The Economic Times

US stocks ended higher on Wednesday as SpaceX and Super Micro Computer boosted sentiment around artificial intelligence stocks. The Nasdaq led gains, while strong semiconductor stocks added support. However, weakness in Netflix, AT&T and other communications shares limited the broader advance as investors awaited more major technology earnings.

Meta raised its 2026 capital expenditure forecast to $135 billion-$145 billion to accelerate AI expansion and announced plans for non-voting shares, while reporting stronger revenue amid mounting legal challenges and intensifying competition.

RBI's Monetary Policy Committee raised the benchmark repo rate by 25 basis points to address rising inflation concerns. Governor Sanjay Malhotra indicated a generalisation of inflation, with many commodities exceeding 4% inflation. Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta highlighted the influence of external supply-side shocks on inflation projections. External members expressed concerns about the implications of an aggressive rate hike on economic growth.

India is considering methanol as the primary fuel option for ships to support a green transition. The government plans to implement tax concessions and flexible compliance to encourage this shift. Officials are analyzing various suggestions to enhance the infrastructure and regulatory environment for methanol usage. Work is already in progress to improve local availability and establish refueling facilities.

HDFC Bank is currently investigating potential leaks of confidential information to social media and other outsiders. This internal review aims to assess compliance with the bank's code of conduct and governance standards. The investigation specifically examines communications involving senior management and other sensitive issues. HDFC Bank confirmed the review process after allegations arose regarding two senior executives' involvement.

India's Niti Aayog is preparing a list of critical technologies for enhancing self-reliance and investment. This initiative aims to protect against disruptions due to limited access to essential technologies. Potential technologies include 6G, defence equipment, and electric vehicle powertrains. The government seeks to encourage innovation through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and other funds. A comprehensive roadmap is expected to be finalized and released next month.

India's core sector output growth for September recorded a remarkable 7.9%, driven largely by expansion in coal and electricity. Notably, refinery products and iron ore also contributed to this growth, supported by a favorable base effect. Coal production saw a sharp rebound with a growth rate of 10.7% following previous negative trends. Electricity generation growth declined slightly, impacted by heatwave conditions in the country.

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal is set to visit Germany and the Netherlands for trade engagements. He will participate in the Berlin Global Dialogue and meet various government officials in Germany. The focus will be on technological cooperation, clean technology, and the India-EU FTA negotiations. In the Netherlands, Goyal will hold ministerial meetings to explore expanded trade channels and green transition initiatives.

BlackRock has launched a new robotics focused ETF as investors become more selective about AI investments. The fund targets companies using intelligent machines across industries such as manufacturing and transportation, adding to a rapidly expanding market of ETFs built around different parts of the AI theme.

Russia lifted its self-imposed ban on diesel exports on October 9, introduced to tackle domestic shortages triggered by Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries, after reaching the deal with Trump to supply diesel to global markets.

The government has extended the deadline for duty-free imports of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar to December 31, as domestic imports have lagged at just 3 lakh tonnes due to price control measures. This decision aims to mitigate supply constraints following record high sugar prices linked to reduced domestic production and exports.

Iran is prepared to give diplomacy another chance if we see strong evidence of a sincere desire on the part of the US to achieve a just and honourable solution to permanently end this conflict, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in an op-ed in the Financial Times.

Indian cricket team is preparing for a challenging series against New Zealand after a demanding travel schedule. Players will need to adjust to New Zealand's conditions ahead of five T20Is. Team captain Shreyas Iyer is optimistic about their adaptability despite travel fatigue and acclimatization. Bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar are returning to the squad, seeking to make significant impacts. The series will test the team's performance dynamics across various playing conditions.

