Summary of J.P. Morgan India Equity Strategy Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Indian Equities - **Current Situation**: Indian equities have faced significant pressure due to weak earnings growth, lower beta, and limited AI exposure. However, supportive fiscal and monetary policies, recovering domestic demand, and sectoral growth are expected to lead to a rebound in corporate earnings. [1][4][25] Core Insights and Arguments - **Earnings Growth Forecast**: J.P. Morgan forecasts MSCI India earnings to grow by 13% in CY26 and 14% in CY27, which is lower than the consensus estimates of 16% and 14.3% respectively. [1][4][27] - **Valuation Context**: Despite premium valuations, the gap with emerging markets (EM) has compressed to below historical averages, indicating potential for a re-rating of Indian equities. [1][5][42] - **Market Dynamics**: The India Quant Macro Indicator (QMI) suggests a potential market catch-up as India transitions from 'Early' to 'Mid' cycle, with cyclical dynamics favoring renewed momentum strategies. [1][9] - **Nifty 50 Target**: The base case target for Nifty 50 is raised to 30,000 by the end of 2026. [1][12] Key Drivers for Growth 1. **Policy Easing**: Both fiscal and monetary policies have shifted to support domestic demand, with expectations of further rate cuts. [4][48] 2. **Regulatory Reforms**: Ongoing reforms are aimed at simplifying compliance, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing economic resilience. [4][55] 3. **Improving India-US Relations**: Enhanced trade relations could lead to tariff resolutions, positively impacting market sentiment. [4][48] 4. **Consumption Recovery**: Factors such as premiumization, rural recovery, and social welfare initiatives are driving consumption growth. [4][48] 5. **Capex Expansion**: Capital expenditure is expanding into strategic sectors like energy transition and semiconductors, supported by targeted policies. [4][48] Sector Allocation Insights - **Overweight Sectors**: Materials, Financials, Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Hospitals, Real Estate, Defense, and Power. [1][9] - **Underweight Sectors**: IT and Pharma. [1][9] Important but Overlooked Content - **Earnings Cycle**: The earnings cycle is turning positive, with a better-than-expected quarter showing high single-digit earnings growth despite global headwinds. [25][26] - **Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs)**: DIIs have been a key support for equities, investing significantly through systematic investment plans (SIPs). [18][23] - **Key Events to Watch**: Upcoming events include the India-US BTA progress, festive season demand, and key elections, which could influence market dynamics. [9][4] Conclusion - The Indian equity market is poised for a rebound driven by supportive policies, improving macroeconomic conditions, and sectoral growth. The focus on domestic consumption and strategic investments in key sectors presents a favorable outlook for investors. [1][4][27]

Core Points - Commercial Metals Company (CMC) has successfully closed an offering of $1,000 million in 5.75% Senior Notes due 2033 and $1,000 million in 6.00% Senior Notes due 2035, totaling $2,000 million [1][2] - The proceeds from the offering will be used to fund the acquisition of Foley Products Company, along with transaction-related fees and general corporate purposes [3] - The Notes are senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with CMC's existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness [2] Financial Details - The 2033 Notes will mature on November 15, 2033, while the 2035 Notes will mature on December 15, 2035 [2] - Gross proceeds from the issuance of the Notes were placed into an escrow account pending the completion of the Foley Acquisition [4] - If the Foley Acquisition is not completed by October 15, 2026, CMC will be required to redeem all of the Notes at 100% of the initial issue price plus accrued interest [4] Offering Details - The Notes were offered only to qualified institutional buyers and certain non-U.S. persons, in compliance with Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act [5] - The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and cannot be offered or sold in the U.S. without registration or an exemption [5]

Cash-strapped startup Stegra AB has been awarded 390 million kronor ($40.9 million) in public grant money provided the green steel venture can secure enough funds by next spring to complete the project https://t.co/HCsoHBbSE5 ...

Canada will tighten the rules on steel imports and offer more financial help for lumber producers, aiming to stem losses in two industries targeted by US tariffs https://t.co/PQlokJ3ii9 ...

Market Performance - The benchmark Sensex rebounded by 1,022.50 points or 1.21% to settle at 85,609.51, while Nifty increased by 320.50 points or 1.24% to end at 26,205.30, just 10 points shy of its all-time high [3][4] - In intra-day trade, Nifty surged 330.35 points or 1.27% to reach 26,215.15 [4] Investor Sentiment - Growing expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut in December, supported by recent US economic data indicating softening demand and cooling inflation, bolstered investor sentiment [7][10] - Increasing optimism regarding a potential truce between Russia and Ukraine also enhanced risk appetite among investors [9][10] Sector Performance - Market participation was broad-based, with metals, energy, and IT sectors leading the gains, while mid-cap and small-cap indices advanced over 1% [5][6] - Major gainers among Sensex firms included Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, Tata Steel, Reliance Industries, Sun Pharma, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Axis Bank, and Infosys, while Bharti Airtel and Asian Paints were laggards [4][6] Foreign and Domestic Investment - Foreign Institutional Investors purchased equities worth ₹785.32 crore, while Domestic Institutional Investors bought stocks worth ₹3,912.47 crore [8] - The overall market sentiment improved globally, driven by expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut and a weaker dollar [8]

