Sensex sheds 117 points after RBI policy; healthcare stocks buck trend

Sensex sheds 117 points after RBI policy; healthcare stocks buck trend


The headline equity benchmarks closed lower on Friday as investor sentiment soured after the Reserve Bank of India kept key interest rates unchanged. The central bank also trimmed its FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.6% from around 6.9% and raised its inflation projection to about 5.1%, reinforcing concerns over the economic outlook. Weak cues from Asian market added to the pressure. The Nifty slipped below the 23,400 mark, dragged down by selling in metal and IT stocks. Healthcare shares, however, defied the broader market weakness and emerged as a pocket of strength.

The S&P BSE Sensex declined 116.67 points or 0.16% to 74,243.34. The Nifty 50 index slipped 49.85 points or 0.21% to 23,366.70.

 

Trent (down 2.23%), HDFC Bank (down 0.95%) and Reliance Industries (down 0.52%) were major Nifty drags today.

The broader market outperformed the frontline indices. The BSE 150 MidCap Index fell 0.10% and the BSE 250 SmallCap Index shed 0.01%.

The market breadth was negative. On the BSE, 2,056 shares rose and 2,138 shares fell. A total of 217 shares were unchanged.

RBI MPC Outcome:

The MPC, chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, unanimously voted to maintain the repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) at 5.25%. Accordingly, the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate remains at 5%, while the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the bank rate continue at 5.50%. The committee also retained its neutral policy stance.

The RBI noted that the prolonged conflict in West Asia has increased risks to both global growth and inflation. Volatile energy markets, falling crude inventories and rising commodity prices have prompted major central banks to adopt a more cautious approach, with advanced economies expected to lean towards tighter monetary policies.

On the domestic front, economic activity has remained resilient, supported by steady private consumption, sustained investment momentum, robust services exports and strong merchandise export growth in April 2026. However, higher freight and insurance costs, coupled with geopolitical uncertainties, are beginning to weigh on the economy. The central bank also flagged concerns over a deficient south-west monsoon, though various government initiatives are expected to help mitigate the impact on agriculture and rural demand.

Taking these factors into account, the RBI revised its FY27 real GDP growth forecast to 6.6% from 6.9% projected earlier. Growth is now estimated at 6.6% in Q1, 6.3% in Q2, 6.5% in Q3 and 6.8% in Q4. The central bank said prolonged supply chain disruptions, volatility in global financial markets and weather-related shocks remain key downside risks to growth.

CPI inflation for FY27 has been projected at 5.1%, compared with the earlier estimate of 4.6%. Quarterly inflation is expected at 4.2% in Q1, 5.1% in Q2, 5.9% in Q3 and 5.4% in Q4, while core inflation is projected at 4.7% for the year.

The RBI highlighted that elevated energy prices, global supply constraints, a weaker monsoon outlook and the risk of El Ni have increased inflation uncertainties. Given these evolving risks, the MPC decided that maintaining the current policy rate and stance would be appropriate until greater clarity emerges.

The minutes of the MPC meeting will be published on 19 June 2026. The next MPC meeting is scheduled for 3 to 5 August 2026.

Economy:

India’s economy grew at a higher pace of 7.7% during 2025-26 as compared to 7.1% in 2024-25, according to government data released on Friday. In January-March period of the 2025-26 fiscal year, the gross domestic product (GDP) has been estimated to grow 7.8%, the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) said.

Meanwhile, the government has announced a series of reforms to attract long-term foreign capital, including exempting Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) from income tax on interest income and capital gains arising from investments in government securities (G-Secs) with effect from 1 April 2026. Similar tax benefits have been extended to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).

The government has also expanded foreign investor access to government bonds by including additional long-tenor securities and Sovereign Green Bonds under the Fully Accessible Route (FAR), while removing certain investment restrictions under the General Route. At the same time, investment norms for individual Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs) have been liberalised, allowing them to invest in listed Indian equities through the Portfolio Investment Scheme with higher investment limits. The Finance Ministry said the measures are aimed at simplifying market access, enhancing ease of doing business and attracting stable foreign inflows into India’s equity and debt markets.

Numbers to Track:

The yield on India’s 10-year benchmark federal paper fell 0.29% to 6.975 compared with previous session close of 6.995.

In the foreign exchange market, the rupee edged higher against the dollar. The partially convertible rupee was hovering at 94.9375 compared with its close of 95.7450 during the previous trading session.

MCX Gold futures for 5 August 2026 settlement dropped 0.86% to Rs 158,180.

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the greenback’s value against a basket of currencies, was down 0.26% to 99.19.

The United States 10-year bond yield declined 0.02% to 4.476.

In the commodities market, Brent crude for August 2026 settlement lost 5 cents or 0.05% to $94.98 a barrel.

