Despite rising industrial metal prices, India's core inflation outlook remains positive. Significant factors like a stable rupee, declining energy prices, and a normal monsoon suggest a supportive inflation environment, although global market uncertainties such as trade policies and commodity price changes could still create challenges.
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Two new members have joined the Governing Council of NIIF Trustee Ltd. SBI Chairman C S Setty replaces Dinesh Khara, and Uday Kotak takes over from T V Mohandas Pai. They join under the approval of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Established in 2015, NIIF aims to boost infrastructure financing with a Rs 40,000-crore fund for various projects.
Oil prices declined following President Trump's statement about convincing Saudi Arabia and OPEC to reduce crude costs. WTI futures dropped below $75 and Brent below $79. The OPEC and its allies aim to support prices by limiting output with potential plans to gradually revive production starting in April.
Telecom regulator Trai has introduced new rules to combat pesky calls and messages, imposing financial disincentives ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for repeated violations. The amendments require telecom operators to monitor call and SMS patterns to identify potential spammers in real-time and empower subscribers with extended time to report spam activities.
Corporate profits increased by 15.3% in FY24 due to cost rationalisation despite a sales growth of 5.5%. The services sector outshone manufacturing in both sales and profit growth. Additionally, both sectors reported an increase in operating profits and improved profit margins.
Bajaj Auto reported a 1% decline in total sales, with 3,23,125 units sold in December 2024 compared to December 2023. Domestic two-wheeler sales dropped 19%, though exports increased by 15%. Total commercial vehicle sales grew by 16% to 50,952 units over the previous year's figures.
Life insurance companies are opposing the exemption of term insurance policies from GST, citing increased costs due to the loss of input tax credit. They propose maintaining a 12% GST rate to offset costs. The decision has been deferred, awaiting feedback from insurance regulator Irdai. Inconsistent implementation could lead to higher premiums and impact affordability for consumers.
The Sensex plunged nearly 1,200 points on Friday, marking its fifth consecutive day of losses. Foreign fund selling, a hawkish US Fed, a weak rupee, and poor trade data fueled the decline. The index has erased recent gains, leaving investors poorer by ₹9 lakh crore this week.
Maruti Suzuki, India’s leading carmaker, remains skeptical about the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) due to concerns over range, charging infrastructure, and customer trust. Meanwhile, Hyundai is optimistic, predicting the share of EVs in total car sales to grow significantly, reaching 5% by FY27.
President Donald Trump has suggested a trade deal with China may be possible, despite ongoing tariff escalations between the US and several key trading partners. Both countries are urged to resolve disputes with mutual respect and dialogue. Tariffs have stirred global market anxiety and prompted international responses.
Foreign investors have been selling Indian equities rapidly since the start of 2025, with outflows nearing Rs 1 lakh crore. This sharp shift follows US President Donald Trump's return to the White House, leading investors to favor the American economy.