Stock Market LIVE: Indices turn red, Sensex sheds 150 pts; IT, Cons Durable lag | Mint – Mint

Europe’s STOXX 600 drops 1% ahead of German inflation data

Europe’s STOXX 600 index fell on Thursday, led by declines in shares of Swedish group H&M after dismal earnings, with investors awaiting a reading on German inflation data for clues on interest rate hikes by the European Central Bank.

The continent-wide STOXX 600 index was down 1.1% by 0708 GMT, failing to track a 2% surge on Wall Street overnight and as the boost provided by the Bank of England’s emergency bond buying move fizzled out.

H&M slid 6.9% after the world’s second-biggest fashion retailer reported a significant drop in its third-quarter pretax profit amid cost inflation, slowing consumer spending and one-off expenses related to its exit from Russia.

The wider STOXX retailers index dipped 4.1%, most among all the sectoral indexes. (Reuters)

India reports over 4,270 new Covid cases in a day

India has reported nearly 4,272 covid cases in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry data said on Thursday. The country’s active caseload has declined to 40,750, and the total number of covid cases has been recorded at 4.45 crores so far. As many as 528611 deaths have been reported in the last two years due to Covid. 

While Assam has reported 2727 active caseload, Gujarat has contributed 900 active cases. Karnataka has reported 2744 active cases while Kerala has 12195 active cases. Maharashtra has 3429 active cases, Odisha 1480 cases, Rajasthan with 499 cases, Tamil Nadu has 5498 active cases; Uttarakhand 1010 cases, West Bengal has 3170 active cases so far. (Read More)

Japan’s Nikkei ends 1% higher on boost from drugmakers

Japan’s Nikkei share average ended about 1% higher on Thursday, rebounding from a near three-month low hit in the previous session, led by drugmakers tracking overnight Wall Street gains.

The Nikkei advanced 0.95% to 26,422.05, recovering from a low of 25,936.36 hit on Wednesday, a level that matched a July low. The broader Topix gained 0.74% to 1,868.80.

“The main driver for the Nikkei’s gain was an advance of Wall Street overnight, which was fuelled by the Bank of England’s action,” said Chihiro Ohta, assistant general manager at the investment research and investor services at SMBC Nikko Securities

Wall Street ended sharply higher overnight following its recent sell-off, after Treasuries yields fell, as the Bank of England launched an emergency bond buying programme to stabilise a furious sell-off in gilts. (Reuters)

Tech Mahindra sheds more than a per cent, drags the IT Index

Tata Motors cements pole position with Tiago EV launch

Shares of Tata Motors Ltd.’s were up more than 2% in morning deals on Thursday. The automaker, already the leader in the electric vehicle (EV) space, unveiled its first EV hatchback, Tiago, on 28 September.

In August, EVs formed about 8% of Tata Motor’s domestic passenger vehicle (PV) portfolio. But with increasing traction such vehicles, this share would only inch up. Tata aims to expand its EV portfolio from three currently to 10 by FY26. (Read More)

Noon Update: Indices give up on most of the morning gains and are trading in flat-to-green territory. Sensex up 40 points and Nifty 24 points

Hindalco and Sun Pharma have made impressive gains, while Asian Paints drags.

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Indian clean energy developer, Avaada Group, eyes global push on carbon trends

Indian renewable power developer Avaada Group is gearing up for opportunities in foreign markets including Europe, Japan and South Korea, where the push for decarbonization is expected to spur demand for clean energy.

The company, backed by Thailand’s PTT Pcl, aims to expand renewable power capacity to 30 gigawatts by 2030 from 4 gigawatts now and launch a green ammonia unit with 1 million tons of annual production by 2026, Chairman Vineet Mittal said in an interview Wednesday.

The ambitions are in line with India’s goals of becoming a global hub for green hydrogen and ammonia. Avaada expects increased demand for clean energy globally thanks to government climate targets and domestically as factories seek to avoid a planned EU carbon tax on imported goods. (Bloomberg)

Pharma index continues to shine, adds more than 1.5% in today’s trading

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Tightening US monetary policy – a source of volatility for Indian stocks: Morgan Stanley

The monetary policy tightening in the US and the subsequent strength in the dollar could continue to be a source of volatility for Indian equities in the coming months, due to their negative effect on earnings and balance of payments, said Morgan Stanley.

