1424: Marketbuzz Podcast with Kanishka Sarkar: Market volatility likely to continue, BHEL, Zydus Lifesciences in focus

Welcome to CNBC-TV18’s Marketbuzz Podcast. Here are top developments from around the world ahead of the trading session of February 17

-An earthquake of 4.0 magnitude rocked parts of Delhi-NCR early this morning. There were no immediate reports of any damage or injuries. The earthquake has its epicentre in New Delhi. It struck at a depth of five kilometres at 5:36 am, according to the National Center for Seismology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted about the tremors felt in Delhi and nearby areas. He urged everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions, and that people must stay alert for possible aftershocks. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.

-Coming back to markets, on Friday, the Indian equity market fell for the eighth straight day, marking its first such decline in two years. This downturn was driven by persistent foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows and growing concerns over potential retaliatory tariffs from the United States. After reaching a record high of ₹478 lakh crore in September 2024, the combined market valuation has declined by nearly ₹80 lakh crore over the past four and a half months.

-With the earnings season now behind us, investor focus will shift to trends in FII flows and currency movements for further cues. Additionally, speculation regarding US tariffs and their impact on global trade will remain a key factor to watch.

-Vinod Nair of Geojit Financial Services expects volatility to stay elevated until there is clarity on tariffs and a recovery in corporate earnings.

-This morning, the GIFTNifty was lower, trading at a discount of nearly 40 pts from Nifty Futures Friday close, indicating a start in the red for the Indian market.

-Stocks to watch: BHEL, Alembic Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences, Aditya Birla Fashion, Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, Wipro

-Looking at global cues, Asian stocks struggled for direction this morning as traders navigate increasing tensions between the US and European Union and looming central bank monetary policy decisions.

-Australian shares dipped while Japan swung between gains and losses. Futures in Hong Kong also pointed to an early drop. The dollar was little changed. Treasury futures dipped with cash trading closed globally due to Presidents’ Day in the US.

-Investors will also be looking to China stocks after a gauge of US-listed mainland shares climbed 2.3% on Friday amid a euphoria over artificial intelligence companies. A potential meeting this week between President Xi Jinping and e-commerce icon Jack Ma could be the next catalyst to extend the rally in China’s stocks.

-In commodities, oil extended its loss to a fourth day. Oil fell Friday as concerns of ample supply and Trump’s tariffs hurting demand overshadow US threats to Iranian crude exports. Gold was steady.

Tune in to the Marketbuzz Podcast for more cues