India's current account deficit is expected to remain at approximately 1 per cent of GDP for fiscal 2025, up from 0.7 per cent last year, according to CRISIL. Strong financial inflows and a steady services trade surplus are contributing factors, despite a rising merchandise trade deficit and pressures from geopolitical risks.
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Magenta Mobility is set to expand its electric vehicle fleet by 10,000 three- and four-wheelers in the next financial year. The company is targeting new cities and expanding its four-wheeler cargo services for intercity and interstate routes, including successful trials exceeding 150 kilometers per charge.
Kotak Mahindra Capital Company predicts the IPO market pipeline to reach USD 35 billion in 2025, up from USD 22 billion in 2024. Majority IPOs are from financial services and digital tech sectors with large IPOs consistently increasing, attracting foreign portfolio investors and leading multinationals to consider IPOs for unlocking investments.
In 2024, the Indian stock market experienced significant growth, with the NSE listing 2,671 companies and the market capitalisation reaching Rs 438.9 lakh crore. IPOs and other equity mobilisations contributed Rs 3.98 lakh crore, while the number of investors increased by 27.2 percent to 10.9 crore.
FIIs were net sellers of Rs 1,27,401 crore in FY2025, but selling eased in March. DIIs bought Rs 6,06,368 crore throughout the year. The change in FII strategy in March contributed to Nifty's gains. SEBI's new threshold for beneficial ownership disclosures and RBI's increased investment cap aim to boost market liquidity.
UPI continues to set records, with March seeing 1,830 crore transactions worth Rs 24.8 lakh crore, a 36% rise in volume and 25% increase in value year-on-year. The platform now processes 59 crore transactions daily, averaging Rs 79,910 crore in daily value, showcasing significant growth.
India's military modernization continues in a slow and haphazard manner with a modest 9.5% hike in the defence budget. The capital expenditure for acquisitions and infrastructure saw only a 4.6% increase, while the revenue outlay for operational costs and salaries remains almost double the capital provision.
Foreign investors have withdrawn Rs 22,194 crore from Indian equities in January amid expectations of a weak earnings season, rising US dollar, and concerns over a potential tariff war. Additionally, factors such as slowing GDP growth, high inflation, and the record low level of the Indian rupee have contributed to this exodus.
India's industrial output hit a six-month high in November driven by manufacturing, capital goods, and consumer durables. The index of industrial production rose 5.2% with significant contributions from a 9% rise in capital goods and a 13.1% rise in consumer durables, indicating strong festive demand.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman refuted concerns of any GST rate increase, emphasizing that the GST rates have been reduced since its introduction, with the average rate dropping to 11.3% from 15.8%. She credited the GST Council for their thorough work in simplifying the tax system.
Exporters in India are preparing to seize potential opportunities in the US market across sectors like textiles, leather, chemicals, and toys, as the US looks to reduce dependence on China. Enhanced promotion, financial support, and partnerships with American trade bodies are seen as pivotal for success.