“Indian equity return correlations with the rest of the world have risen in recent weeks and could remain elevated for now,” a Morgan Stanley’s report titled “India Equity Strategy: Events to Watch: 4Q22 – Volatility, Correlations and Potential Big Moves”, authored by Ridham Desai, Sheela Rathi, Nayant Parekh, Apurva Jain, said.

Indian equities entered bear markets when the US slipped into recession, the report said. (ANI)

US businesses have appreciated incremental ease of doing business in India, says Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that business leaders in the United States have appreciated the incremental ease of doing business enabled by the Indian government.

Speaking at a press briefing in Washington on Wednesday, Jaishankar said American businesses are surprised by how much more digital India has become, and how effectively the government is practising digital delivery.

These remarks come after Jaishankar met business leaders at the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) in Washington during his US visit.

“I was struck by the fact both yesterday and today. Hearing from a very broad range of businesses. One overall appreciation for the incremental ease of doing business, sectoral, sometimes companies specific experiences, saying you know, like, today, there was an insurance company who spoke about …what a big change they saw, and how much more positive they were about,” the external affairs minister told reporters. (ANI)

Electronics Mart India IPO: Check GMP as subscription opens next week

Consumer durables retail chain Electronics Mart India Ltd’s ₹500 crore initial public offering (IPO) will open for public subscription next week on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 and the three-day share sale conclude on October 7, 2022. The company has fixed a price band of ₹56-59 a share.  (Read More)

Housing sales up 49 pc in Jul-Sep across 8 major cities: PropTiger

Housing sales have risen 49 per cent year-on-year to 83,220 units in the July-September period across eight major cities on pent up demand, despite rise in interest rates and property prices, according to PropTiger.com.

Sales stood at 55,910 units in the same quarter last year.

The sales have surpassed the pre-pandemic levels of 2019’s Q3 (July – September), housing brokerage firm PropTiger.com said on Thursday in its quarterly report Real Insight Residential — July-September 2022.

“The real estate industry is bouncing back from the pandemic and subsequent disruptions,” said Vikas Wadhawan, Group CFO, PropTiger.com, Housing.com and Makaan.com.

Despite the slight increase in overall interest rates, he said the demand for housing has not dipped. (PTI)

Axis Securities annual analysis on ITC Ltd: BUY rating on the stock with a revised TP of ₹380

Axis Securities has issued ITC Ltd – Annual Analysis: With a stable taxation regime, we believe ITC is poised to deliver encouraging performance moving forward. We also remain positive on the recovery in the cigarette segment (back to pre[1]COVID level on an exit basis) as well as on the structural uptick in the FMCG revenue/margin and recovery in the Hotels and Paper &Paperboard divisions. In light of benign taxation, inexpensive valuations (22x FY24E EPS), and 5% dividend, we recommend a BUY rating on the stock with a revised TP of Rs380, implying an upside potential of 17% from the CMP. Key Risks: a) Regulatory announcements to curb cigarette consumption through tax hikes; b) RM Inflation.

IT Index under pressure, only index in red

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Gold prices today fall after biggest one-day gain in 3 months

Gold prices edged lower in Indian markets today after posting strong gains in the previous session. On MCX, December gold futures were down 0.11% to ₹50,130 per 10 gram after jumping ₹750 in the previous session – the biggest single-day gain in 3 months. In global markets, gold prices retreated today to $1,656.59 per ounce after rising as much as 2% in the previous session. A pullback in US dollar and US bond yields from recent highs helped spark a rebound in bullion but analysts say the sentiment remains bearish as the Federal Reserve signalled it will keep increasing rate. (Read More)

Small-cap financial stock hits upper circuit on four days in a row after 2:1 bonus share announcement

The board of directors of Pro Fin Capital Services Ltd has recommended issuance of bonus shares to its shareholders. The financial company’s board has recommended bonus shares in the ratio of 2:1 that means one bonus shares will be given to the shareholders for having one equity share of the company in its stock portfolio.

Small-cap financial stock has been hitting upper circuit for last four days in a row after the announcement of bonus shares on Monday. (Read More)

Rupee rises 35 paise to 81.58 against US dollar

The rupee appreciated 35 paise to 81.58 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday as the American currency retreated from its elevated levels.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened at 81.60 against the dollar, then touched 81.58, registering a gain of 35 paise over its previous close.

