The Economic Times

NTPC posted over 8% growth in December-quarter profit on modest revenue gains and lower expenses, with sequential improvement in earnings. The state-run power major also declared a second interim dividend for FY26.

India's National Mission on Manufacturing targets a significant boost by 2035. The plan aims to double the manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP to 25 percent. It also seeks to create 143 million new jobs. Merchandise exports are projected to reach USD 1.2 trillion. This initiative focuses on strategic sector development and improving business conditions.

The World Bank Group and India have launched a new Country Partnership Framework, pledging $8-10 billion annually for five years to fuel India's growth and its developed economy vision. This strategic partnership prioritizes private sector-led job creation by investing in infrastructure, human capital, and a business-friendly environment, aligning with India's 'Viksit Bharat' goals.

Cigarette maker Godfrey Phillips India Ltd on Friday reported an 8.7 per cent rise in its consolidated net profit to Rs 343.29 crore for the December quarter of FY26.

Meesho reported a 13-fold jump in Q3 losses to Rs 491 crore after its December listing, even as revenue rose 32% year-on-year, driven by aggressive user acquisition, higher advertising spends and continued investments to fuel long-term growth.

Gold and silver suffered their worst selloff in over a decade as a stronger dollar and Kevin Warshs Fed chair nomination triggered profit-taking after record highs, slamming MCX prices, ETFs and global bullion markets amid extreme volatility and margin pressure.

Sebi has cleared seven IPOs, signalling a strong start to the 2026 listing pipeline. Approvals include HD Fire Protect, Xtranet Technologies, Parijat Industries, Rotomag Enertec, CSM Technologies, Eldeco Infrastructure and AITMC Ventures, with issues spanning fire safety, IT services, real estate, energy solutions and diversified manufacturing.

Markets regulator Sebi has given its no-objection for the National Stock Exchange's initial public offering. This clearance is a significant regulatory step for India's largest stock exchange. NSE is now expected to move closer to finalizing its IPO structure and timing. The listing is anticipated to draw strong investor interest due to NSE's dominant market position.

U.S. stock index futures cut some losses on Friday, after U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair.

MCX, NCDEX, NSE and BSE will open for a special Sunday trading session on February 1 during the Union Budget 2026, marking only the second time Indian markets trade on a Sunday, with standard timings and live market activity.

President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve. Warsh, a former Fed governor, is expected to bring significant changes to the agency. His appointment requires Senate confirmation. This move could shift the Fed's independence and align it more closely with the White House. Warsh's tenure could influence interest rate policies and economic strategies.

Indian stock markets will open on Sunday, February 1, 2026, for the Union Budget only the second Sunday trading session in independent India. Exchanges will follow regular hours as FM Nirmala Sitharaman presents Budget 2026. Historically, Budget days see muted market moves, with bigger trends emerging afterwards.

Nithin Kamath warns higher derivatives STT hurt trading and revenues. He says post-2024 tax hikes reduced volumes as markets cooled, causing STT collections to trail estimates, suggesting sharply higher transaction costs can be counterproductive for market participation and government receipts.

India's foreign exchange reserves experienced a significant surge, reaching $709.41 billion in the week ending January 23, 2026. This represents an $8 billion increase from the preceding week. The Reserve Bank of India actively monitors the foreign exchange market and intervenes to ensure stable conditions, aiming to curb excessive rupee volatility.

Indian equity benchmarks snapped a three-day rally on Friday amid selling in metals and IT. Hindustan Copper and Vedanta fell sharply, while Vodafone Idea, Nestle India and GRSE gained following earnings, management updates and strategic announcements.

Bajaj Auto Q3 Results: Two-wheeler major Bajaj Auto on Friday reported 19% year-on-year (YoY) growth in its consolidated net profit at Rs 2,503 crore. Revenue from operations to rose 19% YoY to 15,220 crore, driven by record quarterly volumes and a richer mix.

India is updating its economic data base years. This move will boost the quality of information for artificial intelligence and machine learning. Policymakers will get more accurate economic pictures. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is already using AI internally. This ensures data is ready for advanced analysis.

