Moody's indicates that most Indian companies are shielded from rupee depreciation because of mitigating factors, whereas govt-owned oil marketing companies, Ola, and UltraTech Cement are adversely affected. OMCs experience a currency mismatch with rupee-linked marketing revenues and US dollar feedstock costs, which are partially offset by US dollar-linked fuel sales and government support.
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Indian stock markets witnessed a significant rally, adding Rs 7.85 lakh crore to investor wealth, after the US suspended additional tariffs on India for 90 days. The BSE Sensex surged by 1.77%, and the NSE Nifty gained 1.92%, driven by broad-based optimism across sectors, particularly commodities, consumer durables, and utilities.
On January 19, 2025, Melania Trump launched the MELANIA meme coin, which quickly achieved a $4 billion market capitalization within 30 minutes. This launch affected the TRUMP meme coin, reducing its market cap by $5 billion. The MELANIA token allocation raised ethical concerns, with 90% held in a single wallet and significant portions allocated to team vesting and treasury.
US inflation saw a notable increase in January, driven by rising costs in groceries, gas, and housing. Core CPI also exceeded expectations, spurred by higher car insurance, airfares, and prescription drug prices, suggesting inflation progress has stalled despite a steady labour market.
Under President Trump’s second term, US tariffs are raising concerns about global trade disruptions, indirectly impacting international travel. Despite 2024's milestone of surpassing pre-pandemic passenger traffic levels, growth is stabilizing. Emerging economies like the Middle East and Asia-Pacific are experiencing higher growth. Long-term forecasts predict a significant increase in passenger numbers by 2053.
The Budget reduced customs duty on imported motorcycles and cars. Bikes with engines over 1,600cc face a 30% duty, down from 50%, while smaller bikes now have a 40% duty. Imported cars over $40,000 have a 70% duty instead of 125%, but a new 40% agriculture cess keeps the cumulative duty at 110%.
Biocon is set for major growth in the next 2-3 years, propelled by new generics and biosimilars. The Viatris acquisition strengthens its position in the U.S. market, with significant market share in some products already achieved. December quarter revenue increased by 14% in biosimilars and research services.
Departments such as telecom, defence, railways, and highways have experienced lower capital expenditure with telecom spending just 6% of its annual allocation. Total government capex during April-Nov fell to 49% from 59% last year. The slow spending is attributed to milestones tied to funding and recent elections impacting the first quarter.
Foreign portfolio investors are experiencing their worst annual equity selloff in FY25, with outflows reaching Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Most of the selloff has occurred in the secondary market, while domestic investors have responded with strong investments, achieving a record Rs 4.7 lakh crore in FY25. Despite net selling, FPIs remain buyers in the primary market.
Samsung Electronics is preparing to enhance AI functionalities with its new Galaxy S25 series smartphones, launched recently. The company aims to reclaim market share in India, establishing significant R&D and manufacturing hubs. The expansion includes penetrating smaller towns, focusing on AI integration in various sectors and data security improvements, and enhancing their televisions and home appliances business.
Microfinance and two-wheeler finance sectors are recovering, with NBFCs increasing their microfinance portfolios by 22.2%. Improved loan quality and internal controls are observed in microfinance. Two-wheeler finance sees growth due to high vehicle sales and urbanisation, but faces asset quality concerns.