Asian stocks were tentative on Wednesday ahead of a U.S. inflation reading this week that could influence the timing of the Federal Reserve's easing cycle, while the New Zealand dollar fell sharply after the central bank softened its hawkish stance on rates. New Zealand's central bank held the cash rate steady at 5.5% on Wednesday, reiterating that previous rate hikes had helped dampen prices.

Oil prices rose on Tuesday as the market focused on uncertainty over a potential Gaza ceasefire and some expectations that producer group OPEC+ will extend voluntary supply cuts in March. Brent crude futures rose 50 cents, or 0.61%, to $83.03 a barrel by 1442 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures (WTI) were up 60 cents, or 0.77%, at $78.18. Mixed signals came from the Middle East.

Zomato's Chief Executive Officer Deepinder Goyal on February 27 said that established businesses should fund startups to help them get bigger, but not with the intention of owning them. "I think established businesses need to nurture startups. And I don't think we have that kind of culture yet. And larger businesses need to start funding startups not with the intention of owning them.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called out the West Bengal government for its "irresponsible" policies. Speaking in Kolkata on February 27, Sitharaman said the state had fallen from far from its golden days and called on its people to not tolerate the "absolutely irresponsible" state government. "You should get back your mojo. You should get back the strength.

Promoter Sion Investment Holdings Pte Ltd sold its entire stake in CMS Info Systems through block deals on Tuesday. According to exchange data, Sion Investment Holdings has sold 4.17 crore shares, representing a 26.66% stake in the company. Post the transaction, the shareholding of Sion has become ‘Nil’. The transaction was done at Rs 370.38 apiece as the promoter took home.

Gold prices inched up on Tuesday, buoyed by a weaker U.S. dollar and bond yields, ahead of a key inflation report and comments from Federal Reserve officials for further clues on when interest rate cuts will commence. Spot gold was up 0.4% at $2,038.15 per ounce as of 1229 GMT, hovering near its highest since Feb. 7 hit on Friday. U.S. gold futures rose 0.4% to $2,047.30 per ounce.

India urged members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to allow developing countries and small economies to provide subsidies for the fisheries sector in a bid to protect the food security and livelihood security of their fishermen. "India stressed that historically, while subsidies to the fisheries sector have led to over-exploitation, subsidies are also vital for developing countries.

CMS Info Systems' promoter Sion Investments sold its entire stake in the cash manegment company through open market transactions on February 27. Sion Investments, an affiliate of Baring Private Equity Asia, sold 4,17,71,975 shares, which comes up to 26.68 percent stake in CMS Info Systems at an average price of Rs 370.38. The value of the deal is Rs 1,547.15 crore.

Juniper Hotels is likely to see a muted debut on February 28 despite positive market conditions. Tepid IPO subscription numbers and the loss-making status of the company, which is owned by the hotel developer Saraf Group and global premier hospitality brand Hyatt Hotels Corporation, may be among the key reasons for the flat listing, analysts said.

CMS Info Systems promoter Sion Investment Holdings PTE offloaded its entire stake in the company on February 27. It sold 4,17,71,975 shares or a 26.69 percent stake at Rs 370.38 per share. Societe Generale, Morgan Stanley Asia Singapore PTE, Kotak Small Cap fund, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, IIFL Securities, Think India Opportunities Master Fund LP, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority-WAY.

Skoda Auto is looking to double its sales in India by 2026 with the launch of its affordably priced compact SUV next year. As part of its broader plan for the country, the Czech automaker hopes to ship out as many as 100,000 cars in 2026, more than twice the number of vehicles it sold in 2023, a top company official said on Tuesday.India's compact SUV market is highly concentrated.

Exicom Tele-Systems IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of Exicom Tele-Systems has opened for subscription on Tuesday, February 27 and will close of February 29,2024. The electric vehicle (EV) charging solution company has fixed the price band at ₹135 to ₹142 per equity share for the face value of ₹10 each for the issue.Exicom Tele-Systems IPO is a book built issue of ₹429.00 crore.

IndoStar Capital Finance has signed an agreement to raise Rs 457 crore through preferential allotment of warrants to promoter Brookfield Asset Management and non-promoter investor Florintree Tecserv LLP. Brookfield will invest Rs 257 crore by subscribing to approximately 13.95 million warrants at Rs 184 each, while Florintree will invest Rs 200 crore by subscribing to 10.87 million warrants.

The market regulator seems to be trying a new way to crackdown on unregistered investment advisories. Over the last month, regional offices of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) have been issuing warning letters to entities providing such a service. Usually, Sebi investigates complaints related to such activity and passes orders. Issuing warning letters seems like a new tactic.

The agony of homebuyers of Kharavela Enclave, one of the premium housing projects executed by the Odisha State Housing Board (OSHB) near Khandagiri Square here, continues with the board yet to hand over the apartments that was supposed to have been done in 2014. Agitated by the delay, the distressed homebuyers on Monday staged a protest in front of the board.