Archive: August 1, 2026

Indian Stock Markets Rally as Nifty and Sensex Post Weekly Gains Above 2.5%

Mumbai, Aug 1: Indian equity markets wrapped up the week on a positive note, with the benchmark Nifty 50 and Sensex registering gains of more than 2.5%, supported by easing crude oil prices, improving global sentiment, and sustained investor confidence.

The Nifty 50 climbed 2.59% over the week and closed the final trading session at 24,383, adding 0.27% on the day. The Sensex also recorded a solid weekly advance of 2.68%, finishing at 78,094, up 166 points, or 0.21%, in the last trading session.

The rally was broad-based, with large-cap companies leading the market higher as lower crude oil prices eased concerns over inflation and strengthened expectations for economic stability. Softer energy costs also improved sentiment across global markets, providing additional support to Indian equities.

Among the key sectors, metal and automobile stocks emerged as the top performers, benefiting from a more favorable global outlook and lower input costs. Technology stocks experienced some volatility toward the end of the week following a rebound in global semiconductor companies. Despite the temporary pressure, the sector ended the week with healthy gains as investors continued to see value in quality technology stocks.

Overall, the week’s performance reflected growing optimism in the Indian market, driven by supportive macroeconomic conditions, resilient investor sentiment, and expectations that easing inflationary pressures could continue to benefit corporate earnings and economic growth in the months ahead.

FIA completes ‘deal of the century’ for FIA World and European Rally Championships

Dubai, UAE, Aug 01: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced a landmark long-term commercial rights agreement for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). It follows the acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital.

The biggest deal in the history of these championships, this agreement marks a new chapter for the WRC and ERC. Supporting the FIA’s vision under President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, it will bring significant new investment into the sport, helping to strengthen and grow its world-class motor sport portfolio for years to come.

This deal has been designed for the rallying community and developed to deliver real benefits for fans, competitors, event organisers and the FIA’s Member Clubs. Through this agreement, rallying will become more accessible, more competitive, and more commercially successful. As the sport grows, the FIA will continue to focus on the strong governance and regulations that provide the foundations for rallying’s long-term success.

Alongside the FIA, the new promoter team of French automotive technology and services platform Cosmobilis and private credit investor Park Square Capital share a commitment to growing the sport’s global audience and deepening fan engagement. The FIA will also benefit from significantly increased visibility of its brand across events and broadcasts around the world.

This is a pivotal moment for the WRC, which is preparing for a major regulatory overhaul. Next-generation technical regulations, due to take effect in 2027, have been designed to make the sport safer, more competitive and affordable at the highest level, while the establishment of a new FIA Growth Fund will support projects that drive the success and development of rallying worldwide. Through this fund, growth will be felt across motor sport, from the highest levels of the championships to entry-level grassroots participation.

Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital have outlined ambitious plans to take the WRC and ERC to the next level, putting fans at the heart of the sport and making rallying more exciting, accessible, and engaging. Through stronger storytelling, enhanced distribution, and new multi-platform content, fans will be closer to the action than ever before.

To deliver this vision, the new promoter has built a team of experts, led by newly-appointed CEO Éric Boullier, a highly experienced motor sport executive with a track record at the highest levels of international motor sport.

President of the FIA, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “This is truly the deal of the century for rallying, and I am proud to announce this transformative step forward, and never before seen levels of investment.

“Not only will it deliver real benefits to fans, competitors and our member clubs worldwide, but this investment signifies confidence in the future of our sport as its global popularity continues to grow.

“The future of our championships is at the heart of every decision we make, and we have ensured that we not only secure the right partner for today, but one who shares our long-term vision. My thanks to FIA Deputy President for Sport, Malcolm Wilson and his dedicated team for delivering this, and I am looking forward to working closely with our new promoter.

“Rallying is a huge part of my personal story, it has shaped who I am and how I work, and I am deeply committed to its future. This is an important moment for our sport and as we enter a new era I am proud that we have a new partner in place to help us drive forward the bright future of these championships.”

FIA Deputy President for Sport, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “I have spent my entire professional life in the FIA World Rally Championship, so I know exactly what this sport means to its competitors, its organisers, and above all its fans. In over 40 years in the sport, I have never seen investment on this scale into rallying – this deal really is that significant and I’m full of optimism for what it means for the fans, competitors and organisers.

“From the beginning, our focus has been on finding a partner that not only recognises the WRC’s enormous potential, but understands its character, heritage and the responsibility that comes with shaping its future.

“Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital share that ambition. With a new era approaching through the WRC27 regulations, and with the FIA establishing a groundbreaking growth fund to drive the sport’s development, this is a real opportunity to strengthen the championship, grow its global audience, and deliver the kind of future this sport and its fans deserve.”