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The ongoing debate between public sector banks (PSUs) and private sector banks remains a hot topic amid shifting valuations and evolving credit trends. Nitin Aggarwal, from MOFSL, shared his perspective on the sector’s performance and what investors should watch in FY27.

Despite macroeconomic uncertainty, banking earnings are showing resilience. Aggarwal said in an interview to ET Now, “Banking earnings still look decent. Margins had declined over the past year, but with credit growth gaining traction and asset quality holding up, earnings are recovering. Stock performance will depend on investor sentiment and news flow, but we maintain a positive view on valuations relative to earnings outlook.”

PSUs, after years of losing ground, have started regaining market share. “Over FY25 and FY26, PSUs have marginally gained share. Most PSUs are now comfortable deploying liquidity and tolerating some mismatch between loans and deposits. Large PSU banks like SBI are targeting 13% to 15% loan growth, which supports their market share gains and improved earnings profile,” Aggarwal explained. This improved earnings profile and capitalization position PSUs well for the next two years.

At the same time, private banks continue to offer compelling investment opportunities. “Certain private banks were impacted by the unsecured cycle, but as credit growth picks up across retail, corporate, and SME segments, private banks will gain traction. Axis, ICICI, and HDFC are likely to report stronger growth over FY27 and beyond, supporting the case for private banks,” he said. Larger private banks are likely to see strong growth, supported by easing focus on regulatory ratios and an improving credit cycle.

Aggarwal also highlighted the strong asset quality among PSUs. “Asset quality is under control. Many PSU banks now report benign credit costs, with provisioning coverage higher than private banks. Recoveries continue and incremental slippages are manageable, keeping credit costs within control in FY27,” he noted.

Among private banks, larger institutions like ICICI and HDFC remain the preferred picks, with AU Bank favored among mid-sized banks. “Our preference is for larger private banks like ICICI and HDFC. ICICI could see 15-16% growth in FY27, while HDFC Bank expects growth ahead of the industry. Among mid-sized banks, AU Bank remains attractive,” Aggarwal added.
Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are being approached selectively. “We will play NBFCs for growth. Margin expansion may be limited, but vehicle financers like Shriram Finance remain attractive. Bajaj Finance has corrected, and given improving credit outlook, we may turn more positive in FY27,” he said. Competition across lending markets remains intense, keeping yields range-bound. “The lending market is very competitive. Yields will remain range-bound as banks cannot easily cut deposit rates. Margins may expand modestly, but FY27 should be better than FY26,” Aggarwal explained.

Smaller banks focused on microfinance (MFI) and MSME lending are also showing signs of normalization. “We recently upgraded Bandhan Bank after five years, expecting MFI delinquencies and credit costs to normalize. RBL Bank also has potential for industry-leading growth, though execution remains key,” he noted.

Overall, the banking sector appears poised for selective growth. PSUs are regaining market share, large private banks look set for strong credit growth, and NBFCs remain selective plays. With asset quality and margins stable, well-capitalized institutions present attractive opportunities for investors as FY27 unfolds.

CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple Inc. is poised to unveil the Apple Watch Series 12 in September 2026, continuing its annual refresh cycle for the world’s leading smartwatch as rumors swirl around potential additions like Touch ID fingerprint authentication, refined health sensors and a new processor to bolster performance and battery life.

The Cupertino-based tech giant has followed a consistent pattern since launching the original Apple Watch in 2015, typically announcing new Series models alongside flagship iPhone releases during a fall event. Industry analysts and leakers widely expect the Series 12 to debut at Apple’s September 2026 keynote, likely on a Tuesday in the first or second week of the month—possibly Sept. 8 or Sept. 15—following the company’s tradition of holding events shortly after Labor Day.

Pre-orders would open immediately following the announcement, with devices shipping to customers about a week later, mirroring past launches. This timeline positions the Series 12 as a key part of Apple’s 2026 hardware slate, potentially sharing the stage with iPhone 18 models and other wearables.

Current models remain the Apple Watch Series 11, introduced in September 2025 alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and updated SE variant. The Series 11 brought refinements including enhanced health insights like hypertension notifications, improved sleep tracking, longer battery life up to 24 hours and a more durable display. Starting at around $399 for the base 42mm Wi-Fi model, it has maintained strong sales momentum into 2026.

For the Series 12, expectations center on evolutionary rather than revolutionary changes. Multiple reports indicate no major redesign is imminent, with the familiar rectangular case, rounded edges and digital crown expected to return. Leakers have suggested the 2026 model could serve as a transitional update before a potential overhaul in 2027 or later.

