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June 20: BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) thematic funds emerged as the top-performing category in May, supported by strong sectoral momentum and steady retail participation through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), according to a recent market report.

The report notes that investor interest in financial sector-linked funds remained firm, backed by stable banking fundamentals, healthy credit growth, and consistent earnings performance across major financial institutions.

At the same time, SIP inflows continued to favour large-cap funds, indicating a clear shift among retail investors toward relatively stable equity exposure amid market fluctuations. This reflects a broader trend of disciplined, long-term investing over short-term trading activity.

Market observers point out that BFSI stocks benefited from strong balance sheets, improving asset quality, and steady loan demand, all of which contributed to the strong performance of thematic funds during the month.

Analysts also caution that while thematic funds can deliver higher returns in favourable cycles, they come with sector concentration risks. As a result, diversified large-cap allocations continue to remain a preferred choice among many SIP investors.

Overall, the May data highlights sustained confidence in the BFSI sector and reinforces the growing role of SIP-driven investments in shaping India’s mutual fund landscape, particularly within large-cap-focused strategies.

Mumbai, June 20: Indian equity markets ended the week on a strong note, with Sensex and Nifty rising nearly 1.7%, supported by improved global sentiment amid hopes of easing tensions between the US and Iran.

Investor confidence strengthened as expectations of geopolitical stability helped boost risk appetite across global markets. The possibility of lower crude oil prices also supported Indian equities, given India’s reliance on oil imports.

Buying was seen across key sectors, including banking, financial services, and consumption-linked stocks, contributing to the overall market uptrend.

Analysts note that while sentiment improved this week, market direction will continue to depend on global geopolitical developments, crude oil trends, and broader macroeconomic conditions.

Mumbai, June 20: Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have shown a clear improvement in sentiment toward Indian equities, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s financial markets and broader economic outlook.

Recent market activity indicates that sustained foreign selling pressure has eased significantly, with FIIs turning intermittent net buyers in select trading sessions. This shift marks a notable change from earlier trends of consistent outflows and suggests improving global investor perception of India’s growth story.

Market analysts highlight that this turnaround is being driven by a combination of domestic and global factors. India’s relatively stable macroeconomic environment, supported by steady GDP growth projections, controlled inflation, and resilient consumption demand, has strengthened its appeal among overseas investors. Additionally, strong corporate earnings across key sectors such as banking, infrastructure, and manufacturing have further reinforced confidence in the market’s fundamentals.

On the global front, easing volatility in financial markets and expectations of a more stable interest rate environment have encouraged investors to reallocate capital toward emerging markets, with India emerging as a key beneficiary. The country’s strong domestic institutional investor base has also played a crucial role in maintaining liquidity and cushioning market fluctuations, thereby improving overall sentiment.

Experts suggest that if the current trend of FII inflows continues, it could provide additional support to equity markets, particularly in large-cap and growth-oriented sectors. However, they also caution that foreign investment flows remain sensitive to global economic developments, currency movements, and geopolitical risks.

Overall, the recent improvement in FII activity is being viewed as a positive signal for Indian markets, reflecting strengthening confidence among global investors in India’s long-term economic stability and growth potential.

Mumbai, June 20: At the company’s latest Annual General Meeting, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced a comprehensive five-part roadmap aimed at accelerating the group’s growth across technology, energy, and consumer sectors.

Describing the next phase as a “transformational growth era,” Ambani outlined strategic initiatives designed to strengthen Reliance’s position as a diversified global enterprise.

Key elements of the five-pillar roadmap

1. Artificial Intelligence expansion (Reliance Intelligence)
Reliance will develop a large-scale artificial intelligence ecosystem to build India’s sovereign AI capabilities, focusing on accessible and scalable AI infrastructure.

2. Jio Platforms IPO proposal
The company’s board has approved the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) filing for the proposed Jio Platforms IPO, marking a key step toward unlocking value and expanding global tech presence.

3. New Energy growth strategy
Reliance will accelerate investments in clean energy, including solar manufacturing, energy storage, hydrogen, and green fuels, strengthening its position in the global energy transition.

