The Economic Times
Elections 2026Business / The Economic Times
India and the US will sign a trade pact by mid-March. Around USD 44 billion of Indian exports will enter the US duty-free. This agreement will boost trade and benefit Indian industries. It aims to achieve USD 500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The pact opens opportunities for MSMEs, farmers, and fishermen.
State Bank of India Chairman CS Setty views India-US trade deals and other FTAs as highly beneficial for India's economy. He notes the absence of tariff overhang opens global supply chain opportunities. The Reserve Bank of India's decision to maintain the repo rate was anticipated.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that Indian farmers' interests are fully protected under the Indo-US trade deal. He dismissed opposition claims that the pact will harm cultivators. Chouhan highlighted that the agreement safeguards basmati, rice, spices, and textiles. He added that increased exports will boost farmers' incomes.
Nifty ended a volatile, event-driven week with gains, holding above key moving averages. The broader trend remains positive, but consolidation persists near resistance, suggesting selective, stock-specific strategies as momentum indicators stay neutral to mildly positive.
India and the US have finalized an interim trade agreement. This deal focuses on electronics and intellectual property. It aims to boost trade in technology products like GPUs. Data centers are expected to see significant growth. This will create new opportunities for Indian startups and service providers. Investments in this sector are projected to exceed 200 billion dollars.
India and the US have reached a framework for an interim trade agreement, set to boost bilateral trade by reducing import duties on various goods. This move is seen by India Inc as a strong signal of confidence to global investors, enhancing competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
India has granted the US selective market access under a new trade agreement, allowing duty-free entry for products like animal feed, certain wines, and computer components. This calibrated approach aims to boost trade and economic growth while carefully protecting domestic industries and ensuring benefits for its citizens.
India has secured its farmers' interests in a new trade agreement with the US, with Trade Minister Piyush Goyal confirming no genetically modified products will be imported. The deal offers zero additional tariffs on numerous Indian agricultural exports to the US, aiming to boost farmer incomes and strengthen exports.
India has achieved zero-duty access for numerous exports to the United States. This interim trade deal benefits agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and manufactured goods. Farmers' interests are protected as key agricultural products like tea, spices, and coffee will face no US import tariffs. Pharmaceutical exports worth billions will also be duty-free. This agreement highlights India's export strength and future market access.
SBI Q3 Results: India's largest public sector lender State Bank of India (SBI) on Saturday reported 24% year-on-year (YoY) growth in its standalone net profit at Rs 21,028 crore in the third quarter. Net interest income for the same period increased 9% YoY to Rs 45,190 crore.
Indian markets closed strongly after the IndiaUS trade deal, snapping Niftys losing streak. Lower volatility, firm technical supports and selective sector strength support cautious optimism, though earnings visibility, FII consistency and IT sector weakness warrant consolidation and stock-specific strategies next week.
Alphabet-backed Aye Finance has raised Rs 454 crore from anchor investors ahead of its Rs 1,010 crore IPO opening on February 9. The anchor book includes Goldman Sachs and other global institutions, signalling strong confidence in the MSME-focused NBFCs scalable and profitable lending model.
The United States and India have agreed to an interim trade framework. This deal marks a significant step forward in bilateral economic ties. India has successfully protected its crucial agriculture and dairy sectors. The agreement focuses on specific tariff reductions and market access in non-sensitive areas. Further negotiations will continue towards a comprehensive trade agreement.
South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb mistakenly transferred over $40 billion worth of bitcoin to users during a promotional event. The exchange quickly blocked trading and withdrawals for affected users, recovering nearly all the misplaced funds. Bithumb apologized for the incident, which caused brief price volatility on its platform.
India's former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant stated that an interim trade agreement with the US will significantly boost Indian exports by reducing tariffs to 18% from 50%. This deal is expected to enhance India's competitive edge over countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh, while also strengthening supply chains against China and supporting the Rupee.
India's National Stock Exchange has approved a new unit to manage a national coal trading platform. This platform will allow electronic trading of physical coal using standardized contracts. It aims to address price inefficiencies and improve access for smaller participants. The exchange will facilitate physical delivery and potentially derivative products in the future.
Big tech's planned $600 billion AI spending surge in 2026 is fueling investor unease, impacting shares of Amazon and Alphabet. While Nvidia and Microsoft saw gains, data analytics firms like Thomson Reuters and RELX faced significant selling pressure due to existential threats from AI models.
