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European shares edged higher on Friday, led by a recovery in French stocks after their sharp selloff in the previous session. Investors shifted focus to Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole speech for clues on inflation, interest rates and bond-market volatility, while gains were seen across all STOXX 600 subsectors.
HSBC has initiated coverage on recently listed Manipal Health with a Buy rating and Rs 1,000 target price, implying 26% upside. The brokerage sees strong growth potential from improving hospital utilisation, the Sahyadri turnaround, higher-margin speciality mix and deleveraging, with adjusted PAT expected to nearly triple by FY29.
As traders emerge from their holiday break, global markets brace for fluctuations. The ongoing geopolitical tensions keep energy prices in focus, while decisions from the Fed and BOJ will be scrutinized closely. Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence valuations and potential fiscal challenges in Europe pose risks, compounded by the political uncertainty surrounding the upcoming US midterm elections.
Ola Electric shares rallied on Friday after the EV maker launched its new S1Z scooter range with indigenous Bharat Cell LFP technology. The stock has rebounded nearly 79% from its March low, while the new models target India’s mass-market EV segment with prices starting at Rs 79,999.
Shanghai is rolling out new subsidies to lure offshore bond issuers into its free trade zone. This initiative aims to invigorate the currently stagnant market and position it as a leading global funding hub. Eligible bond issues will benefit from subsidies that cover legal, advisory, and banking fees, while onshore banks will also gain the ability to purchase these offshore bonds, ultimately fostering yuan internationalization and increasing foreign investments.
JM Financial has retained its Buy rating on Metropolis Healthcare with a target price of Rs 734, implying 27.2% upside. The brokerage calls it the cheapest among India’s leading listed diagnostic players, citing attractive valuations, network expansion, stronger B2C growth and improving margins as key drivers.
Google emerged as the best-performing asset in a Taurex study, gaining nearly 291% between 2020 and August 2026, while Bitcoin fell 30%. BAE Systems, gold, Apple and Microsoft also delivered gains of more than 100%. Defence stocks featured prominently among the top performers, benefiting from higher military spending, geopolitical tensions and increased global security expenditure.

Elara has initiated coverage on four pharmaceutical stocks, assigning Buy, Accumulate and Reduce ratings. Alkem Laboratories emerged as its top pick for margin recovery, while Eris Lifesciences and Mankind Pharma could benefit from portfolio expansion, acquisitions and deleveraging. Elara retained a cautious view on IPCA Laboratories after its recent rally.

Jefferies’ Christopher Wood highlights a sharp divergence in market returns: while the S&P 500 has doubled in dollar terms since early 2023, it has fallen 21% relative to gold. He warns that efforts to suppress US bond yields could weaken the dollar, boosting alternative assets such as gold and Bitcoin.
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole speech is in focus as investors seek clues on U.S. interest rates, inflation and bond-market risks. With inflation above target and policymakers divided, markets await guidance on future policy. Warsh’s cautious approach to forward guidance will be tested amid economic and fiscal uncertainties.
Japanese government bond yields climbed, with the five-year yield hitting a record high after weak demand at a two-year auction added to selling pressure. Persistent inflation and rising energy prices also strengthened expectations of further Bank of Japan rate hikes, while investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s policy signals.
Jefferies initiated coverage on SBI Funds Management with a Buy rating and a Rs 710 price target, implying 26% upside. The brokerage expects operating profit to grow at a 15% CAGR through FY29, supported by rising mutual fund assets, SBI’s distribution network and operating leverage. Strong B30 presence and lower operating costs further support the asset manager’s growth


Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has directed the Crime Branch to verify reports about fugitive Sukumara Kurup being alive. There are rumors he lives under a false identity in a foreign country, but Chennithala emphasized the need for factual investigation over speculation.
Tempsens Instruments made a blockbuster debut, listing at Rs 634 on the NSE, an 111% premium over its Rs 300 IPO price. The stock briefly gained further before falling over 8% from its debut level, though it remained 94% above the issue price. Analysts advised investors who missed the rally to consider buying on dips.
Salesforce shares surged 23% after strong Q2 results, higher guidance and accelerating AI adoption. Agentforce ARR jumped 240%, while its expanded Anthropic partnership strengthened the company’s AI growth outlook and eased concerns about AI disruption to traditional enterprise software.
Sugar stocks rallied as domestic sugar prices surged sharply over the past month. Government data showed retail prices rising from Rs 48.18/kg on July 20 to Rs 55.70/kg on August 20, with current prices around Rs 70/kg. Balrampur Chini Mills, Dhampur Sugar, Uttam Sugar, Triveni Engineering and EID Parry were among the key gainers.
Chinese stocks were largely steady on Friday as gains in property shares offset losses in biotechnology and semiconductor stocks. The Shanghai Composite edged up 0.1%, while the CSI300 slipped 0.1%. Hong Kong equities advanced, supported by Wall Street gains and Nvidia’s upbeat outlook, which boosted global AI sentiment.
Indian government bonds extended losses, pushing the ten-year yield higher. Global markets await Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's speech for policy outlook signals. Hawkish minutes from India's central bank revived domestic rate hike expectations. New Delhi plans a significant sale of benchmark notes today. Easing crude oil futures offered some relief to markets.

Catastrophic floods in Nepal have killed at least 469 people, with more than 1,000 missing. Rescue efforts remain challenging amid fears of further flooding, a swelling lake near the Nepal-China border and heavy rainfall forecasts, while authorities continue evacuations and search operations.