BILKUL BAZAAR— The Daily News Wrap
- Bilkul Bazaar
- 9:00 PM | 23 Aug – 24 Aug 2026
National Business News Highlights
1. India’s Equity Fundraising Nears $10 Billion in August
India’s equity markets are heading for a record August, with almost $10 billion of deals priced during the month. The government’s ₹3.2-billion-dollar-equivalent LIC share sale and Manipal Health Enterprises’ IPO have been major contributors to the surge.
2. Sensex, Nifty End Lower Amid Global Market Caution
Indian benchmark indices closed in the red on August 24. The Sensex fell 171.72 points to 77,369.11, while the Nifty declined 32.95 points to 24,219.05, as investors remained cautious amid global geopolitical and market concerns.
3. Three IPOs Open as ₹3,700-Crore Public-Issue Week Begins
Skyways Air Services, Symbiotec Pharmalab and Hy-Tech Engineers opened their IPOs on August 24. Together with other issues during the week, 12 public offerings worth more than ₹3,700 crore are scheduled to hit the market.
4. Skyways Air Services IPO Gets 1.16 Times Subscription on Day One
The Skyways Air Services IPO opened on August 24 with a price band of ₹131–₹138 per share and received bids exceeding the shares on offer on its opening day. The issue closes on August 27.
5. Symbiotec Pharmalab IPO Opens With Strong Investor Interest
Symbiotec Pharmalab’s ₹1,757-crore IPO opened on August 24 with a price band of ₹938–₹988. The issue comprises a fresh issue of up to ₹150 crore and an offer for sale of about ₹1,607 crore.
6. Horizon Industrial Parks Makes Muted Stock-Market Debut
Horizon Industrial Parks made its stock-market debut on August 24 after its ₹2,600-crore IPO. The shares listed close to their issue price, reflecting a cautious response from investors despite the company’s high occupancy and strong operating margins.
7. India’s Corporate Capex Cycle Gains Momentum
HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave said India’s new capital-expenditure cycle is increasingly being driven by financially strong, cash-rich companies expanding capacity. The trend points to a potentially broader investment cycle across Indian industry.
8. India to Expand Free-Trade Negotiations With 8–9 Countries/Blocs
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India is negotiating trade agreements with 8–9 additional countries or groups, with the objective of eventually covering around 75% of global trade through such agreements.
9. Government Lifts Wheat Export Ban
The Centre has permitted exports of wheat, including durum wheat, along with flour and other wheat products. The move is expected to add flexibility for exporters while contributing to global food supply amid geopolitical disruptions.
10. Federal Bank Plans $500-Million Dollar Bond Issue
Federal Bank is preparing to raise $500 million through five-year dollar-denominated bonds via its GIFT City branch, joining Indian lenders seeking overseas funding amid strong demand for foreign-currency capital.
International Business News Highlights
1. Shein Sets Hong Kong IPO at Valuation Far Below Its Peak
Fast-fashion giant Shein has launched its Hong Kong IPO at a valuation of around $27 billion, significantly below its previous peak valuation. The company is seeking to raise about $1.77 billion.
2. Alibaba Shares Plunge After $10.2-Billion AI Fundraising Plan
Alibaba shares fell sharply in Hong Kong after the Chinese technology giant announced a HK$80-billion ($10.2 billion) share placement to fund its artificial-intelligence expansion.
3. Global Markets Slide as Iran Sanctions Loom
Global stocks weakened on August 24 as investors assessed the potential economic impact of expected US sanctions against Iran. Oil prices also moved lower after recent gains, while markets remained focused on geopolitical risks and inflation.
4. Samsung Shares Fall Despite Record $79-Billion Shareholder Return Plan
Samsung Electronics shares fell more than 8% after the company announced a record shareholder-return programme worth about $79 billion. Investors remained concerned about the company’s outlook despite the large payout commitment.
5. US Markets Await Nvidia Results Amid AI Valuation Concerns
US equities began the week cautiously, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq under pressure as investors awaited Nvidia’s quarterly results and key inflation data. Nvidia shares fell more than 2%, adding to concerns over high technology valuations.
💬 QUOTE OF THE DAY
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
— Albert Einstein