HDFC Life reported a 14% rise in net profit to Rs 415 crore for the December quarter, up from Rs 365 crore a year ago. However, total income declined to Rs 16,914 crore from Rs 26,694 crore. The solvency ratio dropped slightly to 188% from 190%, still above the regulatory requirement of 150%.
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The Adani Group has increased its offer for sale (OFS) in Adani Wilmar to 20% due to strong investor interest, reducing its stake to 24%. The sale is expected to generate at least Rs 7,150 crore. Wilmar will own 68% of Adani Wilmar post-transaction, and intends to leverage the company's distribution network for its FMCG portfolio.
India's poverty rates dropped significantly below 5% in 2024, as revealed by the State Bank of India's study. Both rural and urban poverty saw major reductions, with rural poverty at 4.86% and urban poverty at 4.09%. Further adjustments may occur following the completion of the 2021 census.
Gold prices in Delhi fell below Rs 79,000 per 10 grams due to low stockist and retailer demand. Silver experienced a significant drop as well. Analysts cite geopolitical uncertainties, interest rate cuts, and robust demand from central banks and high-net-worth individuals as factors for the previous surge. Thin trading volumes during the holiday period have kept prices range-bound.
Shares of Standard Glass Lining Technology Ltd closed with a nearly 17% premium against the issue price, debuting at Rs 176 on the BSE, with a valuation of Rs 3,258.70 crore. The IPO saw a 182.57 times subscription with proceeds for debt repayment, investments, and acquisitions.
Revenue secretary Sanjay Malhotra's transfer to Mumbai has left a key position vacant weeks before the Union Budget. This isn't unprecedented, but the new appointee will need to quickly grasp complex tax issues. The situation is further complicated by recent leadership changes within the finance ministry, with several secretaries experiencing their first budget preparation.
Cryptocurrency prices fell as President Trump announced new tariffs, but Bitcoin showed some recovery. Other digital assets like Ethereum and dogecoin saw larger declines. Trump's meme coin also plummeted significantly. Despite his earlier skepticism, Trump now supports crypto, aiming to make the U.S. a leader in the industry. Bitcoin remains close to its record high despite fluctuations.
Attrition rates have risen for Indian IT firms like HCLTech, Wipro, TCS, and Infosys, reflecting a moderate demand environment and openings for specialized roles. The demand increase in sectors like retail, manufacturing, and BFSI contributes to this trend, with predictions suggesting stabilization by FY26.
Concerns over the US economy heading towards a recession are rising! A recent SBI Research report shows that the long term US GDP growth shows a declining trend. The economic uncertainty looms large, particularly noteworthy as it follows a period when the US economy demonstrated remarkable strength.
Taxpayers and businesses are eagerly awaiting the Union budget 2025, with expectations for reforms including increased capex, higher tax exemptions, streamlined tax compliance, and clarified tax guidelines for digital assets. EY India emphasises fiscal consolidation and investment-driven growth as key focuses for sustained economic development.
Global oil prices have surged to over $81 per barrel due to new US shipping sanctions affecting Russian oil shipments, leading to increased demand for Middle-East/US crude and tankers. This rise in costs is expected to delay fuel price cuts in India, impacting fuel retailers' margins and the economy.