domestic investors

Foreign investors are significantly reducing their stake in Indian equities, with FII ownership hitting a multi-year low. Concurrently, domestic institutional investors, particularly mutual funds fueled by SIPs, are increasing their holdings, absorbing much of the foreign selling and reshaping market ownership.

The Indian rupee opened sharply lower against the US dollar, falling 36 paise to 94.58 due to rising Middle East tensions. This marked a reversal from Thursday's gains, as US President Trump warned Iran of stronger military action.

Foreign investors are exiting Indian stocks, with outflows reaching Rs 60,847 crore in April, following a massive Rs 1,17,775 crore sell-off in March. This trend signals sustained weakness in overseas investor sentiment, as global capital shifts towards Asian economies benefiting from the AI investment boom, particularly South Korea and Taiwan.

Stock market today: The BSE Sensex, comprising 30 stocks, advanced 355.90 points, or 0.46 per cent, to close at 77,269.40. During the session, it had surged as much as 997.25 points, or 1.29 per cent, reaching an intraday high of 77,910.75.

RBI is not alone in repatriating its gold reserves. Several central banks like France’s Banque de France, Germany’s Deutsche Bundesbank, Serbia’s National Bank have done the same - buy why?

The Indian rupee hit a historic low against the US dollar, pressured by corporate demand and soaring crude oil prices. Authorities are considering measures like incentivizing foreign currency deposits and easing tax rules for overseas investors to boost dollar inflows.

The Indian rupee hit a record low of 95.20 against the US dollar today. Rising global crude oil prices and a stronger US dollar are pressuring the currency. Concerns over West Asia also impact investor sentiment. Foreign investors continue to sell Indian equities. The domestic stock market also saw a decline.

In its latest study on emerging-market sovereigns, the agency notes that India has ranked among the more resilient economies since 2020, based on multiple indicators such as sovereign bond spreads, domestic yield movements, and exchange-rate stability.

Dalal Street concluded the holiday-shortened week with gains, as the combined market valuation of India's top 10 firms surged by Rs 2.20 lakh crore, led by Reliance Industries. Despite a volatile trading environment and mixed global cues, investor sentiment remained resilient, with the BSE Sensex rising 0.32%.

Foreign investors have offloaded a record $20.6 billion in Indian stocks this year, exceeding 2025's highest-ever annual outflow. The recent West Asian conflict triggered a significant sell-off, with nearly $18.2 billion exiting since the war began. Factors like rising crude oil prices, a weakening rupee, and concerns over company growth and valuations are driving this trend.

Markets brace for a crucial week as investors await state election results, with potential impacts on sentiment. Developments in the West Asia conflict and their influence on crude oil prices remain a significant concern for India's import-dependent economy. Key economic data and Q4 earnings will also shape market movements.

The central government has announced 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in insurance companies via the automatic route, enabling full foreign ownership. This move, aligning with the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha Act, 2025, aims to boost foreign participation, with IRDAI approval required. LIC remains an exception with a 20% FDI limit.

Indian equities experienced significant volatility as geopolitical tensions impacted markets, leading to a weaker rupee and investor caution. While fear drives knee-jerk reactions, the core design of Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) is built to navigate these phases, turning market swings into a potential long-term advantage for disciplined investors.

The Indian rupee is facing significant pressure, weakening against the US dollar due to soaring crude oil prices driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions and persistent foreign fund outflows. Despite India's robust economic growth, the currency's slide continues as the Reserve Bank of India intervenes to curb volatility rather than target a specific exchange rate.

The sell-off was widespread, extending beyond large-cap stocks to the broader market. The Nifty Smallcap 100 index was down 0.5%, while the Nifty Midcap 100 index fell more than 1%.