Even though the overall Indian economy stayed strong in 2025, the stock market gave modest gains, making it a forgettable year for many equity investors.
The Nifty 50 index rose only about 10.5%. Mid‑cap stocks grew 5.4% and small‑cap stocks actually fell 6%. Heavy foreign outflows and global uncertainty kept the market from shining, despite record domestic institutional inflows of over $90 billion.
These funds showed the best performance among mid‑cap options in a weak year. While past returns give a clue about a fund’s management, they do not guarantee future results. Look at each fund’s sector exposure and top holdings to see if they match your risk comfort and investment goals.
Remember, this information is for educational purposes only. It’s not a recommendation to buy or sell any fund. Markets can change quickly, so always do your own research or talk to a certified financial advisor before making decisions.
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Join TelegramMotilal Oswal has given Canara HSBC Life Insurance a fresh “Buy” rating, pointing to strong growth, rising market share and favorable industry trends. Overview Canara HSBC Life Insurance is among the top ten life insurers in India. It offers a mix of products such as unit‑linked plans, non‑participating plans, participating plans and pure protection plans. Product Mix In the first half of FY2026, the company’s business split roughly as follows: Unit‑linked plans: 50% Non‑participating plans: 34% Participating plans: 8% Protection plans: 8% Distribution Channels Most sales come through banks. Canara Bank contributed about 70% of the business and HSBC about 15% in the same period. Growth Track Record Over the last ten years, Canara HSBC Life has grown its annual premium equivalent (APE) at a compound annual growth rate of about 22%, beating the overall industry and the private‑sector peers. Its market share rose by 90 basis points in the overall market and 110 basis points in the private segment. Industry Tailwinds Several factors are helping the life‑insurance sector in India: Insurance penetration is still low at 2.8% of GDP, leaving room for growth. The GST exemption on life‑insurance premiums gives a price advantage. The protection gap is large (about 83% of the population is uninsured), the highest among peers. Regulatory changes such as risk‑based solvency norms and a possible composite licence could boost profitability. Analyst Outlook Motilal Oswal values the company at 1.7 times its projected FY2028 earnings, which translates to a target price of around INR 180 per share. The brokerage has started coverage with a “Buy” rating. Disclaimer Remember, this is just an opinion, not a prediction. Do your own research or consult a qualified advisor before making any investment decisions.
President Donald Trump asked credit‑card issuers to limit interest rates to 10% for a year, a move that sent major US banks’ shares sharply lower. What the President Proposed Trump told reporters that, starting Jan. 20, credit‑card companies must keep rates at or below 10% or face legal trouble. Current rates are often above 20%. Immediate Market Reaction Shares of the biggest card issuers fell: Capital One – down 6.4% American Express – down 4.3% JPMorgan Chase – down 1.4% Citigroup – down 3% Wells Fargo – down 1% Synchrony Financial – down 8.4% Even payment networks that don’t issue cards, like Visa and Mastercard, slipped because they earn fees when consumers use cards. Why Banks Oppose the Cap Analysts say a 10% ceiling could erase a year’s worth of earnings from card‑related fees and interest. One analyst called it a "ruinous" change that would make banks stop lending on cards. Potential Impact on Consumers If banks pull back on credit‑card loans, lower‑income borrowers could lose access to affordable credit. They might turn to more expensive alternatives such as payday lenders or high‑interest personal loans. Potential Winners and Losers While many banks and retailers felt the pain, some fintech firms could benefit if shoppers shift to buy‑now‑pay‑later services. Shares of Klarna and Affirm still fell, but the sector may see more interest. Airlines with card partnerships (Delta, United, Southwest) dropped about 1.5%‑2%. Retailers with large credit‑card portfolios (Macy’s, Kohl’s) fell 4%‑5%. European bank Barclays, which relies on US card revenue, slipped 2.4% in London. Analysts’ View Most analysts doubt the proposal will become law because of strong lobbying from the banking sector. One noted, "Given how severe it is, it is hard to imagine it moving forward." Industry groups said they share the goal of cheaper credit but warned a hard cap would cut credit availability and hurt millions of families and small businesses. Bottom Line The 10% rate cap is a political flashpoint that could reshape credit‑card economics, but it faces steep odds in Congress. Investors should watch how the debate evolves and consider the broader impact on both banks and borrowers. Remember, this is perspective, not a prediction. Do your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.
After a shaky start, the shares of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and HCL Technologies turned modestly higher on Tuesday, showing that investors are re‑evaluating their Q3 FY26 earnings. Market reaction Both stocks erased early losses as the broader market recovered. By noon, TCS was up about 0.6% at Rs 3,258.1, while HCL Tech edged up 0.15% to Rs 1,670.1. What brokers are saying TCS: Analysts note steady execution and a healthy deal pipeline, but they see limited growth visibility overseas, keeping most ratings neutral. HCL Tech: Strong operational results and a higher guidance helped, yet brokers point to seasonal risks in the products business and caution on short‑term upside. Key takeaways for investors The intraday bounce suggests that some investors used the early dip to add to positions. Both companies show stable margins and resilient demand, but growth momentum remains a concern. Long‑term performance is still under pressure – TCS is down over 24% and HCL Tech over 16% in the past year. Future gains may depend on how well each firm leverages AI‑driven opportunities and secures new deals. Looking ahead Investors will keep an eye on deal execution, demand trends, and AI initiatives to see if they can spark a more durable recovery in earnings. Remember, this is perspective, not a prediction. Do your own research before making any investment decisions.