AMC & product-related updates
Equity-focused schemes continue to hold the largest share within the mutual fund industry. Equity-oriented funds now contribute nearly 68% of the industry’s total assets, with overall equity AUM reaching ₹53.96 lakh crore.
According to an analysis by Cafemutual, SBI Mutual Fund, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund and HDFC Mutual Fund remained the three largest fund houses by equity assets as of March 2026. The calculation includes equity schemes, equity-oriented hybrid funds and passive equity products.
Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has announced the launch of the Motilal Oswal Contra Fund, an open-ended equity scheme based on a contrarian investment approach. The new fund offer (NFO) will be available for subscription from May 8 to May 22, 2026. The fund house stated that the scheme aims to create long-term capital appreciation through investments in equity and equity-related instruments using a contrarian strategy, although returns are not guaranteed.
Regulatory & policy developments
SEBI has withdrawn the Investor Risk Reduction Access (IRRA) platform for stock brokers, noting that the securities market now has stronger cyber resilience systems and improved business continuity mechanisms.
The regulator has also instructed providers of “significant indices” to obtain registration under the Index Provider Regulations within a six-month period. Certain benchmarks notified by RBI have been excluded from this requirement.
On the taxation front, the government is revamping the GST refund filing process through a new Annexure-B offline utility. The move is expected to enable automated verification, improve data accuracy and speed up refunds for exporters and businesses claiming unutilised input tax credit.
Mutual fund & distribution signals
The SIF distribution network continued to expand during March 2026. The industry added 609 new SIF distributors during the month, taking the total count to 6,338. More than half of these distributors are individuals.
Cafemutual is set to recognise leading passive funds during CPC 2026 in Mumbai. The awards are based on Cafemutual’s evaluation of 546 passive schemes across different categories.
A recent survey conducted by Equirus Wealth among 8,300 GCC-based NRI clients highlighted a major shift in investment behaviour. Many investors are reportedly reducing exposure to real estate and allocating nearly 70–80% of the proceeds into Indian largecap and midcap equities. Managed products such as mutual funds, PMS offerings and GIFT City structures are emerging as preferred investment avenues.
AMFI’s upcoming half-yearly market-cap reclassification exercise may result in more than 30 stocks moving between largecap, midcap and smallcap categories.
Markets & global trends
Indian equity markets ended almost unchanged on May 7, 2026, after witnessing significant intraday swings. The Sensex closed lower by over 100 points, while the Nifty ended near flat levels.
Despite the muted benchmark performance, broader markets remained relatively stronger, with both midcap and smallcap indices outperforming frontline indices.
Globally, market sentiment improved on hopes of progress in US–Iran negotiations. Japan’s Nikkei index touched a fresh intraday record high, with the Nikkei 225 climbing as much as 5.5% to 62,799.19.
South Korea also overtook Canada to become the world’s seventh-largest equity market. Bloomberg data showed the total market capitalisation of Korean-listed firms rising 71% this year to $4.59 trillion, while Canada’s market capitalisation increased around 7% to $4.5 trillion.
Corporate actions, capital flows & business developments
InCred Holdings has submitted IPO documents to SEBI. The company said it has recorded the fastest PAT growth among diversified NBFC peers. Its primary operations are carried out through InCred Finance, a retail-focused middle-layer NBFC registered with RBI.
Reports indicate differences have emerged within the Tata Group regarding a possible IPO of the group’s holding company. Two trustees from Tata Trusts are reportedly expected to propose preparations for a listing in accordance with RBI norms.
US-based FMC Corporation has agreed to sell its India crop protection business to Crystal Crop Protection in a deal valued at $252 million.
India’s direct tax collections increased 5% to ₹23.4 lakh crore in FY26. Although the collections slightly exceeded targets, the slower growth rate suggests moderating momentum and a shift toward more compliance-driven revenue growth.
According to projections by FICCI and KPMG India, the country’s real estate sector could reach a size of $5.8 trillion by 2047. However, recent Knight Frank-NAREDCO data points to softer housing demand and weaker short-term sentiment.
Skyroot Aerospace became India’s first spacetech unicorn after securing $60 million in fresh funding. The latest valuation marks a sharp increase compared to its estimated valuation of around $519 million in 2023.
The Andhra Pradesh government approved investment proposals worth ₹2.01 lakh crore through the State Investment Promotion Board headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The projects include Reliance-linked data centre and solar initiatives and are expected to generate close to 40,000 jobs.
The Bihar Cabinet cleared a $500 million World Bank-backed package aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure. The approvals also include funding support for PM-eBus Sewa, AI-driven road maintenance systems and Ganga erosion-control works.
NSE is developing in-house generative AI solutions for compliance management, customer support and operational efficiency as part of its ongoing technology and resilience initiatives.
MRF announced a final dividend of ₹229 per share along with its Q4 FY26 earnings. This takes the company’s total dividend payout for FY26 to ₹235 per share, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming AGM.
Source: Moneycontrol, Business Standard, CNBC TV18, Cafemutual, Financial Express
Disclaimer: The content shared above is intended solely for general awareness and educational purposes for mutual fund and financial product distributors. It does not constitute investment advice, solicitation, or a recommendation of any kind. Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks. Distributors and investors should review all relevant documents carefully before making any decision.
