The Economic Times

US stocks ended mixed on Monday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closing lower as Apple shares slipped ahead of earnings and Oracle fell over plans to raise $20 billion. Falling oil prices amid US-Iran peace hopes offered some relief, while concerns over Big Tech's AI spending persisted.

A San Francisco Fed study warns the current strong El Nio could drive US inflation up by 1 percentage point in 2027, despite temporarily boosting jobs. With inflation already above the 2% target, the climate shock adds further pressure on the Fed to raise interest rates.

Sudarshan Venu's trusts have secured 825 crore through share pledges to acquire an additional stake in TVS Holdings. The acquisition will raise Sudarshan's stake to 73.35%, enhancing family ownership. Funds from JM Financial Products and JM Financial Credit Solutions will finance this transaction. TVS Holdings reported a 39% increase in consolidated revenue, demonstrating strong business performance. This realignment of ownership reflects Sudarshan's growing role in the groups future direction.

The Indian government is engaging with agricultural companies to address regulatory challenges that affect the sector. Consultations focus on updating the Seeds Act, 1966, to align with modern agricultural technology. Industry representatives have pointed out delays in approvals and licensing processes that hinder market access.

Manufacturing activity in India experienced a slowdown in October, decreasing from the previous month's growth. Despite this, the sector remained above its long-run average due to stronger international demand. A survey indicated that nearly 18% of manufacturers anticipated increased output over the next year, supported by fresh client inquiries.

The Indian government is currently reviewing customs duty concessions applicable to 118 products set to expire. This review involves input from respective line ministries and industry stakeholders regarding these exemptions. Goods under review include materials for power projects and certain medical devices. A focus is on correcting the inverted duty structure to support local manufacturing initiatives. The outcomes of this review will influence the upcoming budget for 2027-28.

The rules establish a multi-tier grievance redressal mechanism at the gram panchayat, block and district levels. Designated grievance redressal officers will be responsible for receiving, registering, inquiring into and disposing of complaints. Inquiries must be completed within seven working days.

Meta is reportedly looking to raise at least $20 billion through a cross-border bond offering to fund its expanding AI infrastructure. The potential debt sale follows its planned $97.5 billion equity fundraising, highlighting how major technology companies are increasingly tapping debt and equity markets to finance their artificial intelligence ambitions.

Anthropic reported a 1,100% surge in third quarter revenue to $17 billion ahead of its planned IPO later this month. However, the AI company also disclosed a $23.3 billion net loss and nearly $895 billion in spending commitments, raising questions about AI infrastructure costs and investor appetite for its proposed listing.

The Centre is planning to restructure the minimum support price mechanism for minor forest produce. This change aims to provide periodic hikes to benefit tribal communities relying on forest produce. TERI has been tasked to study the current MSP framework and assess potential rationalization. Concerns regarding stagnant MSP rates sparking exploitation among forest-dependent communities have been raised in parliamentary discussions.

India plans to host foreign ministers from various Indian Ocean Region countries later this month. The meeting will occur amid ongoing energy supply challenges stemming from the conflict in West Asia. Key discussions will revolve around predictable supply chains and energy supply disruptions. This ministerial meeting is part of India's preparations for the upcoming IORA summit in 2027.

A Nicaraguan immigrant has described the chilling moment ICE re-arrested him just minutes after a federal judge ordered his release, comparing an agent's changed expression to a wolf about to devour Little Red Riding Hood. His account comes amid growing reports of ICE re-arresting immigrants after they win habeas corpus petitions in US courts.

India's central government anticipates a fiscal deficit exceeding budget estimates by Rs 1.2 lakh crore in 2026-27. This increase is primarily attributed to rising fertiliser, LPG, and petroleum subsidy expenses. Strