- As per astrology view, important turning dates are 1st, 5th, 8th, 12th, 16th, 20th and 22nd October 2026.
- Friday night closing: Crude closed at 104.45, while Dow closed up 479 points, Nasdaq gained 129 points and S&P 500 rose 39 points. Gift Nifty was up 49 points at 23,237, signalling a mild gap-up opening in Indian markets on Monday, subject to weekend developments. Brent crude above $80 remains a significant negative for the Indian economy.
- Big alert: The next Federal Reserve FOMC meeting is scheduled for October 27-28, 2026, with the interest-rate decision due on October 28 at 2:00 PM ET. As per market grapevine, expectations of another rate hike are high. A rate hike could negatively impact equity and mutual fund investors, potentially prompting some investors to shift towards bonds, debt funds and bank FDs.
- Value watch list amid uncertain sentiment: 1) Black Rose – Rs.115: Trading well below its all-time high of Rs.239. It has already paid a 200% first interim dividend for FY27, supported by a 145% jump in Q1 PAT. 2) Bright Brothers – Rs.240: Trading below its all-time high of Rs.495 and at a forward P/E of around 10x. HNIs hold 13.08%. 3) IOLCP – Rs.204: Q1 PAT jumped 90%. Its Rs.495 crore expansion and diversification programme is being funded entirely through internal accruals, reducing dependence on external funding amid rising interest rates. 4) Pennar Industries – Rs.184: Trading below its high of Rs.280. Management gave an optimistic FY27 outlook at the September 24 AGM. Bandhan MF is increasing its holding to 5%, while promoters have taken 30 lakh warrants at Rs.168. Fixed assets increased from Rs.697 crore in FY24 to nearly Rs.1,200 crore in FY26. 5) Prince Pipes & Fittings – Rs.261: Q1FY27 PAT surged 600%, with an optimistic FY27 outlook. The stock remains well below its all-time high of Rs.897. 6) Shri Bajrang Alliance – Rs.164: Trading below its high of Rs.406, with a P/E of around 3.2x and book value of Rs.426. These stocks can be kept on the radar/watch list amid uncertain market conditions.
- Key macro concerns: Brent crude above $80 remains a significant negative for the Indian economy. Drought conditions in several states, attributed to El Niño, could also affect economic activity. Heavy IPO, OFS and QIP activity may absorb liquidity from the secondary market. India has seen 30 Mainboard IPOs in September so far, reportedly the highest monthly count in 30 years since December 1996, alongside a large number of SME IPOs. Any RBI rate increase on October 7 could further influence investor allocation between equity, debt and bank FDs. The key question is whether the RBI Governor raises rates on October 7.
