India's economic engine is revving up, but navigating the global headwinds requires sharp strategy. The rupee's recent volatility against the dollar underscores the complexities facing Indian businesses, impacting everything from import-export trade to domestic inflation. This week alone, we've seen significant shifts in the IT sector, with major players announcing restructuring and a renewed focus on AI-driven solutions. Meanwhile, the burgeoning startup ecosystem continues to attract substantial funding, despite a cautious global investor sentiment. The government's recent policy announcements on infrastructure development and digitalization are poised to further shape the business landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs and established corporations alike. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for success in today's rapidly evolving Indian economy. Stay informed with Abtak.com for the latest insights and analysis on key sectors including finance, manufacturing, and technology – empowering your business decisions in a dynamic market. Explore the complete business news section now to stay ahead of the curve.
Mumbai: Hindustan Unilever (HUL) chairman Nitin Paranjpe expects improvement in market conditions in the near and medium term, driven by better agricultural yield, lower inflation and normal monsoon forecast. "Rural economy should continue to do well, but the reduced inflation, along with the taxation changes, which puts more money in people's pockets, as well as some changes in the monetary policy, will benefit the economy and the sentiment in this market. As a result of which we should see an improvement, a gradual improvement, but an improvement nonetheless, in the overall environment," he said at the 92nd annual general meeting of India's largest fast-moving consumer goods company. HUL, whose performance is considered a proxy for broader consumer sentiment in India, has been grappling with slow value sales growth, which has been between flat and 4% for almost two years now. Its volume, or the number of packs sold, increased just 2% in the March quarter as well as the entire 2024-25. On May 1, the company revised its guidance for near-term margin to 22-23% from its previous forecast of 23-24%. "During FY25, HUL has done a good job in very difficult circumstances. This doesn't mean we are satisfied. We are trying to work to strengthen our performance as we move forward. It was a difficult year. Market growth was muted. Rural growth was recovering, but slowly, and urban growth was moderating right through the course of the year," he said. "There were also very significant fluctuations in commodity prices. As a consequence of this, price-led growth did not happen in this year. Now in that context, your company did very well. We restored volume led growth." He said, "Our aspiration is to deliver earnings growth of about 10%-plus as we move forward." Over the past year, demand in urban markets - which account for nearly two-thirds of HUL's sales - moderated owing to a high base, low wage growth and consumers cutting down on discretionary spending amid inflationary pressure. The maker of the Horlicks malted food drink and Dove bathing soap, however, said it had strengthened its competitiveness and taken other interventions to strengthen its portfolio and build capabilities that augur well for the future. HUL has been working on revamping its portfolio to modernise big brands such as Lifebuoy, Horlicks and Glow & Lovely. Nearly a decade ago, it had launched 'Winning in Many Indias' (WiMI), a strategy aimed at transforming the company from a four-branch structure at the front end into 14 distinct consumer clusters. This resulted in consistent market share gains and deeper reach, especially in central India. This was followed by another initiative within WiMI in 2021 to target non-metro states and understand consumption habits in these markets. The company is now looking at WiMI 2.0 to tap into the affluent class, part of its wider strategy to grow the share of its premium product portfolio by nine percentage points in the beauty and wellbeing business - its biggest profit generator currently - although it will extend to other categories as well. "Our strategy codenamed Aspire framework is designed to meet the growing aspirations of over a billion Indian consumers through taking interventions which will enable this company to succeed," he said. "It is about strengthening our portfolio, both the core, but also the future core and new segments which are going to be developed. It is about finding new ways of demand generation."
