Cement stocks catch investors' attention

In the past month, ACC, Grasim, Ambuja Cement and UltraTech have been among the top performers on the National Stock Exchange's Nifty. Analysts say many investors have turned bullish on these stocks after a surge in demand for cement in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. "Demand went up over 50 per cent in these two states during March, attracting investor attention in these stocks," says a stock market analyst.

Equitas' success a boost for small finance bank IPOs

The success of Equitas Holdings' initial public offering (IPO) has encouraged many small finance bank (SFB) licensees to line up their stock market foray. According to sources, Ujjivan Financial Services plans to launch its IPO later this month, to raise Rs 650 crore. Meanwhile, two-three more SFB licensees are in the process of appointing bankers and filing their offer documents. Last week, Equitas raised Rs 2,170 crore in what was a first IPO by an intending SFB. The issue was subscribed 17 times.

Sebi absorbs 12 FMC employees

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has absorbed 12 employees of the erstwhile Forward Markets Commission (FMC). The commodities market regulator was merged with the securities market regulator last year. However, these employees couldn't be transferred to Sebi, as they didn't fulfill its criteria. According to sources, the Sebi board agreed to provide a one-time relaxation for these erstwhile FMC employees.