Global Markets:

European indices traded higher on Friday as investors weighed ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East against signs of cooling momentum in the artificial intelligence-led market rally.

Asian shares declined sharply as investors booked profits in technology stocks and rotated into more economically sensitive sectors. South Korea’s KOSPI was the worst-performing major index in the region, tumbling as much as 6% amid a steep sell-off in semiconductor shares.

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix plunged more than 8% each in early trade before recovering some losses later in the session. The weakness in chipmakers dragged regional markets lower.

Overnight, Wall Street delivered a mixed performance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged to a record high, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped as investors shifted away from AI and semiconductor stocks.

The Dow climbed 874.86 points, or 1.73%, to a record close of 51,561.93. The S&P 500 advanced 0.41% to 7,584.31, while the Nasdaq edged down 0.09% to 26,830.96.

The sector rotation was triggered by a sharp decline in Broadcom shares. The stock plunged more than 12% after the company’s fiscal second-quarter revenue missed market estimates. The broader semiconductor sector also came under pressure. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF fell more than 1%, while Arm Holdings dropped over 4% and Micron Technology slid nearly 8%.

Markets also remained sensitive to developments in the Middle East. Conflicting signals from ongoing negotiations to end the conflict have unsettled investors and contributed to a recent rise in oil and fuel prices.

Stocks in Spotlight:

Tata Steel fell 1.80% on media reports indicated that a fire broke out at the company’s Port Talbot plant in the UK on Wednesday night, leading to a temporary suspension of operations in a section of the facility.

ACME Solar Holdings gained 3.12% after the company announced the successful completion of its Rs 2,800 crore Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP).

Bharat Heavy Electricals shed 0.58%. The company has received a notification of award (NOA) from Meja Urja Nigam (MUNPL) for the 3×800 MW Meja Supercritical Thermal Power Project Stage-II EPC package.

Lupin added 0.80%. The company announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has approved its ranibizumab, Ranluspec (ranibizumab-hkdz) injection.

Juniper Hotels advanced 2.02% after the company has entered into an agreement with Juniper Hospitality Assets (JHAPL), and its seller shareholders, Arun Kumar Saraf and Varun Saraf, for the proposed transaction. The company will develop a five- Star hotel on land parcel measuring approximately 2.524 acres in Sector 23, Dwarka, New Delhi, having emerged as the successful bidder for the licence rights to the site.

Alembic Pharmaceuticals rose 0.12%. The company announced that it has received final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for Haloperidol Tablets USP in strengths of 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.

Bajaj Electricals gained 2.55% after the company announced its entry into cables category under its lighting solutions segment, aiming to capitalize on the growing demand in the cables industry.

Bluspring Enterprises surged 11.40% after it has secured a comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) contract from Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) for its 1,740 MW power plant.

Nephrocare Health Services rose 2.25% after its wholly owned subsidiary, Nephrocare Health Care Services Philippines Inc., has entered into an Asset Transfer Agreement with Inocentes Dialysis Clinic.

IPO Update:

Hexagon Nutrition received bids for 3,47,45,886 shares as against 2,16,02,008 shares on offer, according to stock exchange data at 16:45 IST on Friday (5 June 2026). The issue was subscribed 1.61 times.

The issue opened for bidding on 5 June 2026 and it will close on 9 June 2026. The price band of the IPO is fixed between Rs 42 to Rs 45 per share.

CMR Green Technologies received bids for 2,92,36,91,784 shares as against 2,30,43,930 shares on offer, according to stock exchange data at 16:45 IST on Friday (5 June 2026). The issue was subscribed 126.87 times.

The issue opened for bidding on 03 June 2026 and it will close on 5 June 2026. The price band of the IPO is fixed between Rs 182 to 192 per share.

Powered by Capital Market – Live News



Source link

Sensex sheds 117 points after RBI policy; healthcare stocks buck trend

Quick Wrap: Nifty Media Index rises 3.48%


Nifty Media index closed up 3.48% at 1502.45 today. The index is up 2.00% over last one month. Among the constituents, Network 18 Media & Investments Ltd gained 11.40%, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd added 7.52% and Saregama India Ltd rose 5.21%. The Nifty Media index is down 13.00% over last one year compared to the 5.59% decline in benchmark Nifty 50 index. In other indices, Nifty Metal index is down 1.60% and Nifty IT index is down 0.99% on the day. In broad markets, the Nifty 50 is down 0.21% to close at 23366.7 while the SENSEX is down 0.16% to close at 74243.34 today.

