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The Economic Times

Business / The Economic Times

Factory activity at three-mth high in February

India's private sector activity accelerated in February. The HSBC Flash Composite Output Index reached a three-month high. Manufacturing output saw sharper expansion, boosting overall growth. New orders and overseas demand supported this upturn. Businesses are optimistic about future activity. Employment growth also touched a three-month high as firms stepped up hiring.

21 Feb 2026 1:32 am
India core output slows to 4% in January

India's core sector growth slowed to 4% in January. Energy industries saw moderated momentum. Infrastructure sectors like cement and steel remained strong, reflecting economic investment. Electricity generation eased. Refinery products output was flat. Crude oil and natural gas production contracted. Coal and fertiliser output also saw slower growth. This slowdown is expected to impact overall industrial production.

21 Feb 2026 1:30 am
Base year for goods trade indices revised to '22-23

India's merchandise trade indices have a new base year, 2022-23, replacing the old 2012-13. This update reflects significant economic shifts and evolving trade patterns. The revised indices offer a more accurate picture of exports and imports. They are crucial for economic analysis and policy decisions. This revision enhances the relevance and reliability of trade data for all users.

21 Feb 2026 1:28 am
India rolls out seven steps to boost exports

India's government has launched a significant export promotion mission. Seven new measures aim to boost outbound shipments. These include credit assistance for e-commerce exporters and support for alternative trade instruments. The mission focuses on addressing key constraints for MSME export growth. It will simplify processes and enhance access to finance for businesses.

21 Feb 2026 1:25 am
United States interim trade pact likely by April: Piyush Goyal

India and the US are set to sign an interim trade deal in March, with implementation expected the following month. This agreement aims to boost bilateral trade and investments. US officials are scheduled to visit New Delhi for the signing. The deal is anticipated to benefit India's labour-intensive sectors and open new business avenues for exporters.

21 Feb 2026 1:21 am
India's economy shows resilience in January: RBI bulletin highlights strong growth and favorable outlook

In January, India's economic landscape showcased resilience, with industrial production and service sectors experiencing consistent growth. Publicly traded companies noted impressive sales figures, particularly within the manufacturing domain. Anticipated trade agreements with the European Union and the United States are poised to enhance export potential. Investment enthusiasm remains robust, and inflation levels stay aligned with targets.

21 Feb 2026 12:56 am
India-US trade deal unchanged, New Delhi still pays tariffs, Trump says

President Donald Trump has confirmed that tariffs on India will stay at 18 percent. This decision comes after a recent legal challenge to his wider tariff policies. India will not see any immediate changes to the current trade terms. Washington aims to keep country-specific tariff arrangements in place. This approach maintains pressure on trading partners while respecting existing agreements.

21 Feb 2026 12:32 am
US Chamber flags possible refunds on India tariffs after Top Court call

US Supreme Court has ruled against President Donald Trump's tariffs. This decision allows for refunds on certain duties imposed on goods from Brazil and India. The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the ruling. Businesses that directly paid these tariffs may be eligible for reimbursement. This move is expected to lower costs for families and support economic growth.

20 Feb 2026 11:49 pm
$175 billion refund? SC flags 'messy' process as Trump & Co may have to give the money back

The US Supreme Court has ruled against President Trump's trade tariffs. This decision could lead to over 175 billion dollars in refunds for collected duties. The court stated the President exceeded his authority in imposing these tariffs. This ruling impacts a key part of Trump's economic strategy. Businesses faced uncertainty and rising costs due to these tariffs.

20 Feb 2026 11:44 pm
Exporters welcome US Supreme Court ruling on Trump tariffs

Indian exporters welcome the US Supreme Court's decision to strike down President Trump's tariffs. This ruling provides significant relief to domestic firms previously affected by country-specific duties. The decision restores predictability in bilateral trade between India and the US. Importers may seek refunds of duties paid. This opens avenues for more stable trade engagement.

20 Feb 2026 11:25 pm
Trump made tariffs central to his presidency. Chaos may come next

The Supreme Court delivered a rare rebuke to President Trump, ruling he lacked the power to declare an economic emergency and impose sweeping tariffs. This decision prolongs political and economic trade chaos, with the White House planning to use alternative laws. Democrats seized on the ruling, stating Trump is not a king and his tariffs were illegal, impacting middle-class families.

