AMC & product-related updates
LIC Mutual Fund has announced the launch of a diversified technology fund with a focused exposure to artificial intelligence. The new fund offer will open for subscription from 20 February 2026 to 6 March 2026.
Abakkus Mutual Fund is set to launch a small-cap equity scheme, with the new fund offer scheduled to open on 26 February 2026.
Regulatory & policy developments
The Association of NSE Members of India has formally approached the market regulator seeking a six-month deferment in the implementation of the RBI’s 100% cash collateral requirement for bank guarantees.
The Delhi High Court has ruled that ancestral property is not protected from attachment under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, strengthening enforcement provisions under the law.
Mutual fund & distribution signals
Fifteen mutual fund houses now manage equity assets exceeding ₹1 lakh crore, highlighting increasing concentration at the top end of the industry. SBI Mutual Fund continues to lead, with equity AUM of ₹8.21 lakh crore, accounting for nearly 65% of its total assets under management.
The average AUM per retail folio in mutual funds stands at ₹1.92 lakh, while the overall average AUM across all folios was ₹3.07 lakh as of December 2025, indicating gradual ticket-size expansion among investors.
Markets & sectoral trends
Crude oil prices are approaching a six-month high amid rising US-Iran tensions. As of 20 February 2026, Brent crude was at $71.99 per barrel, while WTI traded at $67.05.
Morgan Stanley remains constructive on Reliance Industries, projecting an upside potential of 18%–28% following the company’s ₹10 lakh crore investment announcement in artificial intelligence. The brokerage views AI-led capital expenditure as the next major strategic pivot.
In the aviation sector, SpiceJet’s market share more than doubled to 4.3% in December. In the auto segment, electric buses accounted for 4.5% of total commercial bus sales in FY26 so far, marking a key adoption milestone.
In commodities, India continues to influence global edible oil trade flows, with international exporters closely tracking domestic demand trends.
Technology, AI & digital infrastructure
Andhra Pradesh has partnered with IBM, BharatGen, and NxtGen to set up a citizen-centric AI Hub in Visakhapatnam. The initiative will focus on Telugu-first services, data localisation, and domestic AI infrastructure development.
Accenture has made the regular use of AI tools mandatory for employees aspiring to leadership roles. Supported by an annual learning budget of $1 billion, the firm has trained over 550,000 employees in generative AI and entered strategic partnerships with leading AI developers.
Corporate actions, capital flows & business developments
UPL has announced a group-level reorganisation to merge its crop protection businesses, creating the world’s second-largest listed pure-play crop protection company.
Global investment firm General Catalyst has committed $5 billion towards investments in India, reinforcing long-term confidence in the domestic growth story.
Novartis AG has announced its exit from Novartis India through the sale of its 70.68% stake, along with an open offer priced at ₹860.64 per share.
Nykaa will assume responsibility for Kiehl’s India operations under an exclusive partnership with L’Oréal.
RPP Infra shares rose 7% after the company secured a ₹206 crore order for the Chennai Global Sports City project.
Ola Electric plans to reduce its physical retail footprint to 550 stores by the end of March, with the stock currently trading near record lows.
Infrastructure, trade & public policy
According to the commerce minister, the interim India–US trade agreement is expected to come into effect in April.
India’s free trade agreements with the UK and Oman are also scheduled for rollout in April, while a trade pact with New Zealand is likely by September.
Other major headlines
Federal Bank has received an income tax refund of ₹686 crore, including accumulated interest.
Source: Livemint, Cafemutual, Moneycontrol, Financial Express, CNBC TV18
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