The Reserve Bank of India raised the interest rate caps on Foreign Currency Non-Resident Bank (FCNR-B) deposits to attract more capital inflows, amid pressures on the rupee. Starting December 6, banks can offer higher rates -- up to 400 basis points for 1-3 year deposits and 500 basis points for 3-5 year deposits -- until March 31, 2025. This move comes as the rupee faces volatility.The Reserve Bank of India on Friday announced a raise in the interest rate caps on the Indian diaspora's foreign cu ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 11 (ANI): The Indian stock markets continue to be in a consolidation phase as both indices opened flat on Wednesday. The Nifty 50 index opened at 24,620.50 points with a surge of 10.45 points or 0.04 per cent, while the BSE Sensex opened at 81,568.39 with a gain of 58.34 points or 0.07 per cent. Also Read | 'Suriya 45': Is Trisha Krishnan the Female Lead in Suriya Sivakumar's Upcoming Film With RJ Balaji? Check Out the Viral Photos. Experts noted that the US Consumer Price Inflation data will be the major event for markets globally. However, the consol ...Read More >
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's retail inflation eased in November as soaring vegetable prices moderated, boosting expectations of an interest rate cut by the central bank at its next policy review amid concerns around slowing growth. Retail inflation eased in November to 5.48%, lower than 6.21% in the previous month and below a 5.53% forecast by economists in a Reuters poll. Food inflation slowed down to 9.04% from 10.87% a month earlier. Food accounts for nearly half of the consumption basket. Vegetable prices rose 29.33% in November from a year earlier after rising 42.18% in October. Indi ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 5 (PTI) The rupee snapped its two-day losing streak and closed 8 paise higher at 85.79 against the US dollar on Thursday, supported by positive domestic equities and a rise in Asian currencies. Forex traders said overnight softening of crude oil prices favoured the rupee. However, a strong US dollar index capped sharp gains. Besides, market participants are now keenly awaiting the outcome of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) monetary policy meeting for further cues, they said. At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit witnessed a volatile trading session -- it opene ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches at 15 places in Mumbai and Kochi in connection with the Mithi River desilting scam that caused a wrongful loss of more than Rs 65 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), official sources said. The massive crackdown is underway at the premises across Mumbai and Kochi linked to the accused and suspects as part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities. According to the sources, the searches are being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at locat ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): Economists across the board have welcomed the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) latest policy decision, terming the 50 basis points (bps) repo rate cut as a pro-growth move that is expected to significantly boost liquidity and economic activity in the country. On Friday, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), stating that the policy repo rate has been reduced from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent. Also Read | Citigroup Layoffs: Banking Giant To Cut 3,500 Tech Roles From China Citi Solution Centres in Shanghai and Dal ...Read More >
The financial repercussions of Parliament disruptions are considerable, impacting both public resources and the productivity of the nation's legislative process. However, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have cumulatively functioned for merely 2 hours, with daily disruptions and sloganeering resulting in adjournments. The Rajya Sabha faced disruptions today (December 2) as Vice Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed discontent over sloganeering by Opposition MPs. The protests, which centered around demands for discussions on key issues, forced the Vice Chairman to adjourn the session until 12 ...Read More >
Mumbai, December 4: The domestic benchmark equity indices closed in green on Wednesday as buying was seen in PSU bank and realty sectors. The investors are keenly watching the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting which will announce its decision around the repo rate on Friday. Banking stocks rose amid volatile sessions in the market due to the possibility of Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) cut by the central bank. Sensex settled at 80,956.3, higher by 110.58 points, or 0.14 per cent, while the Nifty ended at 24,467.45, up by 10.30 points, or 0.04 per cent. Stock Mark ...Read More >
New Delhi: A surge in sales may be around the corner for some of India's leading packaged consumer goods makers, as cheaper inputs and lower import duties craft a perfect recipe for their next stage of growth. Companies and analysts alike said that falling prices of wheat, maize, barley and oils will help expand volumes, in a change from the recent experience of pricier products driving revenue. On 31 May, the government halved the basic customs duty on crude soybean oil, crude palm oil, and crude sunflower oil to 10%, eight months after raising it from nil to 20%. The move had prompted pack ...Read More >
[MUMBAI] The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut its key repo rate by a larger-than-expected 50 basis points on Friday, a third consecutive reduction, and slashed the reserve ratio for banks as muted inflation provided space for policymakers to focus on supporting economic growth. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which consists of three RBI officials and three external members, cut the repo rate to 5.50 per cent. It has now cut rates by 100 basis points in 2025, starting with a quarter-point reduction in February, its first cut since May 2020. It made a similar-sized cut in April. The RBI al ...Read More >
