Businesstoday

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is preparing to transition to plastic (polymer) banknotes, marking one of the most significant makeovers in the history of Indian currency. • To facilitate this shift, Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL) has issued a global Expression of Interest (EOI) to establish a polymer substrate manufacturing facility within India. • This move aims to enhance currency durability and security while reducing the environmental impact and costs associated with replacing worn-out paper notes.

• EY India launched Cyber Performance Management (CPM) on July 9, marking a strategic shift from traditional advisory services toward proprietary technology platforms. • The new platform integrates cyber intelligence, risk quantification, and business decision-making to help organizations combat threats amplified by Artificial Intelligence. • This move is driven by the fact that AI is lowering the barriers for cyberattacks, necessitating more automated and data-driven defense mechanisms.

• Global stock indices show divergent trends, with Japan's Nikkei and Taiwan's TAIEX maintaining strong uptrends. • In contrast, Hong Kong's Hang Seng has turned bearish, and South Korea's Kospi is experiencing a sharp intermediate correction. • India's Nifty 50 remains indecisive and range-bound between 22,200 and 26,200, though midcap strength supports a "buy-on-dips" strategy.

• South Korea's KOSPI index experienced a sharp correction, tumbling 11% over five trading sessions. • The decline was primarily driven by heavyweight semiconductor stocks as investors worry that AI-related rallies have outpaced actual market fundamentals. • This trend extended across Asia, with significant drops in Japan's Nikkei 225 (-2.04%), Taiwan's Taiex (-2.31%), China's Shanghai Composite (-1.26%), and Hong Kong's Hang Seng (-0.51%).

• Several high-profile stocks, including HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and ICICI Pru Life, are expected to be in the spotlight on Friday, July 6. • Other companies likely to see significant market activity include YES Bank, IndusInd Bank, NBCC India, PTC India, and NTPC Green Energy. • This focus highlights potential volatility or trading interest in the banking and energy sectors as investors react to current market trends.

• Investors are increasingly prioritizing political stability and capital protection over high-growth returns due to global geopolitical tensions and persistent inflation. • Singapore has emerged as the only non-European nation to rank in the top 10 safest countries for investors heading into 2026. • This shift highlights Singapore's enduring reputation as one of Asia's most stable and secure financial hubs during periods of economic uncertainty.

• Several high-profile stocks, including HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, YES Bank, and Afcons Infra, are expected to be in the spotlight on Tuesday, June 30. • Other companies likely to see increased market activity include RITES, Concor, SW Solar, KEC International, and SJVN. • These stocks are being monitored by investors as key drivers of market sentiment and trading volume for the day.