👉 Equity benchmarks rebound ahead of interim budget. 👉 Government expected to focus on debt reduction and infrastructure spending in interim budget before elections. 👉 Reserve Bank bars Paytm Payments Bank from accepting deposits or offering banking services due to non-compliance. 👉 Burman family increases stake in Religare Enterprises, could gain control through open offer.

The government is expected to continue its high level of capital expenditure in the upcoming budget, but private sector investment remains sluggish. Factors such as inflation and supply chain issues have hindered private capex growth. The budget may focus on stimulating private investment through measures like credit guarantee schemes and regulatory reforms.

On the last trading day of January, U.S. stocks fell after the Federal Reserve announced they would not be cutting interest rates anytime soon. This news, along with disappointing results from Alphabet and other tech companies, caused a sharp decline in major indexes. Despite this, all three indexes ended the month with gains.

Global oil prices rose due to signals of possible rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve and new support measures for its property market by China. Lower rates and economic growth are expected to increase oil demand. Analysts predict China will remain the biggest contributor to oil demand growth in 2024.

Paytm faces major troubles as brokerage firm Jefferies downgrades stock to 'underperform' and cuts price target. The Reserve Bank of India's restrictions on Paytm's lending business, along with concerns over non-compliance, reputation risks, and potential impact on profitability have led to the downgrade. This could potentially bring a 34% downside in the stock's value.

📍Glenmark Pharma joined hands with Pfizer to launch Abrocitinib in India. 📍Shree Cement has recorded 165% on-year growth in standalone net profit at Rs 734 crore for Q3FY24. 📍Thomas Cook (India) registered a 241% y/y growth in consolidated profit at Rs 90.5 crore during Q3FY24. 📍KKR and CPP are likely to sell shares worth around $465 million, or Rs 3,800 crore in Indus Towers.

Asian markets are struggling after Wall Street's late slide, but investors still expect interest rate cuts in the US despite a delay from the Federal Reserve. Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicated a cut could happen as early as May due to weak employment gains and slowing inflation. The delayed cut has also led to bets for more aggressive cuts in the future, causing bond yields to fall.