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PB Fintech posted a 185% YoY jump in Q4FY25 net profit to Rs 171 crore, with revenue rising 38% to Rs 1,508 crore. Full-year PAT surged 448% to Rs 353 crore, driven by strong growth in health insurance. Core insurance revenue rose 46%, while credit revenue declined 21%. The company ended the quarter with Rs 5,406 crore in cash.

LIC Housing Finance reported a 25% YoY rise in Q4FY25 net profit to Rs 1,368 crore, aided by a sharp drop in provisions. Loan disbursements grew 5%, led by individual home loans. NIM dipped to 2.86%, while the total loan book rose 7% YoY. Analysts maintain a ‘Buy’ rating with an average target price of Rs 673.

Both benchmark indices hit seven-month highs on Thursday. This week alone, the Nifty has climbed nearly 4.5%, while the Sensex is up around 4%. They now sit just 4.6% and 4% below their record highs reached on September 27, 2024.

Billionaire Terry Smith, often called "the English Warren Buffett," argues that replicating Buffett s success is impossible today. He cites Munger s influence, leveraging insurance float, and Berkshire s closed-end structure as key advantages. Smith also points to a changed regulatory environment and the dominance of ETFs as barriers.

Shenzhen and Mumbai stock tickers reveal the truth about the aerial fight between India and Pakistan. Chinese defence stocks fell sharply, while Indian defence stocks rallied. Operation Sindoor demonstrated India s military might with indigenous weapons. Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased the undamaged S-400 system. India aims to boost defence exports significantly by 2029.

Sunny Agrawal from SBI Cap Securities suggests a constructive short-term market outlook, anticipating a potential 50 basis point rate cut by the RBI. He recommends overweighting banking (ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Indian Bank), auto (Mahindra & Mahindra, Force Motors), and oil & gas (HPCL) sectors.

The rupee strengthened to 85.42 against the dollar, propelled by robust foreign fund inflows and a weaker dollar index. Gains were limited by a widening trade deficit, a sluggish equity market start, and rising Brent crude prices. India s April exports saw a 9.03% increase, but the trade deficit hit a five-month high at USD 26.42 billion due to increased imports.

Gold futures opened lower at MCX, continuing a week-long price decline, while silver also saw a slight dip. Despite early session losses due to easing geopolitical tensions, both metals recovered following mixed U.S. economic data and a weaker dollar. Experts suggest monitoring volatility and key support levels for trading gold and silver.

JSW Paints is reportedly in exclusive talks to acquire Akzo Nobel India, potentially outbidding a consortium led by Advent International. The deal, offering a slight discount to the market price, could significantly boost JSW Paints market position, especially in the luxury segment. However, Akzo Nobel India faces sector-wide challenges like shrinking margins and increased competition.

Arvind Sanger from Geosphere Capital Management indicates renewed investor interest in non-US markets, particularly India, citing improved growth prospects. He notes that while the previous quarter was unremarkable, positive developments like receding geopolitical tensions, supportive RBI policies, and a rebounding US market are boosting confidence.