Asian share markets fared better as hopes for a thaw in China-US trade relations gave Wall Street an impetus, though there were duelling reports on the prospects for an actual agreement.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was ahead 0.26 per cent in early trade, while Japan's Nikkei added 0.2 per cent.
This should lend some support to the Indian markets that ended with modest gains on Thursday.
Here's a list of top stocks that may remain in focus in today's session -
YES Bank: Former SBI chairman OP Bhatt has resigned from the panel set up by YES Bank to find a successor to its MD and CEO Rana Kapoor, the private sector bank said.
Jet Airways: In the first formal step towards a possible acquisition of Jet Airways, Tata Sons will on Friday take up the proposal at its board meeting. As per the report by Business Standard, the discussions would focus on achieving scale in Tatas’ aviation business through investments in rival Jet.
Infosys: The IT major on Thursday appointed Jayesh Sanghrajka as its interim chief financial officer. He succeeds MD Ranganath, who will step down from the role on November 16, 2018, it added.
Vodafone-Idea: Media reports say Bharti Infratel is seen as a potential buyer for Vodafone Idea’s 156,000 route km of fibre. As per media reports, Vodafone-Idea is likely to receive around Rs 35 billion from the sale of this asset.
Tata Sponge: Tata Sponge Iron has set the coupon of 11.30 per cent for its 10-billion rupee non-cumulative redeemable preference share issue to its promoter Tata Steel. The preference shares, which have a tenure of 13 years, can be optionally redeemed by Tata Sponge on a 12 monthly basis from date of allotment or at maturity, Cogencis reported.
HDFC: According to a report by the Economic Times, the mortgage lender Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) will raise up to $1 billion through its maiden dollar bond sales likely to hit the market in January.
Cox & Kings: Travel firm Cox & Kings on Thursday reported a 32 per cent dip in consolidated net profit at Rs 135.47 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, mainly due to higher expenses. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 19.9 billion for the corresponding period of the previous fiscal.
ITC: The company has expanded its noodles portfolio by launching Sunfeast Yippee noodles in four new variants.