Powered by Capital Market – Live News

 

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

First Published: Jun 05 2026 | 5:04 PM IST



Source link

Sensex sheds 117 points after RBI policy; healthcare stocks buck trend

RBL Bank grants 1.59 lakh stock options


RBL Bank has approved the grant of 1,59,000 stock options convertible
into 1,59,000 equity shares of Rs. 10/- each to the eligible employees in terms of the Employee Stock Option Plan 2013 and Employee Stock Option Plan 2018 of the Bank (ESOP 2013 and ESOP 2018) at an Exercise Price of Rs. 353.75/- per option being the latest available closing
price on June 04, 2026, i.e. previous trading day prior to the Grant Date on National Stock Exchange of India being the Stock Exchange which recorded the higher trading volume.
 

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

First Published: Jun 05 2026 | 4:31 PM IST



Source link

Sensex sheds 117 points after RBI policy; healthcare stocks buck trend

Japan's Nikkei slips as tech stocks weigh


Japans Nikkei 225 fell 1.31% to 66,588 on Friday, extending losses from the previous session as technology and AI-related shares continued to face selling pressure. Weak sentiment followed a disappointing AI outlook from Broadcom, which reignited concerns about the sector.

Investors also stayed cautious amid fragile US-Iran ceasefire talks and reports of stalled negotiations, despite President Donald Trumps assurances that discussions are nearing completion. On the domestic side, data showed Japans real wages rose for the fourth month in a row, fueling expectations that the Bank of Japan could raise interest rates later this month.

Technology stocks led the decline, with Tokyo Electron (-6.6%), Murata Manufacturing (-2.1%), Taiyo Yuden (-1.5%), Fujikura (-1.2%), and Advantest (-5%) among the biggest losers.

 

Despite Fridays drop, the Nikkei still managed a 0.39% gain for the week, after hitting fresh all-time highs earlier.

Powered by Capital Market – Live News

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

First Published: Jun 05 2026 | 3:31 PM IST



Source link

'MPC signals strategic prudence, potential rate hikes likely from October'

'MPC signals strategic prudence, potential rate hikes likely from October'


The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has held its benchmark repo rate steady at 5.25 per cent, maintaining a ‘Neutral’ policy stance as it balances inflation concerns with the need to support economic growth. The decision, announced by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), underscores a calibrated approach in an increasingly uncertain domestic and global environment. While retail inflation recent prints have remained under control, the broader inflation outlook presents mixed signals. 


  Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation stood at 3.48 per cent in April 2026 comfortably within the RBI’s target band of 4 per cent ± 2 per cent. However, wholesale price inflation (WPI) surged to 8.3 per cent, driven largely by a sharp rise in fuel and power costs linked to geopolitical tensions in Middle East.  

 


Reflecting these risks, the RBI has revised its inflation forecast for FY27 upward by 50 basis points to 5.1 per cent with crude basket now priced in at USD 95 a barrel for the year.

  Global economic uncertainty continues to weigh on the policy outlook. Persisting inflation in advanced economies, volatile capital flows, and lingering supply chain disruptions have complicated the external environment. Despite domestic resilience, concerns around currency volatility and imported inflation remain. In response, the RBI has trimmed its FY27 GDP growth projection by 30 basis points to 6.6 per cent.  Alongside the policy decision, the central bank unveiled a series of measures aimed at improving capital inflows and stabilising the currency. These include higher investment limits for non-resident Indians (NRIs) and overseas citizens of India (OCIs) in equity markets, a similar facility for bearing the full hedging cost for FCNR(B) deposits till September 30, 2026, and concessional forex swap lines for public sector entities borrowing overseas.
  In a parallel development the government also announced amendments eliminating withholding tax and capital gains tax for Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) on government securities. The move is aimed at boosting foreign participation in India’s bond market and enhancing liquidity, particularly at the longer end of the yield curve.  Debt markets reacted positively, with yields at the shorter end of the curve declining by 10–20 basis points, reflecting reduced near-term rate hike expectations. However, we believe that liquidity measures and capital flow initiatives are unlikely to have an immediate impact on the broader economy. 


 


While immediate forex inflows are not anticipated from the above measures, they are likely to arrest the recent capital outflows and foster improved market sentiment, as they represent more investor-friendly initiatives rather than capital control policies. In the long term as global uncertainties subside, these actions should translate into increased forex flows. Markets will also await the announcement of the Bloomberg bond index inclusion due this month.

  Against this uncertain backdrop, the decision to hold rates should not be interpreted as inaction but rather as strategic prudence. The current stance in our opinion reflects a “wait-and-watch” approach as the MPC awaits more data especially on the inflation front and allows for further evaluation of the pivotal monsoon season. There would also be more clarity on the global policies as the new FED governor delivers his first policy. 


  Considering current inflation expectations, it is anticipated that the MPC will evaluate potential rate hikes beginning in October. However, due to ongoing global uncertainties and fluctuating developments in the Middle East, risks remain elevated.


