Business / The Economic Times
Investors seeking interim dividends from HCL Technologies and Anand Rathi Wealth must act fast. Today, October 16, 2025, is the final opportunity to buy shares for payouts. HCL Technologies offers Rs 12 per share (600% interim dividend), while Anand Rathi Wealth provides Rs 6 per share (120% interim dividend). Don't miss out on these shareholder rewards.
Investors looking to benefit from stock splits and consolidations must purchase shares of AB Infrabuild, Rolex Rings, Narmada Macplast, Sunrakshakk Industries, and Synthiko Foils by October 16, 2025. The ex-date for these corporate actions is October 17, 2025, with companies adjusting their share face values through splits or consolidation.
Gold has reached an all-time high. Investors are seeking safety due to global tensions and economic worries. Expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts and a weaker dollar are boosting gold prices. Geopolitical risks and central bank actions are also contributing to the surge. Silver prices are also climbing. Investors are closely watching upcoming economic data releases.
Oil prices experienced a notable rise following remarks from President Trump, who announced Indian Prime Minister Modi's commitment to ceasing oil imports from Russia. This pivotal decision is poised to shake up global oil dynamics. Market watchers are now on alert for upcoming US inventory data to guide their next steps, especially after a recent slew of mixed inventory outcomes.
Indian markets surprisingly jumped after the S&P 500 finished higher. Big banks like Morgan Stanley and Bank of America saw a boost from solid earnings, and chip stocks climbed thanks to increased AI spending. Even with ongoing trade issues with China, investors are focusing on how well companies are doing financially.
Indian equity benchmarks neared a one-month high on Wednesday, driven by a broad rally fueled by expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut and optimism over an earnings rebound. The rupee also strengthened significantly, indicating a potential shift in foreign investor sentiment towards emerging markets like India.
Indian markets saw a strong rebound, driven by positive trade news and a stronger rupee. Several major companies including Axis Bank, Infosys, and Hyundai are in the spotlight today. Investors are watching for second-quarter results from IT giants Infosys and Wipro. Hyundai announced a significant investment in India. RBL Bank will consider fundraising. Angel One reported a profit decline.
Asian stocks opened higher, mirroring a volatile but ultimately positive close for US equities. Investors are navigating renewed US-China trade tensions, with President Trump declaring a trade war. Despite this, dip buyers are supporting market sentiment, keeping it firm.
Nuvoco Vistas reported a profit of Rs 36.43 crore for the September quarter. This marks a significant turnaround from a loss in the same period last year. The company's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation surged by 62%. Revenue also saw an 8% year-on-year increase. Nuvoco Vistas is expanding its production capacity to 35 million tonnes by FY27.
Torrent Pharmaceuticals is planning a 14,000-crore bond sale to finance its acquisition of JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals. The company is in discussions with major banks for the funding package, which will be repaid through internal accruals. The proposed merger is awaiting regulatory approvals.
Axis Bank reported a 26% drop in September-quarter net profit to 5,090 crore, primarily due to a one-time 1,231 crore standard asset provision for discontinued crop loan variants. Despite this, net interest income rose 2% year-on-year to 13,745 crore, with the bank optimistic about GST cuts and retail loan growth.
Singapore High Court approved WazirX's parent Zettai's restructuring plan, allowing the Indian crypto exchange to resume operations and begin asset redistribution. Following a creditor re-vote, WazirX expects to reopen by late October, prioritizing orderly withdrawals and enhanced security with third-party custodians like BitGo.
SEBI has directed public interest directors on market infrastructure institution boards to consider system failures as financial irregularities. Directors must now understand emerging technologies and ensure systemic stability and data integrity, especially with AI adoption. They are urged to exercise independent judgment and proactively report risks to SEBI.
RBL Bank's board will meet on October 18 to consider raising funds. This includes issuing equity shares or other linked instruments. The bank is also set to review its second quarter results. Reports suggest Emirates NBD is close to acquiring a majority stake. RBL Bank stated it explores opportunities to enhance shareholder value. The bank's shares closed higher on Wednesday.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra indicated that an early resolution to tariffs would boost India's economic growth, though higher tariffs are not a major concern. He noted that while capacity utilization and investment sentiment are improving, uncertainties are delaying business and household expenditures. The central bank projects 6.8% growth for the fiscal year, factoring in current tariff levels.
Schroders, a major asset manager, holds a cautious view on Indian equities. The firm is underweight due to slow growth and high valuations. However, Schroders sees significant long-term potential for India. Improved economic performance and supportive valuations would lead to a more constructive outlook on Indian equities. Domestic flows provide a market floor.
The Indian Rupee strengthened significantly on Wednesday, closing at 88.0750 against the US Dollar. This sharp appreciation followed substantial dollar sales by the Reserve Bank of India. Market observers believe this intervention aimed to curb speculative long-dollar positions. The Rupee had previously traded within a narrower range for three weeks.
Positive signals from high-frequency indicators paint an optimistic picture for growth in the September quarter. Nevertheless, Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra has urged caution for the latter half of FY26, highlighting concerns over the repercussions of US tariffs.
In a strategic move towards economic collaboration, India is seeking a trade agreement with the United States that promises reciprocal advantages. Current negotiations are prioritizing the resolution of tariff discrepancies while enhancing energy trade.
In an exciting development for the entrepreneurial landscape, the government is contemplating a significant increase in support for micro, small, and medium enterprises through the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme.
