India's forex reserves surged $15.27 billion to reach $653.97 billion, the sharpest weekly gain in over three years, as of 7 March. This rebound comes after months of volatility and an 11-month low, highlighting the RBI's active management to stabilize the Rupee.
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Stock markets worldwide saw declines on Monday due to fears of President Trump's tariffs set to take effect on Wednesday. The S&P 500 dropped by 0.6%, while the Nasdaq composite fell by 1.6%. Concerns about inflation and global economic slowdown led to significant sell-offs in major indices globally, reflecting growing economic uncertainty.
In the December MPC meeting, four members opposed policy easing, making a February rate cut uncertain. Outgoing Governor Das and Deputy Governor Patra prioritized controlling inflation over growth, citing concerns about core inflation and second-order effects. Two external members favored rate cuts to address the GDP growth decline, arguing monetary policy's limitations on supply-side inflation.
Banks are offering better deposit rates to attract customers amid liquidity shortages. IDBI Bank launched a scheme for individuals aged 80 and above, with higher interest rates. Similarly, Bank of Baroda introduced a liquid fixed deposit scheme allowing withdrawals in units of Rs 1,000, with extra benefits for seniors.
Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) reported a 36% increase in net profit for Q3 ending December 2024 to Rs 1,406 crore, driven by higher interest income. Gross NPAs reduced to 1.80%, and PCR stood at 98.28%. The bank raised Rs 3,500 crore through Qualified Institutional Placements.
The Indian rupee fell to a record low against the US dollar, crossing the 85 mark for the first time. This drop was influenced by the US Federal Reserve's indication of fewer-than-expected future rate cuts. While the decline makes imports costlier and benefits NRI remittances, its impact on export competitiveness is debated.
Companies in India are expected to see an average salary increment of 8.8% in 2025, slightly down from 9.0% in 2024. While 75% of companies aim to maintain or reduce pay hikes due to muted revenue growth, top performers may receive 1.7 times higher increments than average employees, with a focus on optimizing costs and talent differentiation.
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.
Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal states that India's free trade agreements are now finalized after extensive consultations with all stakeholders, offering equitable terms. Highlighting the EFTA pact with a $100 billion FDI commitment, he contrasts current deals with past practices, emphasizing national interests and growth in exports.
Skoda Auto is interested in investing in India's new EV policy but urges the inclusion of hybrids and plug-in hybrids, citing infrastructure and acceptance challenges for pure electrics. The company plans to expand its model lineup and retail presence in India, aiming to more than double its sales this year.
EPFO's provisional payroll data for November 2024 shows a net addition of 14.63 lakh members, a 9.07% increase from October. Notable trends include a rise in new memberships, particularly among the 18-25 age group, and increased female participation. Top states contributing to the net member additions include Maharashtra and Karnataka, with significant growth in industries such as engineering and textiles.