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting for FY2025-26, announced a 0.50 per cent cut in the repo rate, bringing it down to 5.5 per cent. Alongside this, key changes in CRR, inflation forecasts, and policy stance were also introduced to boost economic growth. Repo Rate Cut RBI reduced the repo rate by 0.50 per cent, bringing it down from 6.00 per cent to 5.50 per cent. This means loans may become cheaper for borrowers. CRR Cut for Liquidity RBI also reduced CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio) by 1 per cent, from 4 per cent to 3 per cent, to add mo ...Read More >
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Import tariffs expected to be implemented by the administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could lower economic growth and inflation in the 20 nations sharing the euro, European Central Bank board member Piero Cipollone said on Tuesday. Most economists agree that the possible tariffs would impact growth, though views diverge on the effect on consumer prices. Some argue the U.S. trade barriers will push up the value of the dollar, making imports of key commodities more expensive, while likely retaliation from Europe will also raise costs. Cipollone, speaking i ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): Indian stock markets opened on a cautious note on Friday, as investors remained in a wait-and-watch mode ahead of the Reserve Bank of India's key monetary policy announcement. The policy decision is scheduled to be announced at 10 AM. The benchmark indices reflected this cautious mood. The Nifty 50 opened at 24,748.70, down just 2.20 points or 0.01 per cent. Similarly, the BSE Sensex also opened flat at 81,434.24, down 7.80 points or 0.01 per cent. Experts believe that any decision on the policy rate could significantly influence the market sentiment, especia ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 6 (PTI) Reserve Bank on Friday retained GDP growth projections for the current fiscal at 6.5 per cent, saying the Indian economy presents a picture of strength, stability and opportunity in the backdrop of global uncertainty. The FY26 growth projections are compared with the 6.5 per cent economic growth recorded in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected economic growth at 6.5 per cent for the June quarter and 6.7 per cent for the September quarter. For the December and March quarters of FY26, GDP growth is estimated at 6.6 per cent and 6.3 per cent ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 6: Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty surged nearly 1 per cent on Friday, driven by a rally in rate-sensitive sectors following the Reserve Bank's jumbo rate cut of 50 basis points. Market analysts said in light of benign inflation forecasts, RBI has taken steps to boost growth. A 50 bps repo rate cut supported by phased 100 basis points CRR cut will boost growth and lower the borrowing costs. The policy is broadly positive for growth and investment in a challenging global macro environment, they said. After a muted start, benchmark sensitive index Sensex and Nifty soon recovered ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 6 (ANI): Commodity exchange MCX has received approval from the markets regulator SEBI to launch electricity derivatives. "This development underscores the strong commitment and support of the Regulators - SEBI and Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) - in enabling a dynamic and sustainable power market," MCX said in a statement Friday, announcing the development. Also Read | Bhagyashree's Husband Himalay Dassani Finally Goes Down on One Knee To Propose to the Actress (See Pics). The electricity derivatives contracts to be introduced by MCX will ...Read More >
Trump warns BRICS nations against replacing US dollar Dec 2 (Reuters) - A gauge of emerging market stocks rose on Monday, driven by positive manufacturing data from China and expectations of continued policy support from Beijing, while India's rupee hit a record low because of weaker-than-expected economic data. As of 0932 GMT, the MSCI's index for emerging market stocks had risen by 0.7%, on track for its biggest percentage gain in over three weeks. China's blue-chip CSI 300 climbed 0.8%, and the Shanghai Composite index jumped 1.1% after a private survey indicated that Chinese factory act ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 6: RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Friday announced a jumbo 50 basis points cut in the repo rate from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent to spur growth in the economy, as inflation has come down below the lower RBI band of 4 per cent. The RBI Governor also announced a 100 basis points CRR cut, effective in four equal tranches of 25 basis points starting from September 6, October 4, November 1 and November 29. The step is expected to inject Rs 2.5 lakh crore into the banking system, boosting liquidity and supporting credit flow. A lower policy rate leads to a decline in interest rate on b ...Read More >
MUMBAI, India -- India's central bank cut interest rates more than expected on Friday. For this, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cited muted inflation and a need to kickstart economic growth. This happened as the impact of US tariffs weighed on the country's outlook. The RBI lowered the benchmark repo rate, the level at which it lends to commercial banks. This went down by 50 basis points to 5.5 percent. A majority of analysts had expected a 25-basis-point reduction. The cut was RBI's third in a row. This comes a week after government data showed India's economy expanded at its slowest pace ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI) The reduction in import duty on edible oils, including palm, soya and Sunflower, is going to help FMCG companies improve their margins and stabilise their input costs, according to experts. Palm Oil, which the FMCG companies use as a key ingredient for the manufacturing of soaps and even food products, will also help cool down consumer monthly inflation, experts said. The move will not only benefit the food companies, for which palm oil is almost 25-30 per cent of their raw material costs but also lower PFAD prices (Palm Fatty Acid Distillate), a byproduct used by soap ...Read More >
