Foreign portfolio investors continued their selling spree, withdrawing Rs 34,574 crore from Indian equities in February due to concerns over India's economic outlook and a strengthened US dollar. This persistent outflow has led to increased market volatility, with 2025 FPI equity sales reaching Rs 1,12,601 crore.
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Tech Mahindra reported a 93% increase in net profit for the December quarter, reaching Rs 983 crore, aided by a low base in the corresponding period last year. Revenue from operations grew by 1.4% to Rs 13,286 crore. The company secured new deals worth $745 million and continued its hiring drive.
Rosneft and Reliance inked a massive oil supply deal. Rosneft will provide almost 500,000 barrels daily to Reliance. This deal strengthens India-Russia energy ties. The agreement involves various Russian crude grades and fuel oil. Supplies begin in January and continue for at least ten years. This deal impacts global oil markets and competition among producers.
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.
The Centre is preparing a 23-point template for reforms and deregulation to simplify business operations, focusing on areas like land, labor, utilities, and permits. A taskforce led by cabinet secretary TV Somanathan is considering single window clearance, reducing inspections, and extending permit validity. Proposed changes aim to ease land use regulations, flexible labor laws, and better working conditions for women.
Automobile exports from India saw a notable 19% increase in 2024, reaching 50,98,810 units compared to 42,85,809 units in 2023. The growth was driven by strong demand for two-wheelers, passenger vehicles, and commercial vehicles, particularly in emerging markets such as Latin America and Africa.
Citi maintained a 'buy' rating for LIC Housing Finance with a target of Rs 851. Nuvama upgraded Coromandel International to 'buy' with a target of Rs 2,347. Jefferies reiterated its 'buy' on KFin Technologies, setting the target at Rs 1,530.
Indian banks are predicted to see a 12.5% credit growth by FY 2025, according to an HSBC report. Despite GDP slowdown risks and tight liquidity, the retail loan sector showed positive momentum in November 2024, driven by demand for personal, home, and gold loans, with an uptick in credit to MSMEs and corporates.
Cognizant has increased the retirement age in India to 60 from 58 to align with market practices and retain experienced talent. The new policy, effective from November last year, also states that unvested stock awards will be forfeited upon retirement and pension funds will close at 58.
India's economy is projected to grow between 6.3-6.8% in 2025-26 amid global uncertainties, according to a finance ministry report. The Eco Survey highlights the need for structural reforms and deregulation, emphasizing the significance of rural demand and private investment for growth, despite geopolitical and trade challenges.
Poonam Gupta has been appointed as the fourth woman deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India, filling a post vacant for over two months. Gupta, an esteemed economist and currently director general of NCAER, will serve a three-year term and has previously contributed to various economic advisory councils.