20 Feb 2026 10:26 pm
RBI MPC maintains status quo as India to stay in the goldilocks zone for longer

India's Monetary Policy Committee maintained the policy rate at 5.25% due to improved economic growth and benign inflation, signalling a potential 'goldilocks' period. Members voted to retain a neutral stance, awaiting new economic data series for GDP and inflation to guide future policy decisions.

20 Feb 2026 10:09 pm
Modi, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince discuss additional UAE sovereign fund investments in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed three key initiatives in AI, GIFT City, and the health sector to bolster their strategic partnership. The leaders also encouraged UAE sovereign wealth funds, including the new L'Imad fund, to invest further in the Indian economy.

20 Feb 2026 10:08 pm
Gift Nifty jumps 400 points from lows after US Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs

A significant US Supreme Court ruling has dismantled former President Trump's broad tariffs, sparking a rally in global markets, including India's Gift Nifty. This decision, rejecting the use of emergency powers for trade policy, offers a potential reset for international trade tensions. For India, it arrives as markets grapple with volatility, potentially easing existing tariff pressures with the US.

20 Feb 2026 9:55 pm
Will US Supreme Courts tariff blow force India to revisit its trade deal? GTRI flags uncertainty

A US Supreme Court decision has struck down emergency tariffs imposed by Donald Trump. This ruling impacts recent trade agreements with countries like India. The court found the administration exceeded its authority. This removes leverage used in trade talks. India may now reconsider commitments made under tariff threats. The decision signals a shift back to negotiation for resolving trade disputes.

20 Feb 2026 9:50 pm
Govt net market borrowing to fall to 3% of GDP in FY27, free up resources for pvt sector: RBI bulletin

Government borrowings are set to decrease as a share of GDP. This move is expected to free up more funds for private businesses. The Reserve Bank of India highlighted this trend, noting a gradual reduction in net market borrowings. This easing of government demand on financial markets aims to boost private sector credit availability and support economic growth.

20 Feb 2026 9:44 pm
Tariffs, tensions, truces: From 'Liberation Day' shock to courtroom knockdown the full Trump trade war timeline

The Supreme Court has ruled against former President Donald Trump's extensive global tariffs. The court declared that emergency powers cannot be used to impose broad trade taxes. This decision ends a year of market disruption and strained international relations. Agreements were reached with countries like India, Japan, and the European Union, easing some trade tensions.

20 Feb 2026 9:27 pm
Gold pares gains after U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs

Gold prices trimmed some gains on Friday as investors assessed the U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down President Donald Trump's broad tariff plan, although the safe-haven metal remained supported by weaker-than-expected U.S. GDP data.

20 Feb 2026 9:23 pm
India-US trade pact soon: US Ambassador Sergio Gor

India has committed to the US on Russian oil purchases. Active negotiations are underway for India to buy Venezuelan oil. A trade agreement between India and the US will be signed very soon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India in the coming months. Discussions will cover various initiatives including Quad engagements.

20 Feb 2026 9:13 pm
US stocks: US stock indexes rise after Supreme Court rules against Trump's tariffs

Wall Street indexes surged Friday following a Supreme Court decision. The court ruled against President Donald Trump's broad tariffs enacted under a federal law for national emergencies. These tariffs, imposed last February, affected global imports. Thousands of companies had challenged these levies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all saw significant gains.

20 Feb 2026 8:44 pm
NSE to launch Gold 10 grams futures from March 16 after Sebi approval. Check expiry and other details

National Stock Exchange will launch Gold 10 grams futures from March 16 after approval from Securities and Exchange Board of India. The monthly, delivery-based contract aims to boost retail participation with defined price limits, margins and Ahmedabad-based settlement.

20 Feb 2026 8:36 pm
US stock markets today: US stocks dip after weaker-than-expected GDP, higher inflation data

US stocks: U.S. stock indexes declined Friday as economic growth slowed more than anticipated in the fourth quarter, while inflation showed an uptick in December. Investors also awaited a Supreme Court ruling on President Trump's tariffs, which could impact over $175 billion in collections if overturned.

20 Feb 2026 8:04 pm
India updates trade index base year to FY23 to better capture new-age trade trends

India has updated its merchandise trade indices. The new base year is FY 2022-23, replacing the old FY 2012-13. This change better reflects current trade realities and global commerce patterns. The Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics announced the revision. It follows expert committee recommendations for international statistical alignment. This will aid policymakers and businesses.