Mumbai: Even as carmakers said deliveries this Navratri were robust, car registrations declined sharply, according to provisional data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). Passenger vehicle registrations fell 21.9% to 1.83 lakh units between October 11 and 20, the steepest drop among all vehicle categories.The fall largely reflects a high base. Last year's Navratri coincided with the rollout of GST 2.0, after sales had come to a standstill for half of August and almost

The subdued trend followed a 15% year-on-year fall in gold sales by volume during Ganesh Chaturthi a month earlier. Jewellers are now counting on Dhanteras, a key gold-buying occasion, to revive demand.

US Treasury yields slipped as investors weighed the impact of higher borrowing costs on AI stocks, with the 10 year yield heading for a second straight daily decline. The move came ahead of a $13 billion 20 year Treasury auction, while markets continued to price in a muted chance of a Fed rate hike.

Persistent Systems has opened a qualified institutional placement to raise up to USD 450 million, or about Rs 4,265 crore. The IT company has set the QIP floor price at Rs 5,550 per share and may offer investors a discount of up to 5% under the approved pricing terms.

Turkey's government has requested parliamentary approval for a defense agreement signed with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The agreement commits member states to mutual defense against external threats, similar to NATO's Article 5. Discussions between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia regarding military support and cooperation are currently ongoing. Assistance may include air defense and technical support, but not troop deployments into Yemen.

NaBFID has obtained approvals from the finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of India to establish a national repository. This repository will offer consolidated information on infrastructure projects for lenders and investors. The platform aims to facilitate access to data sourced from various government agencies like NHAI and others. NaBFID is considering partnerships with financial institutions to enhance the repository's effectiveness.

Bitcoin delivered nearly 234% returns over three years, outperforming silver, gold and equities. However, precious metals led over one year as cryptocurrencies declined. CoinDCX data also shows Bitcoin topping hypothetical one-year SIP values, highlighting the importance of investment horizons and risk management.

Sensex and Nifty ended above pre-closing auction session levels after extreme volatility, despite an Rs 8 lakh crore market selloff. Elevated crude prices, foreign investor outflows and weak market breadth kept sentiment cautious.

The World Meteorological Organization reported that El Nino conditions may be unprecedentedly strong. Sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific could rise significantly above average during a specified future period. El Nino impacts include severe drought, heavy rainfall, and increased global temperatures. The phenomenon will peak towards late 2026, with effects persisting thereafter. This climate event is part of the El Nino Southern Oscillation cycle, which includes other phases.

EBay will lay off about 1,000 employees, representing 9% of its workforce, to streamline operations. The company previously reduced its staff by 800 positions in February to improve efficiency. EBay is focusing on authenticated luxury goods, collectibles, and refurbished products, which have attracted higher-paying consumers. The recent acquisition of fashion resale platform Depop has also strengthened eBay's market position. EBay plans to report its latest earnings next week.

Technical analysts have recommended Wipro, NHPC, Sagility, LTTS and Hexaware Technologies for potential gains, citing bullish chart patterns, support levels and momentum indicators. The recommendations include specific entry prices, stop losses and targets to manage trading risks.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory to private television channels regarding compliance with the Programme Code. Channels are urged to exercise caution in their use of artificial intelligence for news content production. Strict adherence to statutory provisions is emphasized following observed violations by various channels in past broadcasts. Additionally, the ministry reiterated prohibitions on inappropriate content and live coverage of anti-terrorist operations

RBI's monetary policy committee has increased the benchmark repo rate by 25 basis points due to inflation concerns. Core inflation has shown an upward trajectory, indicating a normalization from earlier benign levels. Various members expressed views on external supply shocks impacting inflation expectations and the need for timely policy adjustments. The differing opinions highlight the complexities of achieving growth while managing inflation effectively.

Netflix shares fell after the streaming giant reported its slowest sales growth in three years and forecast another quarter of slowing revenue growth. Its fourth quarter sales outlook missed analysts expectations, while weaker than expected advertising revenue added to concerns. The stock had already declined 30% this year, underperforming the S&P 500.

