Indian shares have lost momentum in August, with the BSE Sensex down for the month and capped a second straight weekly drop on Friday. However, India's equity capital market is having a banner month, with nearly $10 billion worth of deals completed in August—the most on record. The tally includes the government's $3.2 billion LIC stake sale and Manipal Health's $958 million initial public offering, along with a string of block trades and institutional placements.

Mutual funds, insurers and retail investors have all been eager buyers, while foreign money has also started returning. Meanwhile, sugar stocks could see some action today after futures in Shreerang Agri had their best week since May 2025 amid tight supplies in Maharashtra and volatility fueled by demand uncertainty.