20 Feb 2026 7:43 pm
NITI Aayog calls for strengthening Indias apprenticeship ecosystem; proposes incentives & national mission

The recommendations are part of a comprehensive roadmap laid out by the Aayog in its report titled Revitalising Indias Apprenticeship Ecosystem released on Friday. The Aayog emphasized on the need to prioritize improving stipend adequacy and retention, facilitating travel and accommodation support, expanding insurance and social security coverage, strengthening early awareness and counselling systems, enabling international mobility and exposure and advancing womens inclusion across sectors and

20 Feb 2026 7:33 pm
AI needs strong policy backbone: OECD chief

Artificial Intelligence holds immense potential but requires strong public policy. The OECD highlights that around 27 percent of jobs face high automation risk. Flexible and targeted training is crucial for adults. Governments and industries must collaborate for responsible AI adoption. Public policy has historically shaped AI's foundational technologies, from internet to semiconductors.

20 Feb 2026 7:32 pm
NHAI to discontinue cash toll payments from April

National Highways Authority of India plans to end cash toll payments from April 1, 2026. All payments will be digital via FASTag or UPI. This move aims to boost transparency and efficiency. Commuters will experience faster travel and reduced congestion. Over 98% FASTag penetration already transformed toll collection. This digitisation will improve user experience across over 1,150 fee plazas nationwide.

20 Feb 2026 7:15 pm
Sebi approves 4 IPOs including Integris Medtech, Alpine Texworld and Anjali Labtech

Securities and Exchange Board of India has approved IPOs of Integris Medtech, Alpine Texworld, Anjali Labtech and Appl Containers. Integris plans a Rs 925 crore issue largely for debt repayment, while the others aim to fund expansion and list on NSE and BSE.

20 Feb 2026 7:14 pm
Trade pacts boost foreign inflows, lift Indian rupee, RBI says

Foreign portfolio inflows and the rupee have strengthened after India's free trade agreement with the European Union and an interim trade deal with the United States, the Reserve Bank of India said in its monthly bulletin on Friday.

20 Feb 2026 7:05 pm
US Stocks: Hedge fund stock pickers suffer in face of AI-related tech selloff, says Goldman

Hedge fund stock pickers have had one of their worst three-week periods since the first half of 2022, according to a Goldman Sachs client note seen by Reuters on Friday, as this year's AI software-related tech selloff continues.

20 Feb 2026 6:48 pm
UPL to spin off crop protection arm into a separate listed entity

UPL approved a group reorganisation to separate its India and global crop protection businesses into a newly listed UPL Global Sustainable Agri Solutions. The move aims to unlock value, streamline operations, enhance capital flexibility, and create a focused pure-play crop protection platform.

20 Feb 2026 6:18 pm
FTAs to play significant role in coming years by improving market access: RBI bulletin

India's trade deals with the EU and US will boost market access and exports. The economy looks strong for growth ahead. Consumption and investment are key drivers. Reforms will enhance productivity. Foreign investment has returned. The government is committed to fiscal health and capital spending. Inflation remains stable.

20 Feb 2026 6:01 pm
Stock market quote of the day by Benjamin Franklin | An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

Knowledge is the most valuable asset in stock markets, guiding investors beyond short-term temptations towards disciplined, analytical decisions. Continuous learning compounds insights, sharpens judgment, and builds confidence to navigate market uncertainty. This sustained investment in understanding is key to long-term wealth creation, proving that wisdom earns the best interest.

20 Feb 2026 6:00 pm
China-bound exports in double digits even as US shipments fall and trade deficit widens: RBI

India's merchandise trade deficit widened in January 2026 as imports outpaced exports, driven by a surge in gold and silver shipments. Despite external pressures, the domestic economy showed resilience with sustained momentum in industrial and services sectors, supported by strong domestic demand and improved investor sentiment.

20 Feb 2026 5:56 pm
US Stocks Today | US stock futures muted ahead of economic data

U.S. stock index futures were flat on Friday as investors awaited key economic data to gauge the path of monetary policy easing for the year while monitoring tensions with Tehran and a potential U.S. Supreme Court decision on Trump's tariffs.

20 Feb 2026 5:39 pm
Average US long-term mortgage rate dips to 6.01%, lowest level in more than 3 years

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate slipped this week to its lowest level in more than three years, but remains around 6% in the same narrow range it has been in this year.

20 Feb 2026 5:35 pm
Indian 10-year bond yield surges most in two weeks on USIran jitters

India's benchmark 10-year government bond yield spiked on Friday, driven by mounting concerns about a potential military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran that has bid crude oil prices up to their highest in six months.

