US equities extended their record run for a second consecutive session Wednesday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each posting modest gains as a temporary Israel-Lebanon ceasefire and reports of potential US-Iran diplomatic engagement reduced geopolitical risk premiums. The moves were incremental rather than decisive, reflecting cautious optimism rather than a broad risk-on rotation. Labor market data released during the session came in steady, providing a stable macro backdrop without materially shifting rate expectations. Trading remained choppy throughout, suggesting investors are managing position sizing carefully rather than committing fresh capital at record levels. The key variables to monitor: whether the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire holds beyond its temporary mandate, how US-Iran talks develop, and whether upcoming economic releases give the Federal Reserve a clearer path on rate timing. Any reversal in Middle East de-escalation could quickly reprice the geopolitical discount markets are currently extending.
The Indian government has launched an OFS to sell up to 6.5% of its LIC stake, opening for non-retail investors on August 4, 2026, at a floor price of Rs 382 per share, about 11% below Monday's close. The discounted offering is likely to pressure LIC shares in the near term as supply increases sharply.
More than a dozen major Indian companies including Bharti Airtel, ONGC, Pidilite, Nykaa, DLF, and Ather Energy report April-June 2026 earnings on August 4. Results span telecom, energy, consumer goods, real estate, and EV sectors, giving markets a broad read on corporate health mid-earnings season.
Amazon shares hit a new all-time high Monday, pushing its market cap above $3 trillion following a sustained post-earnings rally. The milestone places Amazon among the very few companies globally to reach this valuation, with investor focus on AWS and advertising growth driving the move.
Sensex Gains 500 Points as Oil Falls on Iran Talks
The Sensex rose around 500 points and the Nifty crossed 24,500 on Monday after Donald Trump announced talks with Iran, pushing oil prices lower. IndiGo, ITC, FMCG, and metals led the gains as cheaper crude eased cost and inflation concerns.
