India's services sector performed well in May. The HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index increased. This indicates growth in activity, hiring, and international demand. Companies hired more staff at a record pace. Export orders surged, especially from Asia, Europe, and North America. Businesses are optimistic about future activity. The HSBC India Composite PMI Output Index was 59.3 in May.
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India's engineering exports face significant headwinds as the US prepares to impose a 50% tariff on steel and aluminium imports, effective June 4, 2025. This move, doubling existing duties, threatens approximately $5 billion in annual exports, prompting concerns from the EEPC and AAI.
Vodafone Idea is in talks with the government for AGR relief following a Supreme Court dismissal, crucial for its sustainability beyond FY26. CEO Akshaya Moondra highlighted the need for revised pricing amid low ARPU and industry challenges.
Evergent, a California-based AI-powered SaaS provider, has launched its global value center in Hyderabad, already employing 600 professionals and planning to expand to 1,000 by 2025. The company leverages Hyderabad's deep tech talent to develop AI-driven solutions for global media giants, managing over 920 million subscribers through its India-built platform.
Procter & Gamble, the consumer goods giant, will implement significant layoffs. Around 7,000 employees, or 6% of the global workforce, may lose their jobs. This decision comes amid rising input costs and softening demand. The company aims to streamline operations and exit select markets. Andre Schulten announced the restructuring at a conference in Paris.
Disney is implementing further job cuts across its film and television divisions, impacting marketing, publicity, and other departments, as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures initiated by CEO Bob Iger. Despite these reductions, Disney reported a revenue increase and a rise in Disney+ subscribers, reflecting the company's adaptation to the evolving digital landscape.
NeoLiv, a Mumbai-based realty developer, has successfully sold all 263 residential plots in its inaugural project, 'NeoLiv Grand Park' in Kundli-Sonipat, Haryana, generating over Rs 300 crore in sales. The project, spanning 19.46 acres, experienced demand nearly four times the available inventory, highlighting strong buyer confidence.
The IEA cautions that concentrated critical mineral mining could disrupt global supplies and prices, urging diversification. Executive Director Fatih Birol advises India to incentivize electric vehicles to reduce reliance on oil imports, highlighting the economic benefits of EVs. He also lauded India's successful green energy transition, noting the significant shift in investment towards clean energy sources.
The RBI maintains its cautious stance on cryptocurrency, citing potential risks to financial stability and monetary policy, despite the Supreme Court's view against a ban. A government committee is currently reviewing the matter. The RBI has also introduced a new regulation-making framework emphasizing public consultation, impact analysis, and regular reviews to adapt to evolving conditions.
Indian equities experienced a significant surge in May, propelled by strong performances in defence stocks and microcaps. The Nifty 50 rose by 1.71%, while the Nifty Microcap 250 soared by 12.10%. Investor optimism was further fueled in June by a surprise rate cut from the RBI, boosting rate-sensitive sectors.
The rupee strengthened marginally to 85.80 against the US dollar, supported by easing oil prices and positive domestic equities, reversing a two-day losing streak. Traders are cautious ahead of the RBI's rate decision, with expectations of a potential rate cut looming. The domestic equity market showed positive momentum, with both Sensex and Nifty closing higher.