Aabha Bakaya

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a major change to mutual fund operations by allowing fund houses greater flexibility in availing intraday borrowings. At present, mutual funds use such facilities mainly to bridge temporary timing mismatches between redemption payouts and receivables during the trading day. However, SEBI is now considering permitting asset management companies (AMCs) to use intraday borrowings for purposes beyond investor redemptions, while also allowing borrowings to exceed same-day receivables in certain cases. The move follows representations made by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and is aimed at improving liquidity management, operational efficiency and smoother fund execution during volatile market conditions. In this video, we explain what intraday borrowing means, why SEBI wants to expand the framework, how it could benefit mutual funds, and what safeguards the regulator has proposed to ensure these borrowings are repaid within the same trading day.

Fuel prices are back in focus after the first major hike in four years, with oil marketing companies under pressure from elevated global crude prices and a weakening rupee. In this interview, market expert Mayuresh Joshi explains why the recent increase may not be the last and how rising Brent crude prices, macroeconomic pressures and the ongoing West Asia crisis are shaping market sentiment. He also decodes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent call for austerity and responsible consumption, calling it a step aimed at protecting India’s fiscal and macroeconomic stability.The discussion also covers the market’s range-bound movement over the past two weeks, the pressure on the Indian currency, expectations from global geopolitical developments, and why investors are already bracing for a weak first quarter. Watch the full conversation for insights on fuel prices, OMC losses, oil markets, the Indian economy, and what could drive the next move in equities.

The Indian rupee could face more pressure ahead as foreign investor outflows, trade deficit concerns and global currency dynamics continue to weigh on sentiment. In this conversation, Ajay Bagga shares his outlook on the rupee and explains why he believes the currency could eventually move towards the 100 mark against the US dollar. He discusses the limitations of India’s forex reserves, the impact of FPI selling, NRI flows and the growing popularity of shorting the rupee in global markets. Ajay Bagga also suggests measures like NRI bonds, tax concessions and stronger confidence-building steps to attract foreign capital and stabilise the currency. The discussion also touches upon RBI intervention, remittance flows from the Gulf and broader macroeconomic risks facing India.

Foreign institutional investors continue to remain cautious on Indian markets as rising US bond yields, a stronger dollar and taxation concerns keep money away from emerging markets. In this conversation, Ajay Bagga explains why FIIs are still preferring safer US assets over markets like India despite strong domestic participation. He highlights how 4.5% risk-free returns in the US, coupled with a strengthening dollar, are reducing the attractiveness of emerging market investments. Ajay Bagga also discusses the impact of rupee depreciation, taxation issues, earnings expectations, AI opportunities, and the resilience shown by Indian markets through strong retail participation. He believes India’s ability to provide liquidity and smooth exits to global investors strengthens its long-term appeal despite near-term outflows.

Is the worst finally behind for India’s IT sector? In this conversation, Ajay Bagga shares his outlook on the rally in IT and pharma stocks amid rising focus on AI and a weaker rupee. He explains how global AI adoption, cloud growth and new enterprise use cases could eventually revive revenue growth for Indian IT companies, even though meaningful AI monetisation is still awaited. Ajay Bagga points out that valuations in the IT sector have corrected sharply to multi-year lows, attracting contrarian domestic investors despite continued caution from foreign funds. He also discusses why pharma remains a long-term structural growth story supported by multiple drivers including currency tailwinds, exports and resilient demand.

India’s economic worries are deepening as the rupee weakens sharply against the dollar amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. With crude oil prices surging and the rupee hovering near lifetime lows, market experts are warning of a “double whammy” for the Indian economy. Earnings pressure, inflation fears, and a possible range-bound market are now becoming key concerns for investors. In this explosive conversation, market expert shares why the situation is becoming a “clear and present danger” and how prolonged geopolitical uncertainty could impact India’s growth story. He also explains why the first two quarters of the new financial year may be tougher than expected. Can government intervention and policy action soften the blow? Watch this full discussion to understand the big market risks ahead.

Fresh off his high-profile 5-nation tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is diving straight into a major economic war room review as tensions in West Asia continue to rattle global markets. With crude oil prices rising, inflation fears mounting, and supply chain risks growing, the government has shifted from passive monitoring to full-scale economic preparedness. A high-level ministerial group is now closely tracking risks linked to crude, essential commodities, and economic stability. Top ministries including Finance, Commerce, Railways, Labour, and DPIIT are expected to present key updates in a marathon review meeting chaired by PM Modi. The focus remains clear - protecting India from the fallout of prolonged geopolitical tensions and ensuring inflation remains under control amid fears of a deeper global economic disruption.

While global tech giants are seeing massive rallies on the back of AI excitement, Indian IT companies are yet to show meaningful earnings impact from AI partnerships. Mayuresh Joshi explains why India lacks a strong AI market trade, what’s driving the global AI frenzy, and whether Indian companies can still catch up in the race.

The United States has proposed fresh tariffs on India under Section 301, citing concerns related to forced labor and trade practices. The move could impact textile exports and comes at a time when global markets are already navigating geopolitical uncertainty. Sharad Avasthi, Head of Research (PCG), SMIFS explains why India may be better positioned today, thanks to export diversification, new trade agreements, and shifting global demand patterns. He also discusses the likely impact on investor sentiment, key sectors to watch, and whether this development is a short-term concern or a material risk for the Indian economy.

Despite recurring concerns around AI disruption and weakness in global technology stocks, Indian I.T. companies continue to attract attention due to their compelling valuations. Sharad Avasthi, Head of Research (PCG), SMIFS believes the recent correction has created attractive opportunities across the sector, particularly in large-cap names such as Infosys and TCS, as well as mid-cap players like Cyient, Hexaware and Coforge. He highlights that while AI-led transformation may lead to short-term challenges and changes in business models, Indian I.T. firms have spent the last few quarters de-risking operations and preparing for the shift. As these efforts begin reflecting in earnings, investor concerns could ease, making the current correction an opportunity for long-term investors.