AMC & product-related updates
Axis Mutual Fund has temporarily halted fresh subscriptions in select overseas schemes. This includes the Axis Global Equity Alpha Fund of Fund, Axis Global Innovation Fund of Fund, and Axis Greater China Equity Fund of Fund. The suspension will take effect from May 6, 2026.
Canara Robeco Mutual Fund has launched an investor education initiative aimed at empowering women investors. The program focuses on improving financial awareness, encouraging disciplined investing and supporting informed financial decision-making.
Regulatory & policy developments
SEBI has proposed changes to securitised debt norms to align them with RBI’s 2021 framework. The proposal includes allowing single-asset securitisation, revising disclosure requirements, and strengthening governance norms for securitisation structures. Public comments are open until May 25, 2026.
SEBI is also exploring allowing Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPPs) to offer GIFT City products and tax-saving bonds, along with easing certain compliance requirements.
SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey stated that the regulator is working on an advisory related to risks from AI models such as Mythos, noting that such technologies could test the resilience of financial markets.
In addition, SEBI has flagged GST-related challenges in the commodity markets and is working toward an IGST-based mechanism.
Mutual fund & distribution signals
An analysis by Cafemutual shows that B30 AUM declined to ₹14.42 lakh crore in March 2026 from ₹15.11 lakh crore in December 2025, marking a drop of 5% or ₹68,808 crore over the quarter.
According to PRIME Database, mutual funds’ shareholding in NSE-listed companies has reached a new high, while FII ownership has dropped to a 14-year low. The combined share of retail and HNI investors has also declined to a five-year low of 9.11% as of March 31, 2026.
A strategy report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services highlights a shift in ownership trends. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) have increased their exposure across sectors such as private banks, technology, telecom, real estate and healthcare, while FIIs have reduced exposure across most sectors.
Markets & sectoral trends
Indian equity markets ended lower on May 5, 2026, with the Sensex declining over 250 points and the Nifty slipping below the 24,100 level.
The weakness was driven by geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, with selling seen in banking, realty and oil & gas stocks, while broader markets showed relative resilience.
Insurance & financial sector developments
IRDAI data shows that total claims paid under individual health insurance plans stood at approximately ₹32,380 crore in FY 2024–25. Of this, individual agents accounted for around ₹24,208 crore, representing nearly 75% of total claims across all channels.
The Pune Independent Financial Ambassadors Association (PIFAA) has appointed Yashwant Rathore as its President for the 2026–27 term.
Corporate actions, capital flows & business developments
RBI is expected to avoid aggressive intervention in the currency market near the ₹95 per dollar level and may consider alternative measures such as reintroducing FCNR(B) deposits or easing taxation for overseas investors.
India’s new 10-year government bond is likely to be issued at a coupon above 7%, reflecting concerns around inflation and global financial conditions.
India’s direct tax collections rose 5% to ₹23.4 lakh crore in FY26. While the target was exceeded, the slower growth indicates moderation in revenue expansion.
Temasek-backed investment activity continues. A Temasek subsidiary led a ₹482 crore pre-IPO funding round in Milky Mist, alongside a secondary share sale of 89,43,903 shares worth about ₹125 crore by promoters.
Globally, Goldman Sachs, Blackstone and other investors have partnered with Anthropic to launch an AI-focused services firm aimed at deploying AI solutions across sectors.
Commodities & sector outlook
Copper prices declined by up to 1.7% on the London Metal Exchange amid renewed US–Iran tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The World Bank has committed $515 million to Bhutan’s largest hydropower project, with Tata Power holding a 40% stake in the joint venture.
According to FADA, India’s auto retail sales rose 12.94% year-on-year in April to 26.1 lakh units, driven by strong demand for two-wheelers and tractors. FADA’s Sai Giridhar stated that the sector could see double-digit growth going forward, supported by rural demand.
Source: Moneycontrol, Business Standard, CNBC TV18, Cafemutual, Financial Express
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