Crypto use in Iran is surging amid sanctions and currency collapse, prompting U.S. scrutiny of platforms for possible sanctions evasion, while researchers debate the scale of state-linked activity versus retail adoption as millions turn to digital assets nationwide economic strain.
India-US trade deal: India and the United States have agreed to an interim trade deal. Tariffs on many US food and farm goods will be reduced in India. The US will also lower duties on Indian products. Both nations aim to ease trade issues and boost market access. Negotiations for a broader trade pact will continue.
Indian stocks are navigating challenges despite trade agreements. Corporate earnings growth is lagging, and foreign investors are looking elsewhere. Recent AI advancements also impact tech giants. While trade deals offer some relief, the focus remains on strategic growth areas. Investors are cautiously optimistic about the Indian market's future.
Bihar government is establishing milk producer committees in all villages to boost dairy production, with plans to set up outlets in remaining villages within two years. The initiative aims to ensure fair prices for rearers and create employment opportunities, strengthening the rural economy. Sudha Milk outlets will be prioritized for JEEViKA 'didis' under the Saat Nischay-3 program.
Headline capex understates the Union Budgets infrastructure push. Adjusting for equity infusions, state and private spending, and extra-budgetary resources shows effective Centre infrastructure spending rose 18% year-on-year, led by defence, transport, housing, and water, alongside PLI and targeted tax incentives.
Over 120 smallcap stocks posted double-digit gains in a single week, signalling a sharp rebound after months of selling pressure. While valuations have corrected and earnings remain stable in pockets, experts are divided on whether the rally marks a durable recovery or a tactical bounce driven by sentiment shifts.
NovaaOne Capitals Sunil Sanghai explains why the governments 4.3% fiscal deficit target reassures markets despite revenue constraints. In this ETMarkets Smart Talk, he highlights the importance of capex-led growth, fiscal discipline, and lesser-noticed structural reforms that could support long-term capital formation.
India and the United States have announced a framework for an interim trade agreement. This deal aims to expand market access for exporters in both nations. It addresses tariffs and regulatory barriers, fostering collaboration in manufacturing and technology. India will gain tariff-free access to certain US aircraft and parts.
Gold and silver saw their sharpest selloff in months as macro shocks, including a stronger US dollar, CME margin hikes and profit booking, triggered a technical correction. Experts say the fall reflects a healthy reset rather than weakening fundamentals, with long-term demand for bullion remaining intact.
IndiaUS trade deal: A significant trade deal framework has been announced between the United States and India. US Ambassador Sergio Gor praised President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their leadership. This agreement aims to reduce trade barriers and tariffs. It will open India's market to American products. This marks a new era in US-India economic relations.
India's new Free Trade Agreement with the European Union promises substantial benefits for key Indian industries. Sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agriculture will see improved export competitiveness. The pact eliminates tariffs on most goods, boosting India's market access. This agreement is set to enhance trade, spur investment, and create jobs, strengthening India's global economic standing.
Indias IPO market gears up for a busy week as three issues worth Rs 3,871 crore open between February 9 and 16. Fractal Analytics and Aye Finance lead the mainboard segment, while Marushika Technology adds momentum on the SME platform.
In a surprising turn of events, Indian stock markets rebounded on Friday after starting the day in the red. Traders reacted to optimistic developments surrounding a US-India trade agreement, even as apprehensions loomed over the global tech industry. Both the Nifty and Sensex climbed slightly, though the IT sector faced downturns.
Sambhal's handicraft traders are experiencing renewed optimism following a significant reduction in US import tariffs. This move is expected to boost exports of artisanal products. The tariff cut from 50 percent to 18 percent is anticipated to revive international demand and clear suspended orders. This development signals a positive turn for the industry, promising growth and increased trade opportunities.
Indian equities witnessed strong momentum as the Sensex surged 3.54% over five sessions ending February 6. Amid the rally, 33 BSE 500 stocks gained consistently, with 13 delivering uninterrupted five-day advances. These stocks posted cumulative returns ranging from 10% to 21%, highlighting broad-based market strength.
India and the United States have reached an interim trade agreement framework. This deal will boost exports and create jobs. Farmers' interests are protected. The US will reduce tariffs on Indian goods. India will lower tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products. India also plans to buy significant US energy and aircraft products over five years.