A standout rumor involves the return of Touch ID, the fingerprint sensor last seen on iPhones before Face ID took over. Integrating Touch ID into the digital crown or side button could simplify unlocking the device, authenticating payments via Apple Pay and granting secure access to apps without relying solely on passcodes or wrist detection. Sources point to this as a “long-desired” feature that could enhance usability, particularly for users who find frequent passcode entry cumbersome during workouts or quick glances.

Health monitoring remains a focal point. Speculation includes possible additions like noninvasive blood pressure tracking, building on existing capabilities such as heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen sensing and temperature detection. While accurate, cuffless blood pressure measurement has proven challenging for wearables due to sensor precision and regulatory hurdles, analysts see 2026 as a plausible window for initial implementation—perhaps limited or in beta form.

Other anticipated upgrades include a new S12 chip (or S11, depending on naming conventions), promising better efficiency, faster processing for on-device AI features and extended battery life. watchOS refinements could emphasize Apple Intelligence integration, deeper sleep analysis and advanced fitness metrics. Display improvements, such as higher brightness or microLED technology in future iterations, have surfaced in discussions, though major shifts appear reserved for later models.

Pricing is expected to hold steady around the Series 11’s $399 entry point for the standard aluminum model, with premium titanium or cellular variants commanding higher prices. A modest $20-50 increase could materialize if significant new sensors arrive, but Apple has historically aimed to keep the flagship accessible compared to competitors.

The Apple Watch lineup’s evolution reflects broader trends in wearables. Since overtaking traditional watchmakers in revenue, the device has shifted from fitness tracker to comprehensive health companion. Features like fall detection, crash detection, irregular heart rhythm notifications and emergency SOS have saved lives and solidified its medical utility. The Series 12 would likely expand this with software-driven enhancements via watchOS updates, even if hardware changes prove incremental.

Market context includes competition from Samsung, Google and Garmin, which have pushed boundaries in battery life, rugged designs and specialized sports tracking. Apple’s ecosystem advantage—seamless integration with iPhones, AirPods and Mac—continues to drive loyalty, with over 267 million units sold cumulatively by recent estimates.

Rumors also touch on the broader 2026 wearable family. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 could see updates, though some reports suggest Apple might skip a full refresh if focusing resources elsewhere. A new SE model remains uncertain, with the third-generation SE (launched 2025) still current.

As anticipation builds, Apple has remained silent on specifics, per its standard practice. Leaks from supply chain sources, code references in beta software and analyst predictions form the basis of current expectations. Noninvasive blood glucose monitoring, long teased as a game-changer for diabetes management, continues to face delays and is not expected in the Series 12.

The Series 12’s launch would cap a period of steady iteration following the more notable design tweaks in earlier models like the Series 10 (thinner profile) and Series 7 (larger display). With the wearable market maturing, incremental gains in accuracy, comfort and AI smarts could prove sufficient to sustain growth.

Consumers eyeing an upgrade from older models—such as Series 9 or earlier—may find the Series 12 compelling if it delivers meaningful health or security improvements. For those with recent purchases like the Series 11, the decision could hinge on specific leaked features materializing at the event.

As September 2026 approaches, all eyes will turn to Apple’s fall keynote for confirmation. The event typically draws massive online viewership, with live streams revealing not just hardware but Apple’s vision for connected health and daily utility.

Until then, the Series 12 remains one of the most anticipated wearables on the horizon, poised to reinforce Apple’s dominance in a category it helped define.

Markets worldwide have been grappling with turbulence in recent weeks, driven largely by geopolitical tensions and soaring oil prices. Venugopal Garre, MD, Bernstein shared his perspective on the evolving scenario, offering guidance for investors navigating these uncertain times.

“What a rough ride the markets have been having, and I know the bigger thought is that all of this is going to rest at some point. Eventually, what matters for the markets is earnings, but I think the question is how do you deal with this? What is playing out right now and oil and the kind of shock from that?” Garre said.

He acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the situation. “This is a pretty unprecedented situation. I do not think I thought about this sort of scenario even at the beginning of this year, as I downgraded India to neutral for reasons which appear so simple now, and things have got extremely complicated at this juncture. The honest view is, if you were to look at the broader narratives hitting India particularly, let us put the world aside, a large part of the story was about AI and how it is going to impact potential job creation in the future in India… the so-called anti-AI trade.”

