Despite volatile market conditions, investor confidence in Indian equities remains strong. This is evident from the significant increase in systematic investment plan (SIP) registrations and demat account additions. Factors such as a strong economy, stable earnings, political stability, and low inflation have contributed to this positive sentiment. Analysts believe that this trend will continue.

Japanese shares hit a 34-year high, while the S&P 500 closed at a record high due to strong earnings. Oil prices also rose as Israel rejected a cease-fire offer from Hamas. Chinese markets were closed for Lunar New Year while Hong Kong's Hang Seng slumped 2%. The Nikkei rose 1% aided by a weaker yen. US bond yields and the dollar were up, while the Bank of Japan remains dovish.

India's retail inflation is predicted to have dropped to 5.09% in January due to lower food prices and favorable base effects. The Reserve Bank of India considers food price shocks as a major risk. Inflation is expected to stay above the target of 4%, but may decrease due to factors like falling food prices, softening oil prices, and base effects. Core inflation is also expected to have fallen.

IREDA has received approval from the RBI to set up a subsidiary in IFSC, GIFT City. This move will not only help IREDA expand globally but also secure funding for renewable energy projects. With this presence, IREDA aims to promote sustainable development through innovative solutions and collaboration with international investors.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor M Rajeshwar Rao has cautioned non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) on peer-to-peer lending, saying the regulator has observed certain business practices that do not appear to be in line with its guidelines. Any breach of licensing conditions and regulatory guidelines is non-acceptable, he said.

Zuckerberg sold $765 million worth of Meta Platforms stock since November 2021, while the company's shares have risen over 160%. He holds 13% of the company and could receive a $700 million dividend due to his 350 million shares. The stock also saw a 20% surge after announcing a $0.50 dividend per share.

Nissan Motor's shares dropped 11% in Tokyo trading due to a lower car sales outlook and concerns about its business in China. This resulted in a $1.8 billion loss in market value. The company maintained its annual outlook but revised its retail sales prediction to 3.55 million vehicles. Nissan is taking steps to mitigate challenges in China, including targeting regions.

Japanese stocks rose to a two-week high on Thursday, fueled by strong performance from tech stocks and a weaker yen. The Nikkei climbed 1.71%, with SoftBank Group and Advantest leading the gains. A weakening yen also boosted Japanese exporters such as Toyota Motor, which reached a record high. Daiwa Securities predicts the Nikkei will reach 37,000 by end-March due to strong earnings.

ONGC's net profit is expected to decrease by 14% year-on-year and 8% from the previous quarter due to lower crude prices and GST provisions. Analysts predict a decline in net sales and EBITDA, while recouped costs and lower crude realisation may further impact profits. The company's crude and gas production is also expected to decrease, with a drop in sales and realisation.

Reported Standalone quarterly numbers for Ovobel Foods are: Net Sales at Rs 50.80 crore in December 2023 down 7.07% from Rs. 54.66 crore in December 2022. Quarterly Net Profit at Rs. 0.41 crore in December 2023 down 95.68% from Rs. 9.53 crore in December 2022. EBITDA stands at Rs. 1.20 crore in December 2023 down 91.68% from Rs. 14.43 crore in December 2022.

Oil prices rose on Friday, with Brent and WTI climbing 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively. Tensions in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas have driven prices up by about 3%. Despite criticism of civilian casualties in Gaza, talks for a ceasefire continue. The conflict has not affected oil production.

FPIs pumped billions into Indian equities in November and December 2023, but turned into net sellers in January as they dumped stocks worth about Rs 40,300 crore across seven sectors. Financial services was hit the hardest, with FPIs selling over Rs 30,000 crore in this sector alone. They also sold stocks in FMCG, automobile, metals and mining, and media & entertainment sectors.

Patanjali Foods Limited, owned by yoga guru Ramdev, saw a 5% decrease in stock prices after reporting a 19.6% drop in net profit for the December quarter. Revenue also declined by 0.2%, with the FMCG segment showing some growth. The stock has gained 15% in the last three years and experts advise seeking certified advice before making investment decisions.

The sovereign gold bond (SGB) 2016-I, which came up for maturity on February 8, has delivered an extended internal rate of return (XIRR) of 13.6 percent or an absolute return of 163 percent to investors. According to a recent Reserve Bank of India (RBI) notification, the price for the final redemption was Rs 6,271 per unit of SGB.

Goodricke Group reported a 6.51% decrease in net sales and a significant net loss of Rs. 25.04 crore in the December 2023 quarter compared to the same period in 2022. EBITDA also saw a large decrease. Shares closed at 206.05 on Feb. 08, 2024 with returns of 13.40% over 6 months and 7.85% over 12 months.