India's fiscal deficit for April to December, or the first nine months of this fiscal year, was at Rs 8.55 lakh crore, equivalent to 54.5% of annual estimates, narrowing from the previous year's 56.7%. The government aims to narrow the fiscal gap to 4.4% of GDP in this financial year from 4.8% a year earlier.

CARE noted that while the AGR deferral significantly reduces near-to-medium-term cash outflows, spectrum-related dues are likely to increase sharply from FY28 onwards. The companys ability to meet these obligations will depend on the timely execution of network capex, tariff hikes, and operating leverage-led improvement in cash flows.

SBI General Insurance reported strong financial performance in 9M FY26, with gross direct premium growth of 14.5% and PAT of Rs 522 crore. Improved loss ratio and healthy solvency underscore operational strength and disciplined risk management.

Ambuja's volume growth was 2X the industry average, with a higher focus on trade sales/premium cement, which delivered better realisations than peers, along with higher volume growth of base capacity. The total cement capacity stood at 109 MTPA.

The Indian rupee reached a historic low on Friday, concluding its worst month since September 2022. Persistent foreign investor selling and strong corporate demand for dollars pressured the currency. The Reserve Bank of India intervened to support the rupee. Attention now turns to India's federal budget proposal and the US President's Federal Reserve nominee announcement.

India's National Aluminium Company (NALCO) reported a marginal increase in third-quarter profit on Friday, helped by firm aluminium prices.

Despite the short-term dip, robust safe-haven demand and rate-cut bets have driven gold toward a historic monthly surge.

US President Donald Trump is set to announce his pick to chair the Federal Reserve on Friday morning, setting up a key shift in the central bank's leadership. - Forging consensus - Within the bank, the Fed chair is seen to have an outsized influence on forging consensus among the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) as well.

Investors trading around the Union Budget on February 1 face a settlement holiday due to Sunday, impacting short-term strategies. Shares bought on January 30 and February 1 will have delayed selling eligibility. Brokerages anticipate a gradual fiscal consolidation roadmap with a focus on defence spending and consumption support.

Silvers record-breaking rally hit a sudden pause as March futures plunged nearly Rs 70,000, slipping below Rs 4 lakh after a 74% surge this month. Analysts say momentum remains bullish but warn of extreme overbought conditions, rising volatility, and elevated risks, prompting investors to weigh profit-booking against staying invested.

Nestle India announced an interim dividend of Rs 7 per share after reporting a 45% jump in December-quarter net profit, driven by broad-based volume growth, revenues, strong category performance, and benefits from capacity investments, advertising push, and GST-led market recovery.

Market expert Sandip Sabharwal expressed caution on high-valuation EMS stocks like Dixon Technologies, questioning earnings quality and growth sustainability. He offered a tactical view on oil stocks such as ONGC, citing cheap valuations, and maintained a guarded stance on Paytm due to structural challenges and low-PE business models.

India's Union Budget will prioritise reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio. This shift from fixed fiscal deficit numbers aligns with the revised FRBM Act. The government aims to bring the central government debt to GDP to around 501 per cent by March 2031. This strategy offers flexibility for growth-enhancing expenditures and fiscal transparency. The roadmap for the next six years is set.

Bond markets enter the FY27 Union Budget with cautious optimism, focusing on fiscal credibility, debt sustainability and gross borrowing dynamics. With consolidation expected around 4.2% of GDP and stable net borrowing, investors anticipate steady yields, manageable supply and supportive demand, keeping near-term risks contained despite higher redemptions and state-level pressures.

Brookfield India Real Estate Trust has posted more than eight fold jump in consolidated net profit at Rs 201.22 crore for the quarter ended December 2025.

Strides Pharma Science Ltd on Friday reported over two-fold rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 208.12 crore in the third quarter ended December 31, 2025 on the back of robust sales growth and one time income on sale of property.

Nestle India reported strong Q3FY26 results with net profit surging 45% YoY to Rs 998 crore and revenue rising 19% to Rs 5,667 crore. Sequential profit jumped 34%, while shares hit a 52-week high. Broad-based growth across e-commerce, organised trade, exports and OOH helped drive performance amid mixed commodity trends.

Cupid shares surged after reporting record Q3FY26 earnings and announcing a 4:1 bonus issue. Strong profit growth, margin expansion and robust investor interest lifted the stock, reflecting confidence in the companys growth outlook across domestic and export businesses.

