Market Bizzz

Total short interest, or the amount that contrarian traders have pledged against crypto stocks, has increased to nearly $11 billion this year, according to a report from S3 Partners LLC on Monday. More than 80% of total short interest in the sector are bets against MicroStrategy Inc. and Coinbase Global Inc.

Spot gold was steady at $2,178.31 per ounce, as of 0125 GMT, following two session on gains. * U.S. gold futures edged 0.1% lower to $2,173.70 per ounce.

Brent crude futures for May dropped 69 cents, or 0.8%, to $85.56 a barrel at 0150 GMT. The May contract is set to to expire on Thursday and the more actively traded June contract declined 60 cents, or 0.7%, at $85.03.

Stocks that were in focus include names like IREDA, which rose 5%, Infosys, which declined 3%, and Wipro, whose shares fell 2.5% on Friday.

In a stock exchange disclosure, Asian Paints Saturday said Shroff has informed the board of directors she will not be able to continue for a second term of appointment as an independent director of the company on account of several new projects her firm has undertaken, projects that demand greater professional and time commitments.