Mayur Bhalerao

The blockbuster mainboard IPO market hit a standstill in May as the West Asia war sparked severe risk aversion. Yet, the retail-driven SME segment continues to defy the chill, signalling a sharp split in investor appetite.

Indian equities struggled to hold on to early optimism this week, as every recovery attempt ran into selling pressure.

The West Asia war-led correction reduced some excesses, but valuations have turned expensive again.

Market participants agreed that easing geopolitical risk is positive, but remain divided on whether India can outperform in the near term.

Mahindra & Mahindra was the biggest purchase during May, with insurers buying shares worth ₹462 crore. GMR Airports was the next, with insurers snapping up ₹428 crore.

More than one-third of retail-backed winners came from capital goods, metals, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. The sector mix suggests retail participation extended beyond speculative trades

Technology spending made up one-fifth of NSE's total FY26 expenses even as revenue growth slowed.

Mumbai, June 19 -- National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE) has finally taken the first step towards a public listing.

Indian equities closed the week higher on gains in financials, realty and capital goods, helped by foreign inflows and softer crude prices, though a Friday selloff in IT stocks and a worsening monsoon outlook capped the upside.

MUMBAI The number of Indians investing in stocks is rising, even as the number of active traders is declining.