India and the European Union have concluded negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement. This landmark deal is expected to boost India's economic growth and create new opportunities. The agreement provides significant market access for Indian exports, particularly in the textile sector. It aims to increase investment and generate jobs, positioning India as a key global trading partner.

India Budget 2026 should continue India's tax reform momentum by simplifying TDS, rationalizing buyback provisions, and facilitating sector-agnostic consolidations. Addressing notional taxation on genuine share transfers and prioritizing tax certainty are crucial for boosting investments and reducing litigation, fostering a more competitive business environment.

Gold and silver ETFs experienced a significant drop as investors locked in profits after a sharp pullback from record highs. This volatility follows an extraordinary January rally, sparking debate on whether it signals a buying opportunity or the end of an exceptional surge. Experts offer divergent views on the metals' future trajectory.

Ahead of the Union Budget, market expert Sandip Sabharwal urges selective investment in defence stocks. He notes the commercial vehicle cycle is strong, with Tata Motors CV appearing more attractive than Ashok Leyland. Sabharwal sees value in ITC, expecting moderate returns. He expresses skepticism about Swiggy's profitability amid intense competition and growth challenges.

Gold and silvers blistering rally has stalled, with fund manager Ravi Dharamshi warning that bullions near-vertical rise has run its course. Precious metals and ETFs tumbled sharply as investors booked profits, global prices retreated, and a stronger dollar added pressure ahead of Trumps imminent Fed chair announcement.

Gold premiums in India rose to a more than decade-high on strong investment demand ahead of a likely duty hike, while premiums in China jumped due to a pickup in investment and jewellery demand despite global rates touching a record near $5,600 this week.

Copper eased on Friday, erasing gains it made in the speculative rush in the previous session as investors booked profits, but the metal still headed for a monthly gain.

India's new labour codes are set to boost worker pay and benefits, matching corporate profit increases. This reform aims to share economic gains more equitably. The changes are expected to create millions of jobs and increase worker incomes. This could significantly boost consumption and economic growth. The codes also seek to improve female workforce participation and formalise employment.

Indias free trade agreement with the European Union offers relief to exporters hit by steep US tariffs and supports Prime Minister Narendra Modis push to make India a global manufacturing hub. The deal, described by both sides as the mother of all deals, will see the EU eliminate or reduce tariffs on 99.5% of imports from India.

Japanese super-long bond yields reversed course and climbed Friday, fueled by speculation that Donald Trump might nominate Kevin Warsh for the U.S. central bank. This shift saw the 20-year JGB yield rise, while shorter-dated bonds held steady after a robust auction. The benchmark 10-year yield dipped as investors covered short positions following a mid-month sell-off.

Asian markets experienced a downturn Friday, mirroring Wall Street's volatile trading. Microsoft shares plummeted, while oil prices dropped and gold weakened. The Indonesian stock exchange saw its CEO resign amid market turbulence. Concerns over transparency and trade tensions, particularly with China and South Korea, contributed to the global market jitters.

This Union Budget presents a crucial opportunity to bolster rural livelihoods by supporting crop diversification towards nutrition-rich, climate-resilient crops like millets and pulses. Strengthening local institutions like FPOs and SHGs, alongside expanding non-farm enterprises, can create stable, dignified work and enhance income resilience for rural households.

Budget 2026 could mark a turning point for Indias agriculture policy as the sector sits at the centre of unresolved IndiaUS trade tensions. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlining that farmer interests are non-negotiable, attention is on whether the budget signals a policy reset or sticks to incremental support.

Global markets are showing signs of profit-taking, but Indian equities might benefit from deeply negative sentiment, potentially leading to better returns in 2026. Smallcaps could face prolonged stress, while autos, pharma, and FMCG are favored sectors. Fiscal constraints may limit the upcoming Union Budget's stimulus potential.

The Economic Survey's focus on cities as economic engines marks a significant policy shift, according to Anand Mahindra. For the first time, urban areas are recognized as core growth platforms, not just sites of problems. This approach, prioritizing liveability and integrated planning, could unlock India's potential for sustained development.