In initial trade, the rupee also touched 81.75 against the American currency.

On Wednesday, the rupee plunged below the 82-mark for the first time in intraday trade before settling 40 paise down at 81.93 against the dollar.

According to Sriram Iyer, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities, the rupee opened stronger on Thursday, tracking the overnight weakness of the dollar and treasury yields.

However, concerns on fiscal loosening and monetary tightening will keep the dollar supported and cap gains for the local currency.(PTI)

Dolly Khanna chemical stock in focus, record date for bonus share today

Chemical stock Pondy Oxides and Chemicals will be one of the stocks in focus today as the record date for bonus share issue falls today. This Dolly Khanna share hit upper circuit while trading ex-bonus on Wednesday session despite sell-off pressure on Dalal Street. Earlier, Pondy Oxides bonus share record date was fixed on 14th September 2022 but the board of directors shifted it to 29th September 2022. (Full Story)

Asian Paints under tremendous pressure, sheds 2% in morning trading

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Ashika Stock Broking Ltd on today’s market: Market presently flirting around the 38.2% retracement level of 16990

Tirthankar Das, technical & derivative analyst, retail, Ashika Stock Broking Ltd: On the technical front, Nifty ended on a negative note and with this Nifty has witnessed a seventh consecutive day of decline in a row indicating of inherent bearish outlook in the Index but however a pullback hereon cannot be ruled out due to the oversold nature of the Indices. On an overall basis, the market continues to remain rangebound with negative bias and one needs to recall that secondary corrections are a part of the bull market. Presently a trader needs to show patience and need to avoid trading aggressively in the market as the risk of a bare minimum correction of 38.2% of the entire rally from 15,183 to 18,096 comes around 16990 followed by a 50% correction at 16650 remains. Market presently flirting around the 38.2% retracement level of 16990 coinciding with the 200dma which would act as the trend deciding level for the market going forward and successive trade above or below which would dictate the direction of the market. During the day index is likely to open on a positive note, tracking positive morning global cues. Formation of lower high- lower low signifies corrective bias. Hence, until and unless Index provides a decisive close above 17450, it would be a sell-on-rise market.

Swastik Pipe IPO opens for subscription today. Key things to know

Swastik Pipe Ltd’s initial public offering (IPO) will open for bidding on September 29, 2022 and close on Monday, October 03, 2022. The company has fixed the price brand of ₹97 to ₹100 per equity share for its public issue on NSE Emerge through the book building route. Swastik Pipe IPO’s issue size comprises issuance of up to 62.52 lakhs equity shares. (Read More)

Hindalco stock shines in early trading, gains more than 3%

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India eyes $550 million incentives to draw Apple, tablet makers

India plans to boost the financial incentives for manufacturers that make tablets and laptops in the country, wooing companies such as Apple Inc. and Dell Technologies Inc. as part of its bid to challenge China as a production base.

The federal technology ministry has floated the revamped program to electronics industry executives for consultation, including payments that could exceed a half a billion dollars per company, people familiar with the matter said. India wants to boost production of tablets and laptops to cut imports and make the country an export hub in the longer term.

The effort is aimed at companies such as Apple, Dell, HP Inc. and Asustek Computer Inc. to widen or begin local production, the people said. In particular, the country wants to persuade Apple, which already assembles iPhones in India via its Taiwanese suppliers, to make iPads locally. (Bloomberg)

Metal index off to a great start with a gain of more than 2.5% in early trading. All stocks in green

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Cryptocurrency prices today gain as Bitcoin, ether surge over 5%. Check latest rates

Cryptocurrency prices today rebounded with Bitcoin, the world’s largest and most popular cryptocurrency, trading more than 5% higher at $19,427. The global crypto market cap today remained below the $1 trillion mark, even as it was up over 2% in the last 24 hours at $984 billion, as per CoinGecko. (Full Story)

Sensex adds 500 points at open and Nifty 130 points to start on a bright note

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Geojit Financial Services views on today’s Nifty, Derivative and Rupee 

Anand James – chief market strategist at Geojit Financial Services

Nifty outlook:

With 16860 encouraging bulls to regroup on anticipated lines, the play today would be to see how far Nifty could stretch on the bounce. The 17170 region is a natural resistance. We expect this to be overcome, but fear that long liquidation pressure will re-emerge much before 17350 is achieved. As maintained earlier, rejection trades would rekindle prospects of 16650-16300.

