with prices showing a 'bearish engulfing' pattern on February 2. The Nifty has reached lifetime highs, but Bank Nifty is still 2,000 points lower. A close below the 'bearish engulfing' low of 45,900 would signal a downturn. The short-term support for Bank Nifty is at 45,700, with a potential move to 45,050 if broken.

Oil prices in Asia stabilised after last week's sharp falls, with Brent crude futures inching up 8 cents to $77.41 a barrel and US WTI futures remaining flat at $72.28 a barrel. The drop was partly due to stronger-than-expected US jobs data and progress in Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks, but worries over escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly with ongoing strikes on Iran-backed groups.

Va Tech Wabag shares surged 6%, hitting a 52-week high, after securing a $33.5 million order for an industrial wastewater treatment plant in Saudi Arabia. The plant, developed by Miahona and operated by Saudi Aramco, will employ biological treatment and reverse osmosis technologies, with completion expected in 20 months. Va Tech Wabag's regional head expressed excitement about the company's growth

Aurobindo Pharma's share price fell over 3% due to USFDA's nine observations for its subsidiary. This led the company to temporarily halt production on certain lines and conduct an investigation. The deal to sell its business assets to Empower Clinic Services New Jersey, LLC is expected to generate $110 million. The company's board will meet on February 10 to approve financial results for Dec.

ICICI Securities predicts a pre-election rally in the stock market, with the Nifty expected to reach 23,400 by June. This could mean a 7% increase from its current level. The brokerage also suggests that public sector banks, IT, capital goods, and power stocks could be top gainers during this rally. They also note a historical trend of the Nifty bottoming out in Feb-Mar during general elections.

Technical analysts advise caution while being aggressively bullish in the market this week after recent swings. Nifty is likely to find strong support at 21,580-21,630 and may continue its momentum towards 22,100-22,150 if it stays above these levels. However, profit booking can be seen if the Nifty falls below 21,600. Sectors like IT, power, CPSE, oil & gas, and auto are expected to outperform.