Reliance Industries has seen a significant market cap drop in early 2026 due to concerns over Russian crude exposure and slowing retail growth. Despite near-term headwinds, brokerages view 2026 as a "year of catalysts," anticipating strong energy segment performance and potential upside from Jio's listing and tariff hikes.

Indian stock markets experienced their worst start to a year in a decade, with nearly Rs 8 lakh crore in market capitalization wiped out. Foreign institutional investors have pulled out $2 billion amid anxieties over a delayed India-US tariff deal and the upcoming Union Budget. Analysts anticipate continued range-bound trading until policy clarity emerges.

India's Q3 earnings season is set to deliver the strongest profit growth in two years. Brokerages forecast a sharp turnaround after six quarters of disappointing results. Financials and autos are expected to lead the gains. However, export-facing sectors face headwinds. The market is watching to see if this marks a sustained recovery or a false dawn.

The Union Budget on February 1 is shaping up as a litmus test for the capex trade, which has slowed over the past year. With fiscal discipline likely to be maintained, any additional spending is expected to be selective, focusing on sectors such as defence, railways, and infrastructure-linked segments, rather than a broad-based capital expenditure push.

Indian stock markets are consolidating. Investors are assessing earnings against current uncertainties. Experts see opportunities in financial services, defence, and metals. These sectors offer potential for growth. Automobiles are seen as fully priced. Investors are advised to be selective. Focus remains on large-cap stocks until the budget.

NBFCs are set for their strongest earnings in nine quarters, with Motilal Oswal expecting robust Q3 growth led by steady AUM momentum, margin gains and controlled credit costs.

Finance author Robert Kiyosaki cheered silver prices surpassing $90 per ounce. He noted US Silver Eagle coins are selling for $104. Silver futures on MCX reached an all-time high of Rs 2,87,990 per kilogram. Geopolitical tensions are supporting precious metals. Kiyosaki previously warned of a potential pullback but continues to buy silver.

An expert warns that retiring at 27 with a Rs 1.6 crore corpus and Rs 65,000 monthly expenses may be risky, as inflation, taxes, longevity, and emergencies could exhaust savings well before age 75.

TCS posts mixed Q3 with margins under pressure, while HCL Technologies beats expectations with AI-driven growth. Sector sentiment is cautious after Rs 75,000-crore FII selloff, with brokerages suggesting stock-specific execution and AI traction will guide performance.

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