As fruit prices climb to unprecedented heights, families are feeling the pinch in their wallets. With inflation averaging a staggering 13.2% in early 2025marking the steepest rise in five yearsmany are rethinking their grocery lists. Meanwhile, the price of vegetables has taken a surprising downturn.
As of September, India's unemployment rate climbed to 5.2%, with rural areas particularly impacted, affecting men and women alike. Urban centers also felt the squeeze, as youth unemployment reached a concerning three-month high.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the release of over 3,700 crore under the PM-FME scheme, supporting over one lakh entrepreneurs with training and 11,000 crore in loans for micro food processing units. She also launched the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, aiming to empower farmers through value addition and market access.
September was a promising month for India's exports, showcasing their vibrancy amid global turbulence. However, with imports climbing at a quicker rate, the trade deficit has widened. Ongoing discussions surrounding U.S. tariffs are under scrutiny, while negotiations for a free trade agreement with the EU are in their final stages.
According to the latest forecast from the IMF, India's economy is set to grow by 6.6% in FY26, a testament to its solid economic backbone and adaptability. The surge in consumer spending and significant infrastructure projects are propelling this growth.
China has lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization against India's electric vehicle and battery subsidies. Beijing claims these measures violate global trade rules and unfairly benefit Indian industries. This move comes as China seeks to increase its EV exports to India. India's trade deficit with China has also widened.
India and China remain significant purchasers of Russian fossil fuels. In September, India's imports of Russian crude oil saw a decline. This comes as the United States urges India to reduce its reliance on Russian energy. China leads as the top importer of Russian crude, LNG, and coal. Turkiye also features prominently in these energy trade flows.
In a fresh twist to international trade, Russia is poised to become a major player in the banana market, turning its gaze towards India for imports. The Russian agricultural oversight body, Rosselkhoznadzor, has revealed plans to source anywhere from 300,000 to 500,000 metric tonnes of bananas annually.
Market regulator Sebi has banned eight people from capital markets. They are accused of insider trading in Indian Energy Exchange shares. This activity allegedly resulted in illegal gains exceeding Rs 173 crore. The ban is interim and effective immediately. Sebi initiated an examination after a significant fall in IEX shares following a CERC directive.
Renewed U.S.-China trade tensions pose new downside risks to the economic outlook, making it more important that the U.S. central bank cut its benchmark interest rate, Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran said on Wednesday.
Indian markets snapped a two-day losing streak as Fed rate cut hopes and earnings optimism lifted sentiment. The Sensex rose 575 points and Nifty gained 178 points, with banks, metals, and autos leading the rally amid strong FII momentum.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the PM-FME scheme has released over Rs 3,700 crore to states and sanctioned Rs 11,000 crore in loans to micro food processing units. Over one lakh entrepreneurs have been trained, empowering them to transform local crops into marketable products and strengthening rural livelihoods.
Markets regulator Sebi chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey on Wednesday called on public interest directors (PIDs) to ensure that the public interest perspective remains central to all key decisions taken by the governing boards of market infrastructure institutions (MIIs).
India has indicated its readiness to increase oil purchases from the US by an additional $15 billion, aiming to accelerate trade talks. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce its significant trade surplus with the US and potentially ease punitive tariffs.
Markets regulator Sebi on Wednesday extended the timeline to January 31, 2026, for disclosing the allocation methodology by angel funds in their Private Placement Memorandum (PPM).
Nifty and Sensex rebounded after two days of losses, closing above 25,300 with strong gains in banking stocks. Analysts see further upside toward 25,50025,600 and recommend buying Bank of Maharashtra, Fino Payments Bank, MCX, and Greenlam Industries.
Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted India's strong economic fundamentals. He noted that Indian markets are deep and should set their own levels. Capacity utilization is increasing. Malhotra acknowledged global uncertainties but stated India has managed inflation well, bringing it down significantly. He mentioned food inflation presents a challenge for the fiscal committee.
Launching from the vibrant heart of New Delhi, the innovative platform Global AgXelerate is set to transform the agricultural landscape in India. This new initiative is designed to seamlessly connect local agricultural pioneers with international markets, engaging a network of startups, incubators, and investors from around the world.
India and the United States are actively engaged in intensive trade talks, aiming to forge a mutually beneficial agreement. Government sources indicate that India's negotiating team is currently in the US, following recent meetings by the American Ambassador-designate with key stakeholders in India. Discussions are reportedly deepening as both nations explore avenues for collaboration.
Wall Street stocks rose early Wednesday as markets weighed the latest commentary on US-China trade tensions and solid earnings from large banks.
India and the European Union are on the brink of finalizing their free trade agreement negotiations. Progress has been remarkably smooth, with expectations to wrap up by December. Officials are currently focused on the intricate Rules of Origin. Next month, EU delegates are set to visit New Delhi to further these discussions.
Eternals Q2 revenue may surge up to 137% YoY, led by Blinkit growth, but profitability could fall as much as 71% due to elevated costs, rider incentives, and marketing spends, brokerages estimate. The Zomato parent is set to announce its Q2 earnings on Thursday, October 1.
Gold and silver remain supported by global uncertainty, US-China tariff tensions, and supply constraints, with gold trading near 1,23,700 per 10 grams and silver at 1,52,000 per kg, offering buy-on-dips opportunities.
In September, India's job market experienced a modest uptick in unemployment, hitting 5.2% for those aged 15 and older. This rise primarily affected rural job seekers and urban women. On a brighter note, the Worker Population Ratio achieved its peak since May 2025, fueled by the growth of the female workforce.
Cool Caps Industries looks to raise around Rs 279.97 crore through its rights issue which closes for subscription on October 24, according to a statement.