BILKUL BAZAAR— The Daily News Wrap

• Bilkul Bazaar
• 9:00 PM |  19 Aug – 20 Aug 2026

 National Business News Highlights

1. RBI’s Hawkish Minutes Put Rate Hike Back on Investors’ Radar
Minutes of the RBI’s August policy meeting showed growing concern over inflation, prompting markets to reassess the possibility of future rate hikes. Government bond yields rose sharply following the release.

2. LIC Gets RBI Nod to Raise HDFC Bank Stake to 9.99%
The Reserve Bank of India has approved Life Insurance Corporation of India’s proposal to increase its holding in HDFC Bank to 9.99%, strengthening LIC’s position in the country’s largest private-sector bank.

3. SEBI Plans Comprehensive Review of SME IPO Rules
SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said the regulator is preparing a comprehensive review of rules governing SME IPOs, including requirements that can increase compliance and market-making costs for smaller companies.

4. Augmont Enterprises IPO to Open on August 21
Augmont Enterprises is set to launch its IPO on August 21. The issue has attracted strong grey-market interest, with the reported GMP reaching ₹285 per share on August 20.

5. Tempsens Instruments IPO Opens With Strong Investor Interest
The IPO of temperature-sensor manufacturer Tempsens Instruments opened on August 20. The issue was around 42% subscribed during the first part of Day 1, while its grey-market premium was reported at about 73%.

6. Shankesh Jewellers IPO Sees Strong Demand
Shankesh Jewellers’ ₹367.18-crore IPO entered its final bidding day with substantial investor interest. The issue had received bids equivalent to 2.80 times the shares on offer, according to exchange data reported Thursday.

7. Coal India Plans Singapore Trading Hub for Critical Minerals
Coal India is planning its first international trading office in Singapore as it looks to expand into critical minerals such as lithium, rare earths, iron ore and bauxite. The company is also exploring overseas acquisition opportunities.

8. Investcorp Acquires India Logistics Platform 20Cube for $58 Million
Bahrain-based investment firm Investcorp has acquired 20Cube 3PL Solutions, the India contract-logistics business of Singapore-headquartered 20Cube Logistics, for about $58 million.

9. Navi Raises $100 Million From Prosus Ahead of IPO Plans
Fintech company Navi, led by Sachin Bansal, has secured $100 million from global technology investor Prosus. The investment marks Navi’s first institutional capital raise as it prepares for a potential public listing.

10. Private Capex Still Cautious Despite Public Investment Push
A paper presented at a banking conclave highlighted that private-sector capital expenditure remains subdued amid uncertainty over demand, commodity prices, geopolitics, trade and competition from imports.

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 International Business News Highlights

1. Wall Street Slips as Bond Yields Rise; Walmart Shares Plunge
US stocks came under pressure on Thursday as Treasury yields resumed their rise. Walmart shares fell sharply after the retailer reported weaker-than-expected sales and issued a disappointing profit outlook.

2. US Treasury Doubles Long-Term Bond Buybacks Amid Market Pressure
The US Treasury has doubled planned buybacks of longer-dated government bonds in an effort to stabilise a volatile bond market. The move comes as US government debt has surpassed $40 trillion.

3. European Stocks Edge Lower as Oil Crosses $93
European markets remained under pressure as rising oil prices revived inflation concerns. Brent crude climbed around 2% to roughly $93 a barrel, while travel and leisure stocks declined.

4. JD Sports Cuts Profit Outlook; Shares Plunge 13.8%
UK sportswear retailer JD Sports sharply reduced its profit outlook, sending its shares down 13.8%. The development added to concerns over consumer spending and retail demand.

5. Australia’s Unemployment Rate Hits Highest Level Since 2021
Australia’s jobless rate has risen to its highest level since 2021, signalling a cooling labour market. The weaker employment picture could reduce immediate pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise interest rates.

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💬 QUOTE OF THE DAY

“The way to make money is to buy when blood is running in the streets.”
— John D. Rockefeller

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