Market Bizzz

Britain’s government will streamline the home-buying process. This aims to cut four weeks off the typical five-month period. Early publication of search and survey information will be required. Binding contracts for buyers and sellers are also being considered. This could halve failed property transactions. First-time buyers may save an average of 710 pounds.

Vedanta Ltd achieved record production highs in Q2 FY26, including its highest-ever quarterly aluminum output at 617 kt and alumina production at 653 kt, a 31% YoY jump. Zinc India and Zinc International also reported best-ever mined metal figures. Pig iron output surged 26%.

The National Stock Exchange will reduce Nifty 50 futures and options lot size from 75 to 65, effective December 30, 2025, for contracts expiring thereafter. This revision, also impacting Bank Nifty and other indices, aims to balance contract values. Traders will need to adjust position sizes and margin requirements, while retail investors may find contracts more accessible.

Bajaj Finance delivered a robust operational performance in Q2 FY26, with Assets Under Management surging 24% year-on-year to Rs 4,62,250 crore. The company expanded its customer base to 110.64 million, adding over 4 million new customers, while new loan bookings jumped 26%. This strong growth follows a 22% profit increase in Q1, underscoring consistent financial strength and retail traction.

The S&P 500 and Dow achieved record closing highs Friday, navigating a volatile session amid an ongoing government shutdown. Interest rate-cut expectations strengthened, driven by weak economic data, including contracting services employment. Traders now anticipate a Fed rate cut in October as almost certain, with another probable in December, despite concerns about a prolonged shutdown’s impact.

Gold miners have significantly outperformed chip stocks this year, soaring 135% compared to 40%, driven by gold’s 45% rally. This surge is fueled by central bank buying and rate cut expectations, with major miners like Fresnillo quadrupling. Despite strong performance, gold miners’ valuations remain attractive at 13 times forward earnings.

ICICI Securities reports that defensive sectors like FMCG, IT, and healthcare have seen their market-cap share drop to a 20% low since 2011, from 30% in 2020. Their profit pool share also plummeted to 16%, while valuations remain high at 32 times P/E. Meanwhile, cyclicals’ P/B ratios have surged significantly from 2020 bottoms.

Logistics firm Glottis is set to finalize its Rs 307 crore IPO allotment on Friday after receiving 2.12 times subscription. Despite strong investor interest across categories, the grey market premium of just Re 1 indicates muted listing-day gains are anticipated. Investors can check their allotment status from October 3.

WeWork India’s initial public offering opened for subscription on October 3. The Rs 3,000 crore offer will close on October 7. Shares are priced between Rs 615 and Rs 648. The company aims to list on October 10. WeWork India is a flexible workspace provider. It reported a profit turnaround in FY25. Analysts hold divided views on its valuation.

Chatterbox Technologies will debut on the BSE SME platform this Friday. Its initial public offering closed earlier this week. The company raised 42.86 crore rupees. The IPO received strong investor interest. Shares are trading at a premium in the grey market. Chatterbox operates an influencer marketing platform connecting brands with creators.