India's manufacturing sector saw its fastest growth in six months in January, driven by a sharp rise in new orders and record export growth. The PMI rose to 57.7, indicating strong sector health. Robust job creation and easing input cost pressures were also noted. Optimism among manufacturers suggests ongoing expansion and solid prospects for early 2025.
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The benchmark 10-year bond yield fell below 6.5% for the first time in over three years due to easing liquidity, the Indian government's borrowing strategy, and a stable rupee. Expectations of an RBI interest rate cut further supported the rally in government bond prices.
India's banking sector is experiencing slow loan growth and margin pressure due to high interest rates. Loan growth is projected to drop significantly, and banks are focusing on retail deposits to strengthen their balance sheets. Despite this, net profits and bad loan ratios show improvement.
RBI's recent bulletin emphasizes the importance of foreign exchange interventions for emerging markets like India. These actions help stabilize capital flow volatility, with RBI moderating currency swings through both purchases and sales. This strategy aims to manage volatility and prevent financial risks, as highlighted by Michael Patra and co-authors.
New Income Tax Bill 2025: The language used in the Bill at many places is extremely lucid and is reader friendly as it has tables and formulas as against the traditional verbose style.
SBI and HDFC Bank have started 2024 by enhancing deposit rates. SBI offers super senior citizens new benefits while HDFC has revised bulk deposit rates. SBI also introduces goal-oriented products like 'Har Ghar Lakhpati' to assist customers in achieving savings targets, with both banks setting higher competitive rates.
Global trade in 2025 is expected to transform due to geopolitical tensions, potential US-China trade wars, AI advancements, and sustainability demands. Experts urge Indian exporters to prioritize AI strategy and environmental standards to stay competitive. New technologies and trade agreements pushing sustainability are crucial for future trade dynamics.
Grant Lee's AI startup Gamma is thriving with just 28 employees, achieving significant revenue and profitability. Many AI-driven startups are leveraging technology to maximize efficiency and reduce the need for large teams and funding. The trend raises questions about the future of venture capital investment in such lean and efficient companies.
Stock market holiday today: The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) are closed for trading today, April 10. Regular trading sessions, operating from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. IST, will continue on Friday, April 11.
JSW Group is in advanced negotiations to buy Everstone Capital's 8% stake in MG India, potentially increasing JSW's stake to 43%. Currently, Everstone Capital holds 8%, while JSW Group owns 35%. MG India's Chinese parent SAIC owns 49% of the company. The valuation of the 8% stake could be Rs 1,000-1,200 crore.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recommends reducing excise duty on fuel and lowering personal income tax rates to boost consumption and tackle inflation. CII also suggests increasing benefits and unit costs under key government schemes like MGNREGS and PM-KISAN, and introducing consumption vouchers for low-income groups to stimulate demand.