Newsletter
MF flows pick up, SpiceJet in trouble, and Reliance Retail in spotlight.
🗓️ Morning, folks and Happy Monday?! ☀️
💡 Spotlight: Equity MF flows jump to 8-month high ⬆️
Mutual fund investments picked up again in March, with net equity inflows rising 55% to ₹40,366 crore from February’s ₹25,965 crore. This came even as markets were under pressure due to rising tensions in the Middle East.
However, total mutual fund assets fell about 10% to ₹73.7 lakh crore, hit by market volatility and a broad correction in stocks.
Why it matters: investors are still putting money into equities despite market uncertainty, showing long-term confidence.
Let’s hit it! 💪🏻
1 Big thing: US-Iran talks fail this weekend ⚠️
Things are supposed to get better with time. But that’s clearly not the case with US-Iran talks right now.
So, what’s happening: after nearly 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad, the US and Iran have failed to reach a deal.
US Vice President JD Vance confirmed this, saying, “We have not reached an agreement.” According to him, the biggest hurdle was Iran’s refusal to back down from its nuclear ambitions.
Tensions are not stopping. Donald Trump has warned that the US could impose a 50% tariff on China if it provides military support to Iran.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the US could ‘take out Iran in one day,’ adding that it could target the country’s energy and power infrastructure, including key electricity plants.
Tensions on the ground are also rising. Two US warships have moved through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran continues to disrupt shipping in the region, a key route for global oil. The US Central Command said the ships were part of an operation to clear sea mines placed by Iran.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has now announced a naval blockade of the strait, targeting vessels moving in and out.
The India impact: if crude oil spikes toward $100, companies like oil marketing firms, airlines, and paint makers could come under pressure. On the flip side, energy producers may benefit.
A sustained rise in oil prices could also push up inflation and weaken the rupee, adding more volatility to the markets in the near term.
FYI: this is a developing story…
2. This mega deal raises eyebrows 👀
Shares of Sun Pharma fell nearly 4% on Friday, after reports say it is moving ahead with a $12 billion bid for Organon.
Organon is a global healthcare company focused on women’s health, offering treatments in areas like reproductive and maternal care across 140+ markets.
What’s brewing: the company has been on Sun Pharma’s radar for some time, with interest picking up after it sold a key product as part of a strategy shift.
The potential deal, if completed, would be Sun Pharma’s largest acquisition.
Why did the shares fall: investors are cautious because this is a very large deal ($12 billion), and Sun Pharma may need to take on significant debt, which could pressure its balance sheet.
There are also concerns about integrating a global company like Organon, adding execution risk in the near term.
Adding to worries, Organon itself is not performing strongly, its stock is down 19% this year and trades at a relatively low valuation.
Big picture: despite near-term concerns, pharma M&A is clearly heating up, deal values jumped 79% in 2025, with average deal sizes up over 80%, as companies place bigger, strategic bets.
3. SpiceJet in deep waters 🛬
SpiceJet shares were in the spotlight after a UK court asked the airline to pay around $8 million, or about ₹70 crore, to an aircraft engine leasing company.
However, the stock managed to end in the green on Friday and had rallied sharply recently, hitting upper circuits in the previous two sessions.
What’s happening: a London court has ruled in favour of Sunbird France, an aircraft engine leasing company, asking SpiceJet to pay its pending lease and maintenance dues.
These dues go back a while, with unpaid rent since early 2022 and maintenance costs from as far back as 2020. The lessor had already taken back three engines between 2022 and 2023 after issuing default notices.
The lessor is now likely to approach Indian courts to enforce the order.
The headwinds: the company hasn’t been doing well, with sales falling over the past five years. Promoters own a relatively small stake, and nearly half of it is pledged.
It also has potential liabilities of ₹806 crore, and a big chunk of its earnings comes from other income rather than core business.
4. How digital became India’s biggest media business? 📺
Digital media is clearly taking the lead in India’s media space, moving ahead of traditional formats like television, print, and radio.
With more people spending time online across streaming, gaming, and social platforms, the shift feels inevitable.
5. Stocks that kept us interested 🚀
What went up ⬆️
🟢 Saatvik Green Energy shares rose 6% in Friday’s trading session after it secured an order worth ₹108.7 crore from EPC players.
Prestige Estates moved up after the company announced plans to develop a land parcel in Versova, Mumbai, with an estimated value of over ₹9,000 crore.
💸 Financials led the market higher, with stocks such as ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, SBI, rising between 2-3%.
🏢 L&T shares rose over 1.5% after its realty arm L&T Realty Properties announced a ₹1,123 crore deal to expand its Gurugram project portfolio.
What went down ⬇️
📉 Coal India shares fell nearly 5% after the company reduced coal prices in e-auctions, even as its costs are still rising.
🔻 TCS fell 3% on Friday despite reporting a steady Q4, dragging down the broader Nifty IT index.
What else are we snackin’ 🍿
🤝 Talks resume: India and the US will resume trade negotiations in Washington later this month to advance an interim deal and address tariff issues.
⬆️ Duty hike: the government has increased export duty on diesel to ₹55.5/litre and on aviation fuel to ₹42/litre, effective immediately, to ensure better domestic availability amid the Middle East conflict.
📊 Growth raised: the Asian Development Bank has raised India’s FY27 growth forecast to 6.9%, led by strong consumption, investment, & supportive policies.
🏪 Global rank: Reliance Retail ranked 7th among the world’s top private firms, crossing a $100 billion valuation.
📱 Digital safety: RBI proposes a one-hour delay for digital transfers above ₹10,000, except trusted contacts and merchants, to improve safety in payments.
📉 Pink slips: GoPro will cut 23% of its workforce as it struggles with losses, missed profit targets, and rising competition.
That’s a wrap! Don’t let the Monday blues get to you.
And if you’d like to place your brand on this newsletter, let us know.
Hit that 💚 if you liked this issue.
