Asian share markets followed Wall Street higher on Friday as the growing prospect of several more US rate cuts promised to lower borrowing costs globally, a relief to stressed bond markets and a drag on the dollar.

Indexes in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan all scaled record peaks, urged on by extravagant expectations for AI-related earnings growth.

US stock market rose on Thursday as traders anticipated that the latest reading of a key consumer inflation gauge won't stand in the way of the Federal Reserve lowering its benchmark interest rate next week.

Here's a table showing how US stocks performed on Thursday:

Source: Equitymaster

At present, the BSE Sensex is trading 210 points higher, and the NSE Nifty is trading 69 points higher.

NTPC, Adani Enterprises, and Axis Bank are among the top gainers today.

Infosys, Titan, and Bajaj Auto are among the top losers today.

The BSE Midcap index is trading 0.2% higher, and the BSE Smallcap index is trading 0.3% higher.

All sectors are trading positively, with stocks in the IT, real estate, and media sectors witnessing buying.

The rupee is trading at Rs 88.37 against the US dollar.
 

Infosys Announces Record Buyback

Infosys Ltd has unveiled its largest-ever share buyback program worth Rs 180 bn through the tender route.

The company will repurchase about 100 m shares, representing 2.41% of equity, at Rs 1,800 per share - a 19% premium to the prevailing market price.

Supported by cash reserves of over Rs 420 bn and FY25 free cash flow exceeding Rs 200 bn, Infosys has ample capacity for such shareholder returns.

The move is in line with its stated capital allocation policy of distributing 85% of free cash flow over five years through dividends and buybacks. This latest buyback is nearly double the Rs 93 bn program carried out in October 2022 and follows earlier initiatives of Rs 82.6 bn in 2019 and Rs 130 bn in 2017.

The announcement comes at a time when IT companies, including Infosys, are under pressure from subdued global demand and margin challenges, making the step a strong signal of management's confidence in long-term growth and value creation for investors.
 

Bharat Forge Partners with UK's Windracers

Bharat Forge has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK-based autonomous cargo drone manufacturer Windracers Limited to collaborate on the deployment, localisation, and application of its ULTRA Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in India.

The agreement, signed at the DSEI UK 2025 defence exhibition in London, will initially run for two years, focusing on localisation, joint trials, and development of a definitive deployment framework.

The collaboration builds on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and aligns with the India-UK Vision 2035 roadmap, aimed at strengthening aerospace ties and boosting innovation in defence technology.

Bharat Forge highlighted that the UAV platform has already demonstrated its reliability in challenging international operations, including Antarctic research missions, showcasing resilience in extreme environments.

With the Indian aerospace and defence sector rapidly advancing, this partnership is expected to open opportunities in logistics, military, and disaster relief applications.

It will particularly enable safe and efficient cargo transport in hazardous and remote terrains where traditional systems face limitations.
 

RailTel Bags Fresh Orders

RailTel Corporation of India has secured a contract worth Rs 709.4 m from Nashik Municipal Smart City Development Corporation Ltd.

The project is slated for completion by December 31, 2026. It involves appointing an Implementation Agency for supply, laying, installation, testing, and commissioning of the Nashik and Trimbakeshwar City Network Backbone. The scope also includes operations and maintenance support.

In a separate development, RailTel also received an order valued at Rs 325.1 m from Panvel Municipal Corporation.

This project, scheduled to be completed by 19 March 2031, includes supply, installation, and services for providing connectivity solutions through SDWAN-based Internet Lease Line/MPLS Line across various locations under the Panvel Safe City Project.

Earlier, on 9 September, the company announced it had secured multiple contracts from different government agencies, reinforcing its strong position in the digital infrastructure and smart city services segment.
 

Marico To Acquire Stake in HW Wellness

Marico Ltd. announced on Thursday that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 46.02% stake in HW Wellness Solutions Pvt. Ltd., the maker of the "True Elements" brand. The transaction, valued at up to Rs 1.4 bn, will increase Marico's ownership from 53.98% to 100%, making HW Wellness a wholly owned subsidiary.

Marico first invested in the company in May 2022 as part of its plan to expand in the healthy breakfast and snacking segment and strengthen its portfolio of digital-first brands.

The acquisition, it said, is in line with its broader strategy to accelerate growth in emerging food categories while advancing its digital transformation journey.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pune, HW Wellness has established a strong presence in the packaged foods industry, particularly in the fast-growing health-focused segment.

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