Despite foreign investors infusing billions into Indian equities, benchmark indices struggle to keep pace. Inflows in the primary market are notable but fail to directly uplift listed stocks. Selective purchases are occurring in large mid-cap stocks while financials and IT remain ignored. Domestic investors are a crucial pillar for market resilience, necessitating consistent secondary market activity for a comprehensive rally.

HDFC Bank shares remain under pressure, falling nearly 30% so far this year as investors assess the lender’s CEO succession process. Technical analysts see a weak trend, with key support around Rs 710 and resistance near Rs 750-780, while Jefferies has identified several potential internal and external candidates for the top job.

Indian midcap and smallcap indices are near record highs currently. A few select stocks are driving most of these significant gains. This concentration indicates a selective rally rather than broad market health. Analysts suggest earnings growth and sector rotation are fueling this trend. Investors should focus on balance-sheet strength and selective stock picking.

All 219 equity mutual funds delivered positive SIP XIRRs over the last five years, with 165 funds generating double-digit returns. HSBC Midcap Fund topped the list with a 22.70% XIRR, while ITI Small Cap Fund and Bandhan Small Cap Fund followed closely. The analysis highlights how disciplined SIP investing can compound wealth over time.

Retail investors reduced holdings in 1,051 NSE-listed stocks in the June quarter, even as these stocks gained an average 35.79%. This outpaced the 24.22% average rise in 1,130 stocks where retail ownership increased, suggesting investors may have exited some winners too early.

Sugar stocks have witnessed remarkable growth on Dalal Street this August, with several firms recording substantial increases in share prices attributed to rising sugar values. Nevertheless, analysts remain split regarding the sustainability of these valuations. The sector's progress is supported by positive fundamentals and ethanol blending mandates, yet investors are advised to keep a vigilant eye on potential policy shifts and global market trends.

India’s new 20-minute closing auction system is facing renewed scrutiny after the Sensex briefly plunged nearly 3% during Thursday’s session, highlighting concerns over thin liquidity and price volatility. Introduced on August 3 to improve price discovery and align India with global markets, the system has also come under SEBI’s lens following an alleged market-manipulation case.

Gold and silver have rallied sharply, but renewed US rate hike fears following Fed Chief Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole remarks have clouded the near-term outlook. While experts remain bullish on both metals, gold is preferred for stability and safe-haven demand, whereas silver offers higher upside potential but comes with greater volatility and correction risks.

Ace investor Ashish Dhawan bought nearly 35 lakh shares of Religare Enterprises across two sessions, according to NSE bulk deal data, sending the stock higher. Dhawan purchased 18 lakh shares on August 28 and another 16.98 lakh shares on August 31. Religare Enterprises also reported a 26% rise in Q1 FY27 income.

Ather Energy shares have surged nearly 130% in 2026, outperforming global EV stocks, as analysts expect rising market share and new launches to drive growth. Backed by Hero MotoCorp, Ather is expanding its mass-market reach, while strong investor interest and bullish analyst ratings support further upside.