MARKET MANIPULATION

Who are Mia Zelu and Lil’ Miquela, the rich, famous and fake set of influencers
Virtual influencers like Lil' Miquela and Mia Zelu are reshaping social media, captivating millions with their AI-generated personas. These digital entities secure lucrative brand deals and spark intense emotional connections, blurring the lines between reality and simulation. While offering brands unprecedented control and consistency, their rise raises ethical questions about transparency, authenticity, and the impact on human creativity.

Use AI for efficiency, but recognise that culture-shaping narratives need human fault lines
In the age of AI, creativity faces a pivotal moment, balancing the efficiency of algorithms with the irreplaceable value of human intuition. Brands must prioritize earning cultural trust by connecting with audiences on a deeper level, honoring their values and aspirations. This approach fosters lasting equity and resilience, distinguishing enduring brands from fleeting trends.

Will Fed chair Jerome Powell cut rates following the weak jobs report?
August jobs report marks the fourth consecutive month of cooling labor growth, strengthening the case for a rate cut at the Fed’s September 16–17 meeting. Chair Jerome Powell has already signaled that policymakers are monitoring the slowdown closely.

US recession soon? Economists alarmed as 22,000 jobs added in Aug, unemployment at highest in nearly four years
The US added 22,000 jobs in August, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That figure showed a sharp decrease from 79,000 jobs added in the previous month. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.3%, but it remained at a historically low level. Economists have sounded alarm over job markets in US, fuelling speculation whether US is close to a recession.

Sebi ramped up Jane Street probe due to inadequate data, continued complaints: Reports
India's markets regulator launched a formal investigation into Jane Street's trading practices even though its surveillance department had recommended otherwise, due to continued complaints from market participants, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