The U.S. dollar continued its strong run on Monday, bolstered by soaring Treasury yields and expectations of limited Federal Reserve rate cuts. Meanwhile, the yen steadied ahead of a key speech by Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda, where he may hint at a possible rate hike in December, with markets pricing a 55% chance of such a move. Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato's warning on yen intervention caused a temporary pullback, while the dollar index touched a one-year high of 107.07. Analysts forecast further dollar gains as U.S. economic policies and performance outshine global peers. K ...Read More >
Euro zone government bond yields increased slightly as investors await upcoming inflation data that may influence the European Central Bank's policy direction. Concerns over potential tariff hikes from the U.S. could further impact ECB strategies. Germany's bond yields and political tensions in France also add to the economic uncertainties. On Tuesday, euro zone government bond yields saw a minor increase after hitting multi-week lows in the previous session. Investors are keenly awaiting inflation data later this week that could provide insight into the European Central Bank's potential poli ...Read More >
Markets opened on a cautiously optimistic note on Wednesday, with the Sensex and Nifty showing marginal gains, while investors closely monitored global economic indicators and upcoming domestic policy decisions. The Sensex opened higher at 81,036.22 from its previous close of 80,845.75 and is currently trading at 81,168.92 as of 9.45 am, up by 323.17 points or 0.40 per cent. Similarly, the Nifty opened at 24,488.75 compared to its previous close of 24,457.15 and is now at 24,558.20, rising by 101 ...Read More >
(Bloomberg) -- Indian bonds are poised to gain while the rupee is set to weaken as analysts bet on a softer monetary policy after the government named career bureaucrat Sanjay Malhotra as the new Reserve Bank of India governor. Most Read from Bloomberg Malhotra, a surprise pick, will take charge from Shaktikanta Das under whom the RBI kept borrowing costs unchanged for almost two years. While Malhotra's views on monetary policy are largely unknown, he recently urged revenue officials to prioritize economic growth, and the markets may read his appointment as dovish. The central bank is expec ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) Gold prices climbed Rs 500 to Rs 80,900 per 10 grams in the national capital on Thursday due to persistent buying by retailers and jewellers, according to the All India Sarafa Association. The precious metal of 99.9 per cent purity finished at Rs 80,400 per 10 grams in the previous trading session. The yellow metal has jumped nearly Rs 2,000 in the past three sessions. Silver also rallied Rs 700 to Rs 97,000 per kg on Thursday. The white metal settled at Rs 96,300 per kg in the previous session. The price of gold of 99.5 per cent purity also surged Rs 500 to Rs 80,5 ...Read More >
New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey on Tuesday said the government has taken measures to lower fiscal deficit and delivered a non-inflationary Budget, and hoped that the RBI's monetary policy will work in tandem with fiscal policy to support growth. He also said that although rupee depreciation increases inflation on imported inputs, it also adds to export competitiveness. Pandey said that the government has bettered its fiscal deficit projections for the current fiscal as well as the next. The fiscal deficit for FY'25 has been pegged lower at 4.8 per cent of GDP, low ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday took strong action against the police officers allegedly responsible for the Bengaluru stampede, suspending several high-ranking officials, including the city's police commissioner. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a one-man commission to probe the lapses that triggered the deadly stampede. "Cubbon Park Police Station police inspector, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, cricket stadium in-charge, additional commissioner of police, commissioner of police have been susp ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 6 (PTI) Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Friday ahead of the RBI monetary policy outcome. Moreover, a sluggish trend in global equity markets and fresh foreign fund outflow also drove investors to stay on the sidelines. Also Read | Lucknow Toddler Rape Case: Man Accused of Abduction, Sex Assault of 3-Year-Old Girl Killed in UP During Police Encounter. The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 159.93 points to 81,282.11 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 27.65 points to 24,723.25. From the Sensex firms, Tata Motors, Bajaj Finance, ICICI Ban ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 13 (PTI) Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty slumped on Friday morning dragged down by metal stocks, foreign fund outflows and weak global cues. The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex tumbled 1,207.14 points to 80,082.82 in the late morning trade. The NSE Nifty tanked 367.9 points to 24,180.80. Among the 30-share Sensex blue-chip pack, JSW Steel, Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Axis Bank, Larsen & Toubro, ITC and Mahindra & Mahindra were the biggest laggards. Bharti Airtel and Hindustan Unilever were the gainers. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities wor ...Read More >
Mumbai, December 13: Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty fell more than 1 per cent on Friday. At around 10.51 a.m., the Sensex fell 1,017.03 points or 1.25 per cent to 80,272.93, while the Nifty fell 306.80 points or 1.25 per cent to 24,241.90. The market trend remained negative. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 340 stocks were trading in green, while 2,047 stocks were in red. Stock Market Today: Indian Market Opens Flat, All Adani Shares Trade in Green. The market remained in turmoil due to heavy selling by Foreign Institutional Investors, the rising US bond yields and ongoing co ...Read More >