Derivative:

Nifty weekly contract has highest open interest at 17000 for Calls and 16000 for Puts while monthly contracts have highest open interest at 17000 for Calls and 16800 for Puts. Highest new OI addition was seen at 17000 for Calls and 16000 for Puts in weekly and at 17000 for Calls and 16700 for Puts in monthly contracts. FIIs increased their future index long position holdings by 64.12%, increased future index shorts by 16.54% and index options by 9.26% in Call longs, 12.57% in Call short, -1.33% in Put longs and 14.50% in Put shorts.

USD-INR outlook:

The sharp pull back after playing around in the 82 vicinity hints at bullish exhaustion. Inability to pull back above 81.6 would confirm a drop extending as far as 80.95. Alternatively, expect sideways moves while above 81.6.

China’s Yuan gains first time in nine days after verbal support

China’s onshore yuan advanced for the first time in nine sessions, after the central bank issued a verbal warning against currency speculation.

The currency advanced 0.3%, halting an eight-session slide around 3%. The gains came after the People’s Bank of China late on Wednesday issued a strongly-worded statement saying that speculators will definitely lose money in the long term and key market participants need to “protect the authority of the fixing.” It also set the fix at a stronger-than-expected level for the 26th straight session. (Full Story)

Sensex preopens in green; Vodafone Idea, Hindustan Copper, IDBI in focus 

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Reliance Securities Stock to Focus today: Crompton Greaves

STOCK IN FOCUS

Crompton Greaves (CMP Rs.407)

We have a BUY rating, with a Target Price of Rs475.

Intraday Picks

UBL (PREVIOUS CLOSE: 1,687) BUY

For today’s trade, long position can be initiated in the range of Rs1,676- 1,665 for the target of Rs1,750 with a strict stop loss of Rs1,643.

BIOCON (PREVIOUS CLOSE: 284) BUY

For today’s trade, long position can be initiated in the range of Rs281- 279 for the target of Rs292 with a strict stop loss of Rs276.

UPL (PREVIOUS CLOSE: 664) SELL

For today’s trade, short position can be initiated in the range of Rs669- 673 for the target of Rs646 with a strict stop loss of Rs682.

Stocks to Watch: Vodafone Idea, Hindustan Copper, PNB, IDBI, Ambuja Cements, Hindustan Motors, Edelweiss Financial, UCO Bank, Bharti Airtel, Sangam Ltd

Vodafone Idea will be the only stock to be under the F&O ban list for Thursday. This stock will be under the ban for the F&O segment as it has crossed 95% of the market-wide position limit (MWPL), as per the NSE. (Full Story)

INDIA BONDS-Bond yields may open down tracking fall in U.S. peers; RBI policy watched

Indian government bond yields are expected to open lower on Thursday, tracking a sharp decline in U.S. yields, although sentiment is expected to remain cautious ahead of the Reserve Bank of India’s policy decision that is due on Friday.

The benchmark Indian 10-year government bond yield is seen in a 7.24%-7.29% band, a trader with a private bank said. The yield ended at 7.3340% on Wednesday.

“U.S. yields have sharply corrected within a day, after seeing nearly 10 basis points rise daily since the last few days, and this should result in a gap-down opening for local bond yields,” the trader said.

“Still, after some reaction at open, yields may be range-bound ahead of (the) all-important monetary policy decision.” (Reuters)

Hindustan Copper shareholders approve 23.2% dividend for FY22

Shareholders of state-owned Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) on Wednesday approved a 23.2% dividend for the financial year ended in March 2022.

The company would make a total dividend payout of ₹112.17 crore as approved in the 55th Annual General Meeting, HCL said in a statement.

During the meeting, HCL Arun Kumar Shukla said the production from the company’s flagship project, Malanjkhand underground mine, has commenced.

He also informed that the company has repaid a loan of ₹729 crore in FY2021-22 from its internal accruals.