Core Viewpoint - Prabhudas Lilladher (PL) remains bullish on large-cap stocks, selecting 11 stocks to buy, while also identifying 7 mid and small-cap stocks, totaling 18 preferred picks [1][12]. Market Performance - Nifty has shown resilience over the past three months, trading at 26,175 with a gain of 290 points, needing to cover 90 points to surpass its lifetime high of 26,277 [2][14]. - The ongoing rally is attributed to strong corporate performance in 2QFY26, with sales, EBIDTA, and PAT growth of 8.1%, 16.3%, and 16.4% respectively, alongside an EPS upgrade for Nifty [3][14]. Economic Drivers - Economic momentum is expected to be driven by domestic demand, influenced by several factors: 1. Income tax rate cuts benefiting over 80% of individual taxpayers [6][14]. 2. Anticipated 100 basis points rate cut by the RBI to stimulate growth [6][7]. 3. Healthy rural incomes supported by a strong monsoon and robust harvests [9][14]. 4. Low inflation rates, with CPI at 1.7% for September and projected at 1% for the December quarter, enhancing real purchasing power [10][14]. 5. GST rationalization contributing to demand revival [11][14]. Banking Sector Outlook - Improvement in bank performance is expected, with Net Interest Margins (NIMs) having bottomed out and credit growth recovering from 9% to a projected 11-13% in the second half of the year [8][14]. - Benefits from lower interest rates are anticipated to reflect in liability repricing from 3Q26, with potential for an additional 25 basis points rate cut in FY26 [8][14]. Stock Recommendations - Preferred large-cap stocks include ITC, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), and others [12][14]. - Broader market picks include Ajanta Pharma, Fine Organic Industries, and Voltamp Transformers [12][14]. Government Capex Concerns - There is a potential cool-off in government capital expenditure, which has increased significantly since COVID, with a 40% rise in 1H capex possibly leading to a 10% year-over-year decline in 2H26 unless the government exceeds its capex allocation [12][14].

Core Insights - Five stocks have been added to the Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) List, indicating strong potential for investment Group 1: Company Earnings Estimates - West Bancorporation, Inc. (WTBA) has seen a 7.4% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - James River Group Holdings, Ltd. (JRVR) has experienced a 10.5% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Commercial Metals Company (CMC) has reported a 12.5% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Pan American Silver Corp. (PAAS) has seen a 9.2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) has experienced nearly an 8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3]

Group 1 - ADNOC Gas has signed a $4 billion deal to supply natural gas to EMSTEEL for 20 years starting in 2027, focusing on lower-carbon energy [1][2] - The agreement strengthens the partnership between ADNOC Gas and EMSTEEL, highlighting their commitment to sustainable economic growth in the UAE [2] - ADNOC Gas supplies 60% of the UAE's natural gas needs, emphasizing its strategic role in the nation's industrial growth and energy security [4] Group 2 - The UAE has approved a $150 billion capital program for 2026–2030 to expand its national energy strategy, which includes significant increases in oil and gas reserves [3][5] - Oil reserves in the UAE have increased by 7 billion stock tank barrels to 120 billion STB, while gas reserves have risen by 7 trillion cubic feet to 297 tscf [5] - The board of ADNOC has approved CAPEX of $150 billion over the next five years to enhance upstream capacity, expand gas output, and accelerate growth in downstream and chemicals [6]

Group 1: Commercial Metals Company (CMC) - Commercial Metals Company is a steel and metal products provider with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 12.5% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 11.35, significantly lower than the industry average of 21.00, and possesses a Value Score of A [1] Group 2: Alcoa Corporation (AA) - Alcoa Corporation produces and sells bauxite, alumina, and aluminum products, also holding a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 5.8% over the last 60 days [2] - Alcoa has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 11.16, slightly below the industry average of 11.60, and possesses a Value Score of A [2] Group 3: James River Group Holdings, Ltd. (JRVR) - James River Group Holdings is a specialty insurance company with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 10.5% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 5.46, which is lower than the industry average of 8.30, and possesses a Value Score of B [3]

Core Insights - Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ:STLD) has been downgraded by UBS from Buy to Neutral, with a revised price target of $165, up from $158, due to valuation concerns after a 22% stock price increase since August [2] - The company reported a revenue of $4.8 billion for Q3 2025, marking an 11% increase year-over-year, with a consolidated operating income growth of 33% and adjusted EBITDA rising 24% sequentially [3] - Steel Dynamics has achieved record quarterly steel shipments, benefiting from reduced import levels and improved performance from its Sinton facility [4] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q3 2025 reached $4.8 billion, an increase of 11% compared to the previous year [3] - Operating income was reported at $508 million, with net income at $404 million [3] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $664 million, and cash flow from operations totaled $723 million [3] Market Position - Steel Dynamics is a significant player in the US steel production and metal recycling industry, operating multiple steel mills and finishing facilities nationwide [5] - The company has produced finished aluminum flat rolled products for industrial and beverage can markets, as well as hot band for the automotive sector, with customer qualifications occurring sooner than expected [4]