The Economic Times News

Robert Kiyosaki, author of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad', criticized the global financial system as a 'Heads I win, tails you lose' game controlled by bankers. He advocates for owning tangible assets like gold, silver, Bitcoin, and Ethereum, and legally avoiding taxes to escape this perceived rigged system.

India is actively engaging with Mexico to find mutually beneficial solutions regarding Mexico's unilateral tariff hikes on certain products. While New Delhi seeks to protect its exporters' interests, both nations are also working towards finalizing terms for a free trade agreement to stabilize trade relations.

E-commerce enabler Shiprocket is gearing up for an IPO, aiming to raise up to Rs 2,342 crore. The company, backed by investors like Temasek, plans to use the funds for platform growth, technology, and potential acquisitions. Shiprocket's platform assists Indian MSMEs and digital retailers with logistics, payments, and sales, operating an asset-light model.

Bitcoin and major cryptocurrencies experienced a significant slump, dropping over 2% in 24 hours and extending monthly declines to over 10%. This downturn is linked to a broader sell-off in tech stocks amid weak US earnings and anticipation of a Bank of Japan rate hike. Despite short-term volatility, underlying institutional interest and network development offer long-term optimism.

India's primary market is buzzing with activity as four new public issues, totaling Rs 830 crore, are set to launch, led by KSH International's Rs 710 crore mainboard offering. Investors are also anticipating a flurry of 15 company listings, including ICICI Prudential AMC and Corona Remedies, signaling strong market interest.

As per the September 2025 quarter filings, Goel has reported stakes above 1% in around 34 listed companies, with the portfolios total value standing at nearly Rs 2,008 crore as of December 12, 2025a modest 4% rise from about Rs 1,933 crore in March 2025.

New labour codes, effective November 2025, are poised to significantly boost women's workforce participation by enhancing safety, security, and accessibility. These reforms consolidate existing laws, strengthen maternity benefits, expand social security to gig workers, and allow women to work in previously restricted sectors, fostering greater economic independence and career advancement.

The target is based on a 20x PE multiple on estimated Dec-27 earnings, which implies a modest 5% de-rating from current levels.

The benchmark finished in the red in three of the five sessions between December 8 and 12. Despite broader market weakness and some volatility, eight small-cap stocks managed to post gains across all five sessions.

The study tracks total shareholder returns, profit growth and market capitalisation expansion to identify the fastest wealth creators over five years.

India's hotel sector is experiencing sustained acceleration, driven by a broad recovery across business, leisure, weddings, and MICE segments. Strong room rates and stable occupancies in the first half of FY26 are expected to continue, with new infrastructure and a rich event calendar poised for an even stronger second half.

Indian real estate is poised for a strong performance in 2026. The sector offers stability and income generation, outperforming other asset classes. Demand for premium housing continues, while fractional ownership models make real estate accessible. Industrial and warehousing segments also show robust growth. Investors should focus on prime locations and asset quality for wealth creation.

Silver has touched record highs this week, crossing $60 an ounce for the first time. This surge is driven by strong industrial demand, persistent supply deficits, and global economic uncertainties. India has also seen unprecedented price rises. The market anticipates further gains, though a consolidation phase is expected in early 2026 before resuming an upward trend.

Grey market premiums indicate a wide dispersion in listing expectations, ranging from flat debuts to gains of over 60%.

India's bond market held firm as the RBI cut repo rates to 5.25%, driven by robust growth and low inflation. Global markets also saw yields dip, anticipating US Fed rate cuts. Liquidity measures are in place to ease banking system pressures. Experts suggest a stable, selective approach to fixed income, favoring shorter-term investments.

Trump India Tariffs: Democratic lawmakers have introduced a resolution to terminate the national emergency used by President Trump to impose steep tariffs on Indian imports. They argue these illegal tariffs abuse executive power, damage a key strategic partnership, and harm American workers and consumers. The move aims to restore Congress's constitutional authority over trade and curb the misuse of emergency powers.

Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack believes monetary policy should be tighter. She feels current interest rates are around neutral. Hammack would prefer a more restrictive stance to pressure inflation. She indicated this view ahead of a recent rate cut. Hammack will be a voting member of the FOMC next year.

Deepak Shenoy, Capitalmind Founder and CEO, shares his unique ways to manage market stress. He enjoys salsa, long walks, and pickleball. These activities help him stay balanced and mentally clear. Shenoy believes hobbies outside of investing are crucial for resilience. Stepping away from screens improves decision-making. He advises young investors to pursue passions beyond work.

Retail inflation in India has experienced a dip thanks to adjustments in GST rates, with SBI Research forecasting this positive trend ahead. However, a shift in inflation is anticipated around 2025-26. In the meantime, the Reserve Bank of India is expected to keep interest rates stable. Meanwhile, Kerala remains notable for its elevated inflation rates.

EU leaders are pushing for a deal to fund Ukraine using frozen Russian assets, a critical move amid the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, the US releases key economic data, offering insights into the Federal Reserve's next steps. Central banks across Europe, Japan, Britain, Norway, and Sweden are concluding their year with crucial policy meetings, potentially impacting global markets.

Upcoming U.S. economic data, including employment and inflation reports, will offer crucial insights after a federal government shutdown. Investors and the Federal Reserve await this clarity to guide market direction and potential interest rate adjustments. Disappointing tech earnings and a divided Fed decision highlight current economic uncertainties.

Federal Reserve officials are split on cutting interest rates. Some believe inflation remains too high, citing a lack of recent economic data. They argue for waiting until early next year for updated reports. Others are more concerned about job market weakness. The central bank's decision reflects this ongoing debate as they monitor inflation and employment figures.

Bitcoin investor MicroStrategy has retained its spot in the Nasdaq 100, despite growing concerns about its business model's sustainability. Analysts question its resemblance to an investment fund, especially as crypto treasury firms' shares are highly sensitive to bitcoin's price swings. Other companies were added and removed from the index.

Recent updates from Oracle and Broadcom have sparked worries about high valuations and debt in AI stocks. Investors are becoming more selective. Despite these concerns, the overall market strength provides reasons for optimism. Short sellers are not aggressively betting against major AI companies. The AI trade remains intact for many, though performance may moderate.

Technology stocks led a broad market decline on Friday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling over 1%. Concerns over an AI bubble, fueled by Broadcom and Oracle's warnings, coupled with rising Treasury yields, pressured investors. Anticipation of key labor and inflation data also contributed to market caution.

India's apparel sector anticipates a significant boost from the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Negotiations are progressing positively, aiming to reduce import duties on Indian garments in the European Union. This move is projected to increase exports by 20-25% in the coming years. The agreement will foster stable investment and strengthen India's position in premium European markets.

ICICI Direct forecasts the Nifty reaching 30,000 by 2026. The brokerage suggests investing in Bajaj Finserv, Indian Oil Corporation, LTIMindtree, Pidilite Industries, SRF, Can Fin Homes, and Jamna Auto Industries. BFSI and Consumption sectors are expected to lead growth. The Bank Nifty is also projected for significant gains. Current market breadth indicates a potential for broad-based opportunities next year.

Indian stock markets saw a modest rise on Friday. The Nifty and Sensex closed higher, gaining about half a per cent. This uptick followed a US interest rate cut. However, uncertainty surrounding a US-India trade deal and a weaker rupee limited further gains. Investors are awaiting clarity on trade tariffs.

Sebi has enhanced governance at Market Infrastructure Institutions by mandating the appointment of two executive directors. One ED will manage critical operations, while the other will oversee regulatory functions, compliance, risk, and investor grievances. Both will join the governing board, with hiring to be done through open advertisements.

The Union Cabinet has given a green light to transformative policy adjustments. Notably, this includes an overhaul of atomic energy regulations and the full liberalization of the insurance sector for foreign investors.

The government has approved a new bill allowing 100 percent foreign investment in the insurance sector. This move aims to boost growth and improve insurance coverage across India. Companies must invest all premiums within the country. The bill also permits a single entity to offer life, general, and health insurance.

