The Economic Times

Indian benchmarks ended a shortened week higher after India and the EU sealed a landmark free trade deal. Sensex rose 320 points and Nifty gained 0.5%, buoyed by optimism despite cautious undertones ahead of the US Federal Reserve decision meeting.

India is set to invest in Canada's critical mineral sector. A delegation will soon visit Canada to explore joint collaboration. This move aims to secure essential minerals for electric vehicle batteries and defense equipment. Both nations will deepen energy trade, including Canadian LNG and Indian refined products. This partnership strengthens energy security and diversifies supply chains.

Vodafone Idea Q3 Results: Vodafone Idea narrowed its consolidated losses to Rs 5,286 crore in Q3FY26 versus Rs 6,609 crore in the year ago period. The telecom company's revenue from operations for the quarter stood at Rs 11,323 crore, up 2% over Rs 11,117 crore in the corresponding quarter of the last financial year.

Oil prices jumped over 1% on Tuesday as a massive winter storm hit crude production and affected refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast, with the market also finding support from the slow restart of output from the Tengiz oilfield in Kazakhstan.

The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq opened higher on Tuesday as investors parsed a fresh round of mega-cap earnings, while health insurers declined as the Trump administration's Medicare Advantage payment proposal disappointed investors.

Nifty closed higher amid volatility on monthly expiry, driven by gains in financials, IT and metals, though auto and FMCG lagged. Analysts see 24,900 as support and 25,500 as resistance, recommending OIL India, DCX Systems, Tata Steel and Sona BLW.

India and Canada have agreed to bolster energy ties, including increased trade in LNG, LPG, and crude oil. The partnership will also extend to critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, with India planning a delegation to Canada to explore collaboration. An India-Canada Ministerial Energy Dialogue was also launched.

India and the European Union have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement. This deal supports India's shift to export-focused manufacturing. It aims to significantly increase electronics exports, reaching nearly 50 billion US dollars by 2031. The agreement also promotes job creation and innovation. This partnership leverages India's manufacturing scale and Europe's technological expertise for long-term industrial growth.

Budget 2026: India is making significant strides in infrastructure development. The PM Gati Shakti program has successfully reduced logistics costs, boosting competitiveness. Future efforts will focus on expanding highways, ports, and railways, encouraging private participation. Developing smart cities and leveraging digital public infrastructure will further drive economic growth and help India achieve its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

An industry perspective on the reforms and incentives Budget 2026 could introduce to strengthen insurance adoption, manage emerging risks and support inclusive growth.

The Sensex climbed nearly 320 points to 81,857, with six BSE 100 stocks hitting 52-week highs. Vedanta, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Hindalco, Tech Mahindra and Axis Bank signalled strong momentum and bullish sentiment in the broader market rally.

GAIL India will consider an FY26 interim dividend on January 31, 2026, with February 5 as record date. Dividend payout follows approval, with shareholders advised to update bank, PAN and KYC details amid applicable TDS rules as per tax norms.

Homegrown FMCG major Marico Ltd on Tuesday reported a 13.3 per cent rise in consolidated profit to Rs 460 crore for the December quarter, led by a high single-digit volume growth from the Indian market.

India's government bonds yields surged on Tuesday, sending the benchmark yield to a nearly 11-month high, pressured by heavy state borrowing, tight system liquidity and subdued risk appetite.

India and the European Union have concluded negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement, covering nearly all traded goods and services. This landmark deal, described as the mother of all deals, aims to boost bilateral commerce and marks a significant step in India's trade diplomacy after two decades of talks.

Indias textile exporters are set to gain duty-free access to the EU market under the IndiaEU FTA, offering relief from US tariff pressures. Gokaldas Exports MD Sivaramakrishnan Ganapathi says Europe could drive higher volumes, improve margins, and lift exports, though the US will remain a key market for the industry.

The Halwa ceremony has concluded, signaling the final preparations for the Union Budget 2026-27. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the event at the Budget Press. Officials involved in the budget preparation have now entered a lock-in period. The Union Budget 2026-27 will be presented on February 1, 2026.

Indian markets ended higher as buying in financials, IT and metals offset weakness in auto and FMCG stocks. Adani Enterprises, Axis Bank, BPCL and Apex Frozen Foods gained, while Asian Paints, auto stocks and Sula Vineyards declined.

Mahindra & Mahindra shares fell over 4%, erasing Rs 18,000 crore in value, as investors worried about tariff cuts for European cars under the India-EU trade deal. But analysts say the calibrated quota, mass-market exclusions, and phased EV access limit the competitive threat to Mahindras core SUV business.

Canada's energy minister Tim Hodgson emphasized building alliances and diversifying supplies to counter economic coercion. He praised India's trade deal with the EU as a model. Hodgson is in India to strengthen energy ties, noting India's growing energy demand. Canada aims to be a reliable global energy supplier, committed to fair trade.

