The Economic Times

In a bold pivot towards the future, major tech giants are pulling back on stock buybacks to invest heavily in artificial intelligence. Their focus on developing advanced AI capabilities, rather than returning cash to shareholders, indicates a strategic shift that could reshape the industry landscape.

Brent crude prices saw a late-day surge due to short-covering as investors reacted to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions over nuclear weapon development. Despite this, both Brent and WTI futures experienced weekly gains, with traders betting on higher prices amidst concerns over potential supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Gold prices surged over 1% as weaker U.S. GDP data and President Trump's announcement of new global tariffs fueled investor uncertainty. Despite a Supreme Court ruling against his previous tariffs, analysts predict continued volatility, supporting gold's safe-haven appeal. Economic slowdown and persistent inflation further bolster demand for the precious metal.

Indian exporters are observing developments after the US Supreme Court invalidated President Trump's tariffs. While this ruling offers potential refunds for duties paid, exporters remain cautious. They anticipate new tariffs may be introduced through different legal avenues. Clarity on the future trade landscape is expected next week. This situation could impact ongoing trade negotiations and existing export orders.

Europe's STOXX 600 reached a record high, boosted by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down President Trump's tariffs. Investors welcomed the ruling, which eased trade uncertainty, while strong corporate earnings and a rebound in manufacturing also contributed to market gains. Luxury and banking sectors saw significant increases.

The US dollar saw a dip on Friday. This followed a Supreme Court decision against President Trump's tariffs. US economic growth slowed last quarter. Inflation, however, showed a rise. The dollar index weakened against other currencies. Sterling and the Japanese yen also saw movements. Market expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts were slightly impacted.

Investors await Nvidia's financial results next week. The AI bellwether's report is key to steadying a U.S. stock market concerned about artificial intelligence. Other tech companies also report earnings. Software firms face AI disruption worries. Nvidia's forecast and CEO's comments will guide the AI ecosystem. Investors also watch President Trump's State of the Union speech.

ICICI Bank Global Markets said the chances of a policy rate hike are low due to benign core inflation and expects a prolonged pause in rates through 2026-27, with the focus shifting to regular durable liquidity infusion to support monetary transmission.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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

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.

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.

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.