New Delhi: Despite heavy demand, Indian Railways continues to take its passengers safely, comfortably and with consistent and increased punctuality. This is being done through improved monitoring, timetable rationalisation, better maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.The railways said that it has improved from 69.2% in 2018-19 to 77.43 in 2025-26 & 77.11% in 2026-27 (till now) if punctuality data are taken into consideration. It said that consistent performance on more than 77 per cent punctu

Business assets under management grew 15% year on year to Rs 1.47 lakh crore. Non-vehicle finance disbursements, including SME loans, personal loans and housing finance, increased 52%.

Congress has launched a strong attack on the Indian government regarding an alleged photograph of Union minister Hardeep Puri with Jeffrey Epstein. Leaders from Congress claim that Puri's connections with Epstein demonstrate the government's negligence. They assert that Puri's past statements about his interactions with Epstein are misleading. The party demands accountability and an investigation into Puri's associations with the convicted sex offender.

Moodys has termed Jio Platforms IPO credit positive for Reliance Industries, citing debt repayment and funding flexibility. The Rs 30,200 crore issue will support investments while helping manage leverage amid elevated capital expenditure.

PC Jewellers Ltd has achieved an impressive 58 percent growth in net profit for Q2 of the 2026-27 fiscal year, driven by sales that surged beyond Rs 1,054 crore. The company is now debt-free after early repayment to banks and is set to unveil a new jewellery brand aimed at attracting younger consumers.

Indian Hotels Company Ltd, under the Tata Group, has announced a remarkable 19.35% rise in consolidated profit for the September quarter, soaring to Rs 379.85 crore from Rs 318.26 crore last year. Revenue from operations also surged to Rs 2,484.32 crore, up from Rs 2,040.89 crore. The Managing Director highlighted promising growth prospects and anticipates domestic hotel business growth exceeding 20%, notwithstanding challenges faced in the aviation sector.

Wall Street opened higher on Wednesday, led by gains in technology and AI stocks after quarterly results from SpaceX and Super Micro Computer improved investor appetite. The Nasdaq gained 0.67%, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones also rose. Netflix slipped as its outlook disappointed investors.

Can Jio IPO unlock hidden value in Reliance Industries shares?

Tungsten prices have reached record highs since China imposed export restrictions in mid-2025. Manufacturers are now forced to explore alternative supply sources to meet rising demand for tungsten. This metal is crucial for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and defense. Several global projects are being initiated to extract and recycle tungsten, aiming to reduce dependence on China.

Despite the Sensex falling 143 points on Wednesday, five BSE 1000 stocks hit fresh 52-week highs. PC Jeweller led monthly gains at 45%, followed by Sky Gold and Diamonds, HFCL, South Indian Bank and Tatva Chintan Pharma Chem.

The International Gemological Institute recently announced an impressive 43.14 percent growth in profit after tax for the previous quarter. Operational revenue rose by 31 percent compared to last year. Demand for both lab-grown and natural diamonds remains strong, particularly as the festive season approaches, prompting retailers and manufacturers to anticipate a surge in sales across their segments.

AI data center construction projects, particularly near Dallas/Fort Worth and Washington, DC, are generating new demand for warehouse space and helped send rents higher in the third quarter, real estate services company JLL said on Tuesday.

British annual house prices rose at their weakest annual pace since March in August, according to official data published on Wednesday that also showed growth in average

TVS ILP has leased 80,000 square feet in Visakhapatnam to ATC Tires for a new warehouse. This facility will support domestic distribution and export operations for Yokohama passenger car tires. The development is expected to create local employment opportunities in the region. Visakhapatnam's strategic location provides significant advantages for various industries seeking to grow. This partnership is key in enhancing operational efficiencies and logistics infrastructure for ATC Tires.

The rupee gained 46 paise to 94.45 against the dollar on optimism over a potential India-US trade deal and RBI measures. However, elevated crude prices, foreign outflows and global financial pressures continue to threaten the currency's recovery.