India and the European Union signed significant agreements at their 16th Summit. These pacts, including a Free Trade Agreement and a Security and Defence Partnership, aim to deepen bilateral ties. The summit is expected to bolster multipolarity and enhance global stability. Cooperation on AI and innovation was also highlighted, with plans for joint research programs and startup partnerships.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as the mother of all deals and a ew blueprint for common prosperity. He described the pact as India's biggest free trade agreement to date, marking a historic moment in bilateral engagement and underscoring deep political trust and shared ambition.

Britain will cap ground rents at 250 pounds ($342) a year in an overhaul of its antiquated property system, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday, adding it would ease financial strain on millions of households.

The Indian rupee firmed slightly on Tuesday, helped along by a broadly weaker dollar and the boost from a landmark trade agreement between India and the European Union, which is expected to cut tariffs on nearly all Indian exports.

Vedanta said on Tuesday it has approved the sale of a 1.59% stake it held in Hindustan Zinc.

India has signed a landmark free trade agreement with the European Union, dubbed the mother of all deals by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sparking a mixed market reaction. Textile stocks jumped up to 12% on export optimism, while automakers fell over 4% on fears of stiffer competition.

India and the European Union have signed a historic free trade agreement. This deal will significantly boost European exports to India. Tariffs on many European goods will be reduced or eliminated. This includes cars, machinery, and agricultural products. The agreement also opens up India's services sector.

Budget 2026 is poised at a crossroads, confronted by two urgent issues: halted infrastructure projects and a growing crisis in affordable housing. Young professionals are finding it increasingly difficult to enter the housing market as affordability limits remain unchanged. At the same time, developers are squeezed by rising costs that threaten their viability.

Indias benchmark indices closed higher as the India-EU mother of all deals lifted sentiment. Sensex gained 320 points to 81,857, Nifty50 rose 127 points to 25,175. Gold surged near record highs, crude eased, and the rupee strengthened to 91.72 per dollar amid positive trade cues and global market optimism.

Gold prices have surged to record highs, with weekly RSI at 86 highlighting strong momentum. Technical indicators suggest a bullish trend intact, though short-term consolidation is possible. Experts recommend buying on dips, citing strong support levels and sustained upside potential.

Raymond Real Estate Ltd on Tuesday reported a sharp jump in its consolidated net profit to Rs 66.79 crore for the third quarter of this fiscal.

The US Dollar has remained weak against the Pound Sterling and Euro, although it has shown some selective strength against the Japanese Yen. Against the Chinese Yuan, the depreciation has been more pronounced, signalling continued pressure in the Asian currency complex.

Hindalco Industries is investing 210 billion rupees to expand its aluminium smelter in Odisha. The company has also commissioned a new facility for flat rolled products and battery-grade aluminium foil worth 45 billion rupees. These significant investments support India's manufacturing goals. The projects are expected to create over 15,000 jobs.

European equities climbed on Tuesday, supported by a raft of positive corporate updates that eased investors' concerns over recent trade tensions, while shares of Puma soared 19% after the sportswear maker sold a stake to China's Anta Sports.

Asian Paints shares slid 5% after the company reported a nearly 5% year-on-year decline in Q3 consolidated net profit. Despite modest revenue growth, margin expansion and improved sequential profitability, investor sentiment weakened following the earnings announcement.

India has finalized two significant trade pacts, one with the UK focusing on services and talent mobility, and another with the EU prioritizing goods like aircraft and consumer products. Both agreements represent a carefully managed market opening, with India protecting sensitive sectors like agriculture and key manufacturing areas.

European carmakers gain a significant advantage with a new EU-India trade deal. Tariffs on imported cars will drop sharply, opening India's vast market. This move offers a welcome boost to companies like Volkswagen and Renault. While challenges remain from local and Asian rivals, the deal signals a promising future for European exports. India's car market is poised for substantial growth.

The India-EU Free Trade Agreement will boost technology in India's car industry. Mercedes-Benz India's MD Santosh Iyer stated this. He also mentioned that car prices will not decrease soon. Most Mercedes-Benz cars are made in India. The agreement opens borders for trade and jobs. It will help India's economy grow.

Japan's Nikkei share average ended higher on Tuesday, as technology stocks extended their advance after the yen lost some gains.

India secured a key commitment from the EU in their trade pact. Any future concessions on carbon regulations will automatically extend to Indian exporters. The agreement also includes safeguards for Indian firms if EU measures impact pact benefits. Technical cooperation and financial assistance for reducing emissions are also part of the deal. This ensures India's interests are protected.

Larsen & Toubro is set for a strong December quarter, with brokerages forecasting 2035% profit growth, double-digit revenue and EBITDA gains, improving margins, and a robust order book driven by steady execution and operating leverage across infrastructure and hydrocarbons segments.

India has secured unprecedented market access in the European Union, with over 99% of its exports by value eligible for concessional duties. This free trade agreement, described as the 'Mother of all Trade Deals', is expected to significantly boost labor-intensive sectors and create vast opportunities in the $20 trillion EU market for Indian businesses and professionals.

Indian liquor stocks like Sula Vineyards, Radico Khaitan, United Spirits, Globus Spirits saw significant selling pressure as a new India-EU trade pact allows European wines to enter India at lower duties. While Indian wines will also gain market access in the EU, the immediate impact is increased competition for domestic producers.