The United States and India have announced a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement, building on their commitment to a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement. This agreement includes tariff reductions on U.S. goods by India and reciprocal tariffs by the U.S. on Indian products, alongside commitments to address non-tariff barriers and enhance supply chain resilience.
Bitcoin surged past $70,000, recovering from a 16-month low, buoyed by a tech stock and precious metals rebound. Despite a significant weekly dip and investor caution signaled by options markets, the digital currency showed resilience. This recovery follows a broader market rout, with the crypto space having lost substantial value since October.
India and the United States have agreed on a framework for an interim trade deal. This agreement places agriculture at the forefront. The US anticipates greater access for its farm products in India. However, India has assured protection for its crucial agricultural sectors. This includes dairy, grains, and vegetables. The deal aims for mutual benefit and strengthens India's self-reliance.
Oil prices rose on Friday. Traders feared US-Iran talks failed to ease conflict risk. Brent crude futures settled at $68.05 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude finished at $63.55 a barrel. Tensions between the nations could disrupt oil flows. Kazakhstan's oil exports may fall. Saudi Arabia cut crude prices for March.
India-US trade deal framework: Former US Assistant Secretary of Commerce Raymond Vickery stated India is not ready to eliminate all tariff barriers, as reflected in the joint statement on the India-US Interim Trade Agreement. He noted the agreement helps bridge past discontinuities, though tariffs remain significantly higher than before.
Gold rebounded on Friday, poised for a weekly gain driven by bargain hunting, a weaker dollar, and ongoing U.S.-Iran talks. Silver also recovered from a recent low, though both metals are showing signs of entering a commodity bust phase. CME Group raised margin requirements amid heightened volatility.
The dollar retreated from two-week highs as risk assets rebounded, though it remained on track for a weekly gain. Concerns over AI spending drove global shares lower, while the yen weakened ahead of Japan's national election. Traders await U.S. jobs data, with expectations for potential Fed rate cuts.
Europe's benchmark share index rebounded on Friday, with the STOXX 600 up 0.9% as investors digested mixed corporate earnings. Stellantis plunged on EV development charges, while defence stocks surged on strong results and orders. The index closed the week with a 1% gain, navigating AI-driven market shifts and ECB decisions.
Global stock markets saw a strong rebound on Friday. Major indices like the Dow Jones and S&P 500 registered significant gains. Technology shares, especially chipmakers, recovered from sharp declines. Bitcoin and silver also bounced back from recent selloffs. Investors are closely watching U.S.-Iran talks and assessing economic data.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average crossed the 50,000 mark. Chipmakers like Nvidia surged as tech giants Amazon and Alphabet announced significant investments in AI infrastructure. This spending is expected to boost AI data center development. Software companies also saw gains, recovering from recent dips. The market showed a shift with investors diversifying away from tech.
Investors face a volatile week as artificial intelligence reshapes the technology sector. Software stocks are experiencing a significant downturn. Upcoming economic data on employment and inflation will provide crucial insights. The Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions remain a key focus for market participants. Companies like AppLovin and Datadog will release their earnings reports.
India and the United States have agreed on a framework for an interim trade pact that will cut tariffs on Indian-origin goods to 18% from 50% and pave the way for a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement covering goods, services, supply chains and digital trade. The two sides will also address non-tariff barriers and set rules of origin to ensure benefits largely accrue to both countries.
India and the US have agreed on an interim trade framework, improving Indian market access for pharmaceuticals, gems, diamonds, and aircraft parts. This reciprocal agreement aims for balanced trade, resilient supply chains, and sets the stage for a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement, focusing on technology and digital trade.
The Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy decisions for 2026-27 will depend on inflation trends. A new Consumer Price Index series begins soon. The RBI maintained its repo rate at 5.25 percent. GDP growth forecasts are positive. Retail inflation is projected at 2.1 percent for 2025-26. The rupee strengthened after policy announcements.
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) said the India-US interim trade agreement will expand access for American farmers and producers to one of the worlds largest markets. It said India has committed to eliminating or lowering tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of agricultural products, while also addressing long-standing non-tariff barriers.
India and the United States have signed a significant trade deal. This agreement will ease market access and reduce trade barriers. Cooperation in advanced technologies, including GPUs, will expand. Indian exporters will benefit from reduced tariffs. The deal aims to boost bilateral trade and strengthen economic ties between the two nations.

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