Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd featured in Moneycontrol's analyst tracker as a contrarian downgrade, indicating a recent stock price increase despite a decline in analysts' optimism. In the last month, the oil marketing firm's stock surged 22 percent. But 'buy' recommendations decreased from 25 to 22, while 'hold' and 'sell' calls rose to 5 and 7 from 4 and 5, respectively.

Chinese regulators have rolled out a raft of intense measures to crack down on short-selling as it works to lift its stock market from the rout seen last week. US miner Piedmont Lithium has become another company to cut jobs to save costs. Apple won a lawsuit against a Silicon Valley startup. All this and much more on World Street. Watchdog in Action China's securities regulator said on Tuesday.

Asian stocks firmed on Wednesday as investors waited to see if Beijing's increasingly frantic efforts to prop up its sagging share markets would actually work, while bonds enjoyed a reprieve from recent selling. In recent days, China's regulators have announced further curbs on short selling and state investors said they were expanding their stockbuying plans.

DBS Group, Singapore's largest bank, maintained net interest income guidance for 2024 and reported a 2% increase in fourth quarter net profit, surpassing expectations. CEO Piyush Gupta stated that despite expected challenges, the bank's strengths will sustain performance. The bank also expects double-digit fee income growth and slightly lower net interest margin for the full year.

Foxconn, a Taiwanese electronics company, is planning to set up a chip assembly and testing plant in India in partnership with HCL Group. The initial investment for the project is Rs 1,200 crore, and it will be located on Foxconn-owned land. This move comes as Foxconn aims to expand its operations in India amidst tensions and uncertainty in its primary location, China.

Asian stocks rise as investors wait to see effectiveness of China's efforts to boost markets. Bonds see a reprieve. Uncertainty remains about government's long-term approach and potential for short-term market bounce. Fed speakers signal progress on inflation, but no clear timing for rate cuts. US dollar eases, gold stabilizes, and oil prices find support.

Adam Neumann, founder of WeWork, wants to buy back the company amidst bankruptcy proceedings. He stepped down as CEO in 2019 due to controversy and a failed IPO but still received a $480 million payout. Now, he aims to inject cash and potentially acquire WeWork or its assets through his new venture Flow Global. Will this be the solution for WeWork's financial struggles or a risky move?

Indian Bank Ltd, a PSU bank, has seen a strong rally of over 60% in the last 6 months, reaching a record high in February 2024. Bullish investors should consider buying on dips for a potential target above 600 levels in the next 3-4 weeks. The stock has risen more than 80% in the last year and is trading above key moving averages. It is currently in an overbought zone.

The booming mining and steel sectors, execution of infrastructure projects, and the improving industrial outlook continue to  drive demand for Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCV) for Ashok Leyland Limited (ALL). During the first nine months of this financial year (April-December 2023), the Chennai-based CV maker sold 87,736 units of medium-and heavy- duty trucks (7 percent up YOY)..

Kotak Institutional Equities has rejected the market's positive outlook on state-run companies, citing concerns about profitability and risks in various sectors such as capital goods, electric utilities, and oil and gas. PSU stocks have rallied, but Kotak doubts the optimistic assumptions about their future growth and profits. They have added Pidilite Industries to their portfolio.

The Rs 920-crore IPO of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels was subscribed 8.55 times by the noon of February 7, the final day of bidding, with bids coming in for 29.7 crore equity shares against an offer size of 3.47 crore. Retail investors lead the pack, subscribing 17.61 times their allotted quota of shares. Non-institutional investors’ potion had been booked 17.51 times.

ICICI Direct's currency report on EURINR Euro rose by 0.11% yesterday amid weak dollar and upbeat German factory data. German factory orders unexpectedly rose by the most in 3½ years. However, sharp upside was capped as Euro Zone Retail sales fell more than expected in December and ECB 1-year inflation expectations eased. For today, EURUSD is likely to hold the support near 1.0720 level.

In Q3 of 2023, LIC's share in listed stocks decreased to 3.64%, while domestic mutual funds saw a record high of 8.81% and DIIs dropped slightly to 15.96%. FIIs also saw a decrease in their share to 18.19%. The FII-to-DII ownership ratio hit an all-time low of 1.14%, with the government's holding in listed PSUs dropping to 22.48%.

Benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, initially gained but later fell as investors booked profits from top companies like HDFC Bank, Maruti Suzuki and Infosys. Banking indices also showed lackluster performance, dragging the benchmarks down. The broader market remained resilient, with midcap and smallcap indices showing gains. Market experts predict reliance and banking stocks will play.

Tata Steel and TRF Ltd have decided against merging, with TRF successfully turning around its performance despite a challenging operating environment. Tata Steel has completed amalgamating five businesses, resulting in a cumulative annual turnover of Rs 19,700 crore. This will bring benefits such as raw material security, centralized procurement, and reduced logistics costs.