Lloyds Banking Group reported a 57% increase in profit for 2023 despite a potential regulatory charge for motor finance. The group's strong performance was driven by higher interest rates and lower provisions for bad loans. However, the bank has set out muted guidance for the upcoming year due to tougher competition in the mortgage market. Lloyds also announced the appointment of a new board.

A long-term stock market investor can earn not only from stock appreciation, but also from rewards declared by listed companies. These rewards include dividends, bonus shares, and stock splits. Garment Mantra Lifestyle IPO in 2015 at ₹16 per share saw a rise to ₹7.30 per share today. This, coupled with bonus shares and stock split, would have turned a minimum investment of ₹1.28 lakh.

Japan's Nikkei share average surged to a record high on Thursday, eclipsing the 1989 bubble-era peak, as chip-related stocks led across-the-board gains after U.S. chipmaker Nvidia's outlook beat market expectations. The Nikkei closed up 2.19% at 39,098.68, having earlier risen to a high of 39,156.97, topping the previous all-time closing and intraday highs set on Dec. 29, 1989.

LTI Mindtree shares gained 1.5% after signing a deal with Eurolife FFH to establish Generative Al and digital hubs in Europe and India. The facilities will be set up in Poland and Mumbai, while Eurolife FFH will have a hub in Athens for solutions in Greece. LTI Mindtree's Q3 profit increased by 17%, driven by high order book, and revenue grew by 4.6%. This news is not an investment advice.

Despite the market trading in a narrow range, ABB India's shares surged another 8% in today's intraday session, reaching a new all-time high of ₹5,389 apiece. Investors continued to express optimism following the company's impressive performance in Q4CY23.In the previous trading session, the company's shares hit a 10% upper circuit limit after it released its Q4 results on Tuesday.

The consolidated quarterly results for Dishman Carbogen Amcis show a slight increase in net sales, but a significant drop in net loss and EBITDA compared to the previous year. The company's shares have also seen positive returns over the last 6 and 12 months. However, there were no major changes in expenses or exceptional items reported.

Oil India share prices gained over 4% during Thursday's intra-day trades on the back of expected rise in production. The company's guided production implies an increase of 19% and 56% for gas and oil respectively over FY24 to FY26, leading to a significant upside potential. Both Oil India and ONGC are strong value plays and have a 15-20% upside potential left, even after their recent rally.

US steps up pressure on SMIC, EU implements new sanctions against Russia, Google unveils Gemma AI models, Germany's advisors hint at growth forecast adjustments, HSBC falls short due to Chinese bank charge, Bezos sells $2.4B in Amazon shares, Nvidia outperforms earnings, Fed warns about premature rate cut, Japan's PMI hits 3-year low.

The Nikkei share average in Japan surpassed its all-time closing high from December 1989, with a surge of 1.54%. This boost was driven by chip-related stocks following U.S. chipmaker Nvidia's strong outlook for the market. The index also came close to its lifetime high from 35 years ago, as chip-making equipment maker Tokyo Electron and other tech companies saw significant gains.

Gold prices slightly increase as investors turn towards the safe-haven asset amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and a weaker dollar. The latest U.S. Federal Reserve meeting minutes suggest hesitation towards an early interest rate cut. Markets predict a 70% chance of a rate cut in June, potentially boosting the appeal of holding non-yielding gold.

Bengal and Assam Company reported consolidated quarterly numbers for December 2023. Net sales decreased by 5.4% to Rs. 3,777.30 crore, while net profit increased significantly by 1134.63% to Rs. 2,961.98 crore. EBITDA also increased by 45.06% to Rs. 571.11 crore. EPS for the company increased from Rs. 212.38 to Rs. 2,622

Shilpa Medicare share price has risen by over 22% in the past eight trading sessions and by 60% in one year. It is currently recommended as a top pick by brokerage firm Anand Rathi, who expects an upside of 19%. The company reported a net profit and revenue growth in Q3FY24, contributing to its strong performance. Investors are advised to do thorough research before making any investment decision.

Credo Brands Marketing reported their quarterly numbers for December 2023, with net sales of Rs. 150.14 crore, showing a 0% increase from the previous year. Their shares also closed at Rs. 227.20 on February 21, 2024 (NSE). The company's expenditure included consumption of raw materials, purchase of traded goods, and employee costs. They recorded a profit of Rs. 15.59 crore after taxes.

Pavna Industries has reported strong performance in the December 2023 quarter, with net sales increasing by 86.04% and net profit rising by 77.84%. However, EBITDA has decreased by 8.32%. The company's EPS has also increased from Rs. 0.95 to Rs. 1.43. Share price has significantly increased by 55.33% in the last 6 months. Expenses have also increased, but the company has managed.

Platinum Industries is a Mumbai-based manufacturer of stabilisers. Their IPO will open on February 27, raising Rs 235.32 crore through fresh shares. The company aims to set up new manufacturing facilities and meet working capital needs with the funds. Investors can bid for a minimum of 87 shares at a price band of Rs 162-171 per share. Financials show an increase in revenue and net profit in FY23.