As the global economy moves toward net zero carbon emissions through the energy transition, the role of copper remains pivotal as the most efficient conductive material, indispensable for capturing, storing and transporting green energy, he said. (PTI)

Market wrap for Wednesday: Views by Geojit Financial, Kotak Securities, LKP Securities and Angel One

Vinod Nair, head of research at Geojit Financial Services: Investors continue to be sceptical of the domestic market’s higher premium amid the ongoing global deceleration while foreign investors are fleeing emerging economies in search of safer havens. Although the domestic economy is buoyed by solid fundamentals, the stock market’s appetite for risk has been hindered by the rising worries of a worldwide recession. Domestic investors are turning to IT and pharma companies, which have been in a consolidation phase for the past year and are now gaining from the INR depreciation. The RBI policy meeting is currently underway, and the central bank is likely to raise repo rates by 35-50 basis points, however, the inflation outlook may soften in reaction to declining commodity prices.

Shrikant Chouhan, head of equity research (retail), Kotak Securities Ltd: Markets remained choppy with a sharply downward bias, as investors exited banking and metal stocks ahead of the monthly F&O expiry with the likely rate hike by the RBI & other central banks indicating that bearish sentiment could continue going ahead. Technically, we are of the view that 17000 would act as an immediate resistance level. Below which, the correction wave is likely to continue till 16700-16650. On the flip side, a short recovery rally is possible only after the dismissal of 17000. Above the same the index could move up to 17100-17200. The Nifty is having major support between 16700-16650 (which is important retracement support level). Buying is advisable in index heavyweight stocks if Nifty falls to 16700 levels.

Rupak De, senior technical analyst at LKP Securities: Nifty ended in the red after a volatile trading session. The index closed below 200 DMA for the first time after several days. The momentum oscillator RSI is in a bearish crossover. On the daily chart, the index has made a low around the historical swing high. The trend is likely to remain weak as long as it remains below 17000. On the lower end, 16800-16830 will likely remain supported. On the higher end, resistance is visible at 17000. 

Osho Krishan, sr. analyst – technical & derivative research, Angel One Ltd: Technically, the positive structure has been shaken a bit as the psychological support of 17000 got breached decisively. Also, the closure below the 200-day SMA has dampened the overall sentiments, implying weakness in the comparable period. However, the formation of the ‘Inverted Hammer’ candle on the technical chart could be seen as a ray of hope for a reversal from the ongoing selling saga. As far as levels are concerned, the unfilled gap of 16750-16650 is to be seen as the next potential support. While on the higher end, the 17000-mark followed by 17200 is likely to be seen as immediate resistance for the index.

Since the market is extremely oversold, one needs to keep a cautious view and avoid undue risk during the monthly expiry session. Meanwhile, a close tab should be kept on global developments, which may lead to an immediate trend setup, and it is advisable to be very selective in finding trading opportunities.

Indus Towers asks Vodafone Idea to clear dues for business continuity post-Nov

Mobile tower giant Indus Towers is learnt to have asked debt-ridden Vodafone Idea to clear outstanding dues and pay every month on time for continuity of business post-November, sources aware of the development said on Wednesday.

The development comes after independent directors expressed concerns over the mounting dues of Vodafone Idea (VIL). (Read More)

Indian refiners pay dollars for Russian oil after dirham attempts fail

Indian companies are still buying Russian oil using dollars after Dubai’s Mashreq Bank declined to handle payments from at least two refiners in Emirati Dirhams as requested by the supplier, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

Russia has been hit by sanctions from the United States and allies following its invasion of Ukraine, and Moscow has requested some buyers of its commodities pay using roubles or other currencies than the dollar and euro which its contracts are typically priced in.

Traders supplying Russian oil in July had asked at least two Indian companies to settle in dirham. An invoice from one of the refiners seen by Reuters showed oil payments were calculated in dollars while payment was requested in dirhams. (Reuters)

World Bank’s Malpass sees risk of stagflation, likely recession in Europe

World Bank President David Malpass on Wednesday warned that it could take years for global energy production to diversify away from Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, prolonging the risk of stagflation, or a period of low growth and high inflation.

In a speech at Stanford University, Malpass said there was an increased likelihood of recession in Europe, while China’s growth was slowing sharply and U.S. economic output had contracted in the first half of the year.

Those developments would have grave consequences for developing countries, Malpass said, citing what he called “consequential” and “worsening” challenges facing development. (Reuters)

Rajesh Palviya of Axis Securities recommends 3 stocks to buy today — 29 Sept

Following weak global sentiments and slide in national currency, Indian stock market continue to dip on sixth straight session on Wednesday. NSE Nifty ended 148 points south at 16,858 while BSE Sensex slump 509 points and finished at 56,598 levels. Bank Nifty index nosedived 599 points and ended at 37,759 mark. Rajesh Palviya, VP — Technical and Derivative Research, Axis Securities believes that Nifty has entered the bullish gap but Nifty Bank may continue to feel the sell-off heat for a while.