$7 billion profit! Wall Street trader who milked crores from India turned Trump tariffs into a fortune
Jane Street posted Q2 2025 profits of $6.9 billion on revenues of $10.1 billion, fueled by Trump’s tariff-driven market volatility, outpacing major US banks.
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U-Turn! Jane Street now moves SAT against Sebi
Jane Street has appealed to the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) against Sebi, alleging denial of crucial documents used to indict it for derivatives market manipulation. The firm claims Sebi withheld correspondence clearing them earlier, violating natural justice principles. Jane Street seeks document disclosure to defend itself, questioning Sebi's shift in stance and transparency.
Jane Street blindsides Sebi in fight over India trades
Jane Street has appealed against the Securities and Exchange Board of India's (SEBI) order regarding market manipulation. The US firm claims it was denied access to crucial documents. Jane Street also argues that SEBI's surveillance department previously found no evidence of manipulation. The appeal has increased tensions between Jane Street and SEBI. It also raises questions about SEBI's internal processes.
US trading firm Jane Street files case against Sebi
Jane Street is challenging SEBI in court, alleging the regulator withheld crucial documents related to market manipulation accusations. This follows SEBI's earlier ban on Jane Street for allegedly profiting from derivatives trading, a ban temporarily lifted after the firm deposited alleged unlawful gains. The core dispute centers on whether Jane Street's trading activities constituted legitimate hedging or manipulative practices.
How will Sebi's new intraday limits impact equity index derivatives?
Sebi is tightening intraday position limits in equity index derivatives starting October 1, aiming to curb volatility and potential market manipulation, especially on expiry days. The new framework sets a ₹5,000 crore intraday net futures-equivalent position limit in index options, down from the existing ₹1,500 crore end-of-day cap.
Govt to frame rules, set up authority under Online Gaming Act soon: Centre tells Delhi HC
The Centre told the Delhi High Court it will soon notify The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, and constitute a regulatory authority. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the government supports online gaming but flagged risks of money games causing addiction.
NCDEX raises $88 million ahead of equity foray: CEO
India's National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) has raised $87.99 million from global trading firms and domestic brokers as it plans to launch equity offerings within the next twelve months, its chief executive said.
Broadcasters not in favour of scrapping cross-holding curbs for rating agencies
Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) and News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA), while supporting reforms to strengthen the rating framework, want the ministry to establish clear conflict-of-interest protocols to safeguard objectivity and prevent manipulation, people familiar with the matter told ET.
BigBasket top brass churn; RMG ban pain manifests
Happy Tuesday! BigBasket CEO Hari Menon is expected to take a step back as part of a leadership transition. This and more in today's ETtech Morning Dispatch.
‘Where is Trump?’ Panic grows online as health rumors spiral out of control
Rumors claiming Donald Trump is dead spread rapidly online this weekend, flooding X and TikTok with speculation. The viral trend left millions confused, but no credible evidence backs the claims. Here’s how the rumor started, why it spread so quickly, and what the facts actually show.
US puts GDP data on the blockchain in Trump's crypto push
The US government, under the Trump administration, has begun publishing GDP data on public blockchains, signaling a significant endorsement of the crypto industry. This initiative, spearheaded by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, aims to enhance data accessibility and transparency.
CBI court accepts closure note in NSE co-location linked case
A CBI court in Delhi accepted a closure report in the NSE co-location scam case. The CBI had filed a case against Chitra Ramkrishna, Ravi Narain, Sanjay Pandey, and some brokerage houses. The agency cited insufficient evidence of criminal intent. It alleged violations of SEBI's audit circulars by Pandey's firm, iSec Services.
Donald Trump company to own Cryptocurrency token CRO. What we know so far
Donald Trump Media said it plans to purchase $105 million worth of CRO. Yorkville said the total expected funding for the company's treasury will be $1 billion worth of CRO.
Elon Musk’s xAI and X sue Apple and OpenAI in Texas court over AI competition and ranking
Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI has taken Apple and OpenAI to court in Texas over antitrust issues. The case talks about unfair control in the AI market and problems with Apple’s App Store. Musk says these actions stop new rivals from growing. The lawsuit adds more heat to the fight between Musk and OpenAI.
Musk's xAI sues Apple, OpenAI over alleged antitrust violations: Filing
Elon Musk's xAI and X have launched an antitrust lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI, alleging an illegal partnership to dominate AI and smartphone markets. The suit claims their exclusive deal makes ChatGPT the sole AI chatbot on iPhones, blocking rivals like xAI's Grok.
Germany to reintroduce mandatory military service?
Germany is considering reviving military conscription amid recruitment challenges and rising global instability. A draft law proposes voluntary enlistment initially, with mandatory service as a backup if targets aren't met. The move aims to strengthen the Bundeswehr, deter Russia, and reassure allies, but faces resistance due to financial costs and skepticism among younger citizens burdened by economic insecurity.
Jane Street effect! Sebi calls for Rs 1,500 cr cap in net positions for intraday equity index derivatives: Sources
An Indian market regulator panel has suggested capping intraday equity index derivatives net positions at 15 billion rupees, prompted by concerns over manipulative trading strategies and retail investor losses. This recommendation, aimed at curbing excessive intraday trading, follows a previous proposal and seeks to clarify monitoring thresholds for stock exchanges.
Sebi plans to increase tenure, maturity of equity derivatives
SEBI is considering extending the tenure and maturity of equity derivative contracts to enhance hedging and long-term investing, according to Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey. This move aims to deepen the cash equities market, the foundation of capital formation, while ensuring risk awareness and suitability among participants. The regulator seeks stakeholder input for a calibrated approach.
Why Sebi’s plan to shrink IPO size risks unsteady markets
SEBI's proposal to reduce the minimum IPO offer size raises concerns about market integrity and potential manipulation. The move, intended to attract large companies and prevent overseas listings, could lead to artificially amplified valuations and heavy outflows. Experts suggest that the current minimum public holding requirement should be maintained or even increased to protect investors and the macroeconomy.
Sebi allows Sanjiv Bhasin to trade again after Rs 1 crore deposit following SAT order
Sebi has de-frozen Sanjiv Bhasin’s trading and demat accounts after he deposited Rs 1 crore, complying with SAT’s directive. The former IIFL director remains under investigation for alleged stock manipulation involving profit-making trades before media recommendations. In the appeal filed before SAT, Bhasin said that the maximum profit alleged to have been made is Rs 62.75 lakhs even if the calculation made by Sebi is taken at the highest.
Mutual funds sell 20 lakh shares of BSE after Jane Street case in July
Mutual funds sold nearly 20 lakh BSE shares in July, leading to Rs 400 crore outflows, after SEBI expanded its probe into Jane Street’s alleged index manipulation. Several funds cut exposure, while a few retained BSE as top holdings.
Why Citadel Securities is hiring options trader in India post Jane Street saga
Citadel Securities is expanding its Indian operations by hiring options trader Prajual Maheshwari, signaling confidence in the South Asian market despite recent regulatory scrutiny. The firm aims to recruit more traders and senior staff for its Gurugram office, which already handles cash equities and derivatives.
Sebi panel weighs tighter intraday limits on index derivatives, report says
India's market regulator, SEBI, is considering stricter limits on index derivative positions amid concerns about manipulative trading strategies and retail investor losses. The secondary market advisory committee will discuss intraday limits and maximum allowable exposure for trading members.
Sebi initiates enforcement action against 886 entities in Apr 2024-Jun 2025 for mkt manipulation
Markets regulator Sebi has taken enforcement action against 886 entities during April 2024 to June 2025 for indulging in fraudulent and unfair trade practices in the securities market, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.
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