Garre noted how attention on AI has shifted in recent weeks. “Exactly, we will come back to that in a couple of weeks. But the second thing is, you thought everything else is quieter in the real world with trade treaties getting signed, which were actually positive in some way, and suddenly you had this event shaping up, which is going to now lead to a definite impact. It is not about crude; it is also about broader disruption in the global supply chains. So, yes, there would be earnings impact because of all this; we cannot shy away from that. The reality is, for any investors to think about what to do from here, the simplest way is to lengthen your horizons. Number two is, do not take calls on when the war will end. I do not think anyone knows when the war will end. We all know it will end someday. But if we were to invest today, you have to take a view that war is going to continue for a while and then build your portfolio for the next 12 to 24 months.”

He emphasized patience and a long-term approach. “If you are taking a view that the war is going to end in two days, then the call is very different. Then you would be taking the highest beta, directly impacted sectors like construction or travel or OMCs. Those kinds of things we would be taking a call on, but I do not think we are in that stage yet. So, I would be sort of taking the view that we are not very far away from the bottom. These levels look really interesting for investors in general to build positions in some sectors over the next couple of years.”

Addressing oil sensitivity and supply chain disruptions, Garre said, “Yes, I mean, there is an economic impact for sure, and if I were to just put aside those which are directly impacted…directly impacted are those if you are actually working in the Middle East and doing some physical activity out there. But indirect impacts, it is a difficult thing to measure. For example, the financial sector has seen a deep cut year to date, and it surprises me because if I look at the broader macro context, I do not think we are talking about such a deep GDP cut or a deep credit growth decline or an NPA risk rising within the context of Indian lending. These are the sectors where you would still perhaps look for rebounds, look for safety rather than just playing pure safety through, let’s say, utilities, which is playing out right now. Telecom is another. Why should you have a 17% decline in some of these stocks that we have seen? So, position yourself in those which will rebound, which have fallen, which are not as deeply impacted.”
He highlighted earnings projections for India. “If you look at earnings growth construct for Nifty, FY26 we are going to end at 3-4%, part of it because of the labour code impact we do not really consider it as an exceptional expense. Next year, which is FY27, street has already brought it down to 9-10% growth, and for the year after, as always, it is 15% which is FY28. So, if you think there is going to be an impact on numbers, if we are in a 6-7% CAGR for the next two years as against a 10-12% CAGR, then of course multiples also fall.”On market valuations, he added, “Now, we are not going to reach worst-case multiples like 12-13 times earnings during the GFC. We never as equity investors play for Six Sigma. If we always keep thinking about Six Sigma events, then we would never invest in the markets. We always look for baseline, not so worst-case scenarios, but broader safe worst-case scenarios.”

Discussing foreign institutional investor (FII) trends, Garre said, “Two things have essentially changed. One is cyclical factors. Earnings growth that India has been delivering has been fairly meagre. We have to agree that we were low single-digit earnings in the last 12 months, and if consensus is forecasting 9% growth for Nifty over the next 12 months, that is also not a great number to look at. The second thing is AI as a narrative. At some point, AI will peak, and I am not in the anti-India trade per se. Recently, we have interviewed 30 different tech professionals across the world…My read from that was actually not negative in terms of IT services. I actually felt there is a lot more opportunity which will come in for services. That anti-AI trade is more because of where we are in the AI supply chain. We are not in the foundation model supply chain, not even in the infra supply chain right now. This is a first leg. We are going to be in the application supply chain, and that is not yet started materially. As that happens, India will start to benefit from it.”

On AI adoption, he explained, “So, it has already started, but it is very early-stage experimentation. Corporates are not doing any upheaval in their entire business models to implement AI. They are just trying and testing AI agent solutions in smaller areas, customer support functions, and trying to spruce up capacity. Nobody has deeply embedded AI in their workflows. The tipping points take a year, year-and-a-half.”

Finally, Garre commented on IT services valuations: “Valuations in the context of potential improvement in cyclical growth over the next two-three years…attractive is probably a tricky word to use because they are not cheap in any context compared to what earnings growth is in the near term. Probably the market looks better than IT services today on valuations honestly. But I am talking about revenue growth accelerating and margins moving up in the next three years.”

As global markets contend with oil shocks, war uncertainties, and evolving AI narratives, Garre’s guidance emphasizes a measured approach: focus on resilience, identify sectors poised to rebound, and maintain a long-term horizon for Indian investors.