20 Feb 2026 5:32 pm
RBI net sold $10 billion in December to curb rupee volatility

The Reserve Bank of India sold a net of $10.02 billion in the foreign exchange market in December, data released on Friday showed, reflecting the central bank's efforts to support the currency that was the worst emerging market performer last year.

20 Feb 2026 5:28 pm
Indias core sectors growth loses steam, slows to 4% in January

India's core infrastructure sectors expanded by 4.0% in January 2026, a slowdown from December's 4.7% growth. This moderation was primarily driven by strong performance in the steel and cement industries. For the April-January period of 2025-26, cumulative growth reached 2.8%.

20 Feb 2026 5:24 pm
Gainers & Losers: Novartis India and GMDC among 6 stocks in focus on Friday. Heres why

Novartis India and GMDC led market action on Friday as broader indices recovered, while select stocks saw sharp gains and profit booking.

20 Feb 2026 5:15 pm
RBI minutes signal firmer growth path, muted price pressures after February hold

India's economy is set for strong growth. Policymakers are watching closely as inflation stays low. This gives them flexibility. Economic momentum is resilient. Growth is projected at 7.4% for FY26. Projections for the first half of FY27 are also strong. Domestic demand and investment are key drivers. Exports and capital inflows are expected to rise.

20 Feb 2026 5:11 pm
India's forex reserves rises by $8.66 bn to hit an all-time high of $725.7 bn

India's foreign exchange reserves surged by $8.66 billion to reach an unprecedented $725.727 billion in the week ending February 13. This significant increase follows the Reserve Bank of India's market interventions, including purchases and sales of foreign currency in recent months.

20 Feb 2026 5:06 pm
India-UK, Oman FTAs likely from April; New Zealand deal expected in September, says Goyal

As India sets the stage for its economic expansion, the country is poised to launch free trade agreements with both the UK and Oman in April. By September, the deal with New Zealand is on the horizon. Enthusiastic negotiations with the European Union, Israel, and the Gulf Cooperation Council are currently making headway, alongside a revival of talks with Canada.

20 Feb 2026 4:27 pm
Milky Mist on track for 2026 IPO despite market jitters, CEO says

Indian dairy products maker Milky Mist will push ahead with its planned initial public offering this year despite volatile markets, its CEO said, adding the company expects to maintain about 30% annual revenue growth.

20 Feb 2026 4:01 pm
Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate to develop a residential project on Pokhran Road 2, Thane

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE), one of India's most trusted real estate developers, has announced the launch of Oyster, a premium residential project within its expansive 4.8-acre development, Northern Lights, located on the prime Pokhran Road 2 in Thane.

20 Feb 2026 3:46 pm
Market Wrap: Sensex ends 317 points higher, Nifty above 25,550 aided by L&T, RIL

Nifty ended at 25,571.25, gaining 116.90 points or 0.46%, the BSE Sensex settled 316.57 points or 0.38% higher at 82,814.71.

20 Feb 2026 3:45 pm
Euro zone bond yields skim recent lows as investors track ECB chatter, geopolitics

Euro zone government bond yields headed for a second straight weekly decline on Friday, in a week marked by speculation over the leadership of the European Central Bank and by rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

20 Feb 2026 3:43 pm
UK 5-year gilt yields hit lowest since September 2024

Short-dated British government bonds yields fell on Friday as investors slightly added to interest rate cut bets even as strong retail sales in January added to signs the economy is beginning to pick up after a weak end last year.

20 Feb 2026 3:38 pm
AI Summit: IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva says AI could lift global growth by 0.8%

Artificial intelligence holds the potential to significantly boost global economic growth. The International Monetary Fund suggests AI could accelerate growth by 0.8 percent. India can leverage AI to reach its goal of becoming a developed nation. However, AI also presents employment challenges, with many jobs potentially affected. Countries must focus on education and worker support to navigate these changes.

20 Feb 2026 3:23 pm
Nestle, Britannia among 4 high-conviction FMCG and retail picks from Axis Direct, heres why

Axis Direct has recommended four high-conviction FMCG and retail stocks post Q3 earnings, including Nestle India, Britannia, DOMS Industries and V-Mart Retail. The brokerage sees up to 32% upside, driven by strong demand recovery, expansion strategies, improving margins and favourable macro factors such as GST reforms and rural consumption trends.

20 Feb 2026 3:07 pm