Here we list out details in regard to Rajesh Palviya’s shares for day traders:

1] Asian Paints: Buy at ₹3568, target ₹3640, stop loss ₹3515;

2] Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail: Buy at ₹330, target ₹345, stop loss ₹332; and

3] KIMS: Buy at ₹1390, target ₹1440, stop loss ₹1360.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. (Read More)

India heads for its third half-point hike as rupee slumps

India’s central bank is expected to increase its policy rate by half a point for the third time in a row as the currency’s plunge to a record low this month complicates the battle against inflation.

The Reserve Bank of India’s six-member monetary policy committee will raise its repurchase rate by 50 basis points to 5.9%, according to 24 of 35 economists surveyed by Bloomberg as of Wednesday. Ten forecast the rate will rise by 35 basis points to 5.75%, while one sees a quarter-point increase. (Full Story)

BOE steps back into bond narket to restore stability

The Bank of England staged a dramatic intervention to stave off an imminent crash in the gilt market by pledging unlimited purchases of long-dated bonds.

With the fallout from Prime Minister Liz Truss’s tax cuts still ripping through UK asset prices, the central bank had been warned that collateral calls on Wednesday afternoon could force investors to dump government bonds, according to a person familiar with its decision making.

The BOE kicked off the plan on Wednesday afternoon by purchasing just over £1 billion ($1.07 billion) of securities maturing in 20 years or more, less than the £5 billion it said it was prepared to buy at each auction. Operations will continue every weekday until Oct. 14. (Bloomberg)

No stake sale, PNB to retain promoter status in subsidiary

Punjab National Bank will continue as a promoter of PNB Housing Finance Ltd (PNBHFL) even after the mortgage lender completes its rights issue, a top executive said.

The public sector bank has already got Reserve Bank of India approval to infuse up to ₹500 crore for subscribing to PNBHFL shares in the proposed rights issue of up to ₹2,500 crore, expected by December.

“Post-rights issue, the holding of the bank (in PNBHFL) would come down below 30%, but would be kept above 26% so that bank retains promoter status,” managing director Atul Kumar Goel said in an interview. (Read More)

TotalEnergies to trim stake in Adani Green Energy

TotalEnergies SE said it could sell a small part of its 20% stake in Adani Green Energy Ltd. to cash in on the jump in the valuation of the Indian renewable energy producer.

The French energy giant bought 20% of Adani Green in 2021 for $2 billion, building on a series of previous deals with Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. That stake was worth about $10 billion at the end of August, according to TotalEnergies. (Read More)

Rupee breaches 82 mark against dollar on forex outflows, surging US yields

The rupee plunged below the 82 mark for the first time in day trade before settling down by 40 paise at 81.93 against the US dollar on Wednesday due to heavy forex outflows amid strengthening US treasury yields.

Moreover, a negative trend in domestic equities and a stronger dollar in overseas markets sapped investor appetite, forex traders said.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 81.90 and later fell to 82.02 to a dollar in day trade due to risk-averse sentiment among investors.

The rupee finally settled at 81.93, its all-time closing low.

The Indian rupee hit a fresh record low against the dollar on Wednesday weighed down by a rise in US treasury yields and the dollar, Sriram Iyer, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities. (PTI)

Wall Street bounces off lows on Wednesday as UK steps in to calm bonds

Global equities staged a partial comeback on Wednesday — with Wall Street stocks surging around 2% — as the Bank of England said it would step in to the bond market in an attempt to dampen investors’ fears of contagion across the financial system.

The BoE said it would temporarily buy long-dated bonds – linked most closely to workers’ pensions and home loans – in light of a surge in UK bond yields and related borrowing costs.

Sterling, which hit record lows against the dollar on Monday, was last up about 1.4% in volatile trading.

Wall Street’s rebound gained momentum over the day, with the S&P 500 Index up about 2% after it fell to a two-year low on Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also gained 1.9% and the Nasdaq Composite was up about 2%.

Weighing on growth stocks was Apple Inc, which was down about 1.3% on a report the tech company was dropping its plans to boost production of the latest model of its flagship iPhone. (Reuters)