We expect markets to remain nimble with major action in the shorter end of the curve. The current spreads may continue to remain attractive both in the money markets and the 2-3 year corporate bond segments. On the longer end we prefer the ultra-longer end of the curve given the absolute spreads. Overall we expect the 10 year to trade in the 6.85 per cent-7.25 per cent range in the medium term as the focus shifts on Fiscal front. (Source: RBI) SEBI Reg: LIC Mutual Fund | Reg No: MF/012/94/5   


  Disclaimer: This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee, or other group or individual. The information in this article alone is not sufficient and should not be used for the development or implementation of an investment strategy. The sectors mentioned herein are used to explain the concept and is for illustration purpose only. Past performance may or may not be sustainable in future and is not a guarantee of any future returns. Neither the Sponsors/the AMC/ the Trustee Company/ their associates/ any person connected with it, accepts any liability arising from the use of this information. 


MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO MARKET RISKS, READ ALL SCHEME RELATED DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY.  ((Disclaimer: This article is by Pratik Shroff, Fund Manager – Fixed Income at LIC MF. Views expressed are his own.))



Source link

RBI's external sector reforms to boost rupee, forex reserves: JM Fin AMC

RBI's external sector reforms to boost rupee, forex reserves: JM Fin AMC



The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) latest monetary policy reflects a cautious response to an increasingly uncertain global environment. Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, elevated energy prices, and volatile financial markets, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) prioritised stability while retaining flexibility to respond to evolving risks. 

As expected, the RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent, while maintaining the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate at 5 per cent and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate at 5.5 per cent. The MPC also retained its ‘Neutral’ stance, signalling a balanced and data-dependent approach to managing inflation and growth. 

 

The RBI acknowledged risks from higher energy prices and potential supply-chain disruptions but reiterated confidence in the resilience of the domestic economy. Reflecting a more cautious outlook, it raised its FY27 consumer price index (CPI) inflation forecast to 5.1 per cent from 4.6 per cent and core inflation to 4.7 per cent from 4.4 per cent, while lowering its gross domestic product (GDP) growth projection to 6.6 per cent from 6.9 per cent. 


On the external sector, the RBI expanded the fully accessible route (FAR) to include all fresh issuances of 15-, 30-, and 40-year government securities and facilitated external commercial borrowings by public sector entities. Together with the government’s capital gains tax exemption for foreign investors in government bonds, these measures are expected to support capital inflows, strengthen sovereign debt markets, and bolster the rupee. Overall, the policy was broadly in line with expectations and may be viewed as mildly dovish. 


The classical conundrum faced by RBI as it navigates through a complex set of variables appears to be of managing the currency, economic growth, and inflation. 


We feel that RBI’s own cautiousness rightly emanates from its objectives of navigating through global shocks while causing minimal disruption for our domestic economy and markets. Uncertainties regarding the resolution of the Middle Eastern crisis and domestically, the prospects of below-average monsoons make the outlook clouded for the central bank. 


In this context, RBI appears to have calibrated its policy decisions to reflect its multi-pronged approach in the face of significant uncertainties and headwinds. While it was largely expected that RBI would keep repo rate and stance unchanged, market participants may appreciate RBI’s actions of assuring markets of adequate liquidity while recognizing a measured uptick in inflation and core inflation, as well as a reasonable reduction in economic growth. This approach projects an image of RBI being conscious of the implications of global events and developments on the domestic economy and is prepared to react strongly and promptly to meet the challenges. 

The external sector measures announced with respect to the fully accessible route (FAR) universe expansion and the government announcing exemption of capital gains tax for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) investment in government bonds, may attract FPIs, which may attract forex inflows into our bond markets and partially address the forex outflow situation seen in the recent past. Simultaneously, other reforms, including steps to encourage external commercial borrowing (ECB) among public sector entities, may help attract further forex inflows into our markets. 
READ | ‘Vigilance & flexibility: RBI’s message as inflation, crude risks loom’ 


As such, the external sector reforms seem to be oriented towards improving our currency exchange rate and foreign exchange reserve positions. The policy was broadly in line with bond market expectations and may be seen as mildly dovish. The policy may lead to some reduction in concerns regarding the timing of future rate hikes. This may contribute to positive moves in bond markets in the short term, 


For now, RBI may have hinted at a pause in interest rates while it assesses the evolving global geopolitical events and their economic & financial implications. In the medium to long term, however, the domestic narrative remains broadly unchanged. With many of the positive events and actions behind us, including 125 basis points (bps) repo rate cuts, we may see participants eventually turn towards securing higher accruals via instruments like curated corporate bonds and sovereign assets 


Our base case is that RBI’s MPC policies may become live for rate changes from the August policy onwards, with a higher probability of RBI looking to make rate changes towards the October- December policies. 


(Disclaimer: This article is by Killol Pandya, head of fixed income, JM Financial Asset Management. Views expressed are his own.)



Source link

YouTube
Instagram
WhatsApp