Tata Steel plans a nearly 50% capacity expansion in India to defend market share and secure raw materials, with most capex expected from internal accruals. This strategic move aims to align new capacities with anticipated demand growth post-FY29, ensuring profitability and maintaining a healthy balance sheet.

Retail inflation saw a slight increase to 0.71% in November, up from October's 0.25%. This rise occurred as food deflation lessened. Price pressures remained subdued due to tax cuts and softer food prices. Inflation stayed below the central bank's target range for the fourth month. Food prices declined for the sixth consecutive month.

Shiprocket, a Gurugram-based D2C shipment and checkout service provider, has filed an updated draft red herring prospectus for a Rs 2,342-crore IPO. The company aims to raise Rs 1,100 crore in fresh capital, with existing investors and founders also selling shares.

India and France are nearing a revised tax treaty that will reduce dividend taxes for French parent companies holding over 10% stakes to 5%, while increasing it to 15% for minority shareholders. The agreement also proposes allowing India to tax share sales by any French entity, shifting to a source-based capital gains framework.

Usha Martin's promoter, Peterhouse Investments India Limited, divested 23 lakh shares for Rs 99 crore in a block deal. Morgan Stanley and Bandhan Mutual Fund were among the buyers, acquiring shares at Rs 430 each. The transaction occurred as Usha Martin's stock closed higher at Rs 440.45.

A range of issues relating to bilateral ties were discussed during two-day visit to Beijing of Sujit Ghosh, the joint secretary in the East Asia division at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Nasdaq filed a new rule on Friday that would allow the exchange to block IPOs even when companies meet all listing standards if it detects red flags that could make a company's stock vulnerable to manipulation.

U.S. 10-year Treasury yields rose on Friday after two straight sessions of declines, as investors assessed commentary from a flurry of Fed speakers and a positive outlook on the economy.

Shares of cannabis companies jumped on Friday after the Washington Post reported U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to push the government to dramatically loosen federal restrictions on marijuana.

Sebi has dropped insider trading charges against Pranav Adani and two others, ruling their Adani Green trades occurred after news of the SB Energy acquisition became public, making the information no longer price sensitive.

LIC has reduced its stake in Adani Ports to 7.34% by selling nearly 3.9 crore shares since 2022, even as the stock outperforms benchmarks and posts strong quarterly revenue and profit growth.

The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq opened lower on Friday as Broadcom's latest results added to concerns about an AI-fueled bubble, dampening optimism stoked by the Federal Reserve's less-hawkish-than-expected signals on 2026 rate cuts.

Credit demand is increasing across India. Banks are lending more to retail and service sectors. Industrial credit is also firming up. Deposit growth is steady but slower than last year. This trend is expected to continue with a repo rate reduction. Higher disposable income and GST rationalisation are also boosting demand. Rural demand remains robust, and urban demand is recovering.

Two officials who voted against the Federal Reserve's decision to lower interest rates again this week cited a need for more economic data and too-hot inflation in explaining their decisions on Friday.

Vijay Kedia said Exato Technologies stellar SME debut proves stock prices ultimately follow business fundamentals, as the AI-led tech firm nearly doubled on listing after a record 947 subscription across investor categories and strong financial performance supporting its growth story.

Gold and silver prices surged to all-time highs on MCX as the rupee hit a record low, with global safe-haven demand, wedding-season buying and strong investor interest driving bullions sharp 2025 rally.

India and Oman are set to sign a free trade agreement. The pact will be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Oman from December 17-18. This Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aims to boost trade and investment between the two nations. Oman is a significant export market for India in the Gulf region.

The rupee closed at a record low of 90.41 amid strong importer dollar demand, Mexicos tariff move, lack of the India-US trade deal, and continued FPI outflows, marking a 1% December drop and nearly 6% yearly depreciation.

India's ability to use compulsory licensing remains unrestricted by the India-UK free trade agreement. This vital tool for accessing life-saving technologies during emergencies is fully preserved. The agreement also grants Indian companies guaranteed access to the UK's public procurement market, valued at over 90 billion pounds annually. Negotiations for FTAs with the European Union and the US are also ongoing.