4. Oil-to-Chemicals (O2C) transformation
The O2C business will be further upgraded into high-value segments such as specialty chemicals, advanced materials, and low-carbon products to reduce dependence on traditional refining.

5. Consumer and FMCG expansion
Reliance Consumer Products and retail-linked businesses will be scaled up to build a stronger presence in fast-moving consumer goods, both in India and global markets.

The company stated that these five strategic pillars are designed to drive long-term value creation, enhance technological leadership, and support Reliance’s transition into a diversified, future-ready enterprise spanning digital, energy, and consumer markets.

Mumbai, June 20: HDFC Mutual Fund has launched ‘Fathers In Focus’, a unique investor education and awareness initiative ahead of Father’s Day that celebrates the role fathers play as providers, protectors, and pillars of support within Indian families.

The campaign is built around a simple yet relatable observation: fathers are often present at every important family milestone, but rarely appear in the photographs that capture those moments. More often than not, they are behind the camera, making arrangements, or quietly ensuring everything comes together seamlessly. Through ‘Fathers In Focus’, HDFC Mutual Fund celebrates these often-unseen contributions and the enduring role fathers play in supporting and shaping their families’ futures.

The campaign film follows a family revisiting old photographs and reflecting on a familiar realisation. While their father was present at every important occasion, he rarely appeared in the photographs themselves. Sometimes it was because he was behind the camera, and at other times because he naturally chose to stand in the background while ensuring everyone else was part of the moment. The story culminates with the family using HDFC Mutual Fund‘s initiative ‘Fathers In Focus’ which provides ready-to-use AI-prompts to recreate a cherished memory and bring their father into the frame.

As part of the initiative, HDFC Mutual Fund has launched a dedicated digital page – www.hdfcfund.com/Fathers-In-Focus – where individuals can copy prompts and create enhanced image versions that bring fathers into the frame and place them back in cherished family moments, helping families revisit and celebrate memories together.

Commenting on the initiative, Navneet Munot, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, HDFC Asset Management Company Limited, said, “In Indian families, fathers have traditionally been figures of responsibility who quietly work in the background to support their loved ones and help them pursue their aspirations. Whether it is providing stability, planning for the future, or ensuring the family’s needs are met, much of their contribution often happens away from the spotlight. Through ‘Fathers In Focus‘, we wanted to celebrate these everyday acts of responsibility and care. In many ways, this reflects the philosophy behind disciplined investing as well. Just as fathers consistently work towards securing their family’s future, SIPs help investors build towards their long-term financial goals through discipline, consistency, and patience over time.”

The campaign reinforces HDFC Mutual Fund‘s longstanding focus on investor education by using relatable and culturally resonant storytelling to communicate the value of disciplined investing. Through the metaphor of fathers quietly supporting families from behind the

scenes, the campaign highlights how some of the most meaningful contributions are often the ones that happen consistently in the background and create lasting impact over time.

Benefits of SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

–         Freedom from market timing

–         Well-suited for long-term wealth accumulation

–         Disciplined wealth creation

To know more visit: http://www.hdfcfund.com/Fathers-In-Focus To watch the film, visit: https://youtu.be/7-29DxIatP4

An Investor Education and Awareness Initiative

Visit https://www.hdfcfund.com/information/key-know-how to know more about the process to complete a one-time Know Your Customer (KYC) requirement to invest in Mutual Funds. Investors should only deal with registered Mutual Funds, details of which can be verified on the SEBI website (www.sebi.gov.in/intermediaries.html). For any queries, complaints & grievance redressal, investors may reach out to the AMCs and / or Investor Relations Officers. Additionally, investors may also lodge complaints directly with the AMCs. If they are not satisfied with the resolutions given by AMCs, they may raise complaint through the SCORES portal on https://scores.sebi.gov.in/ SCORES portal facilitates investors to lodge complaint online with SEBI and subsequently view its status. In case the investor is not satisfied with the resolution of the complaints raised directly with the AMCs or through the SCORES portal, they may file any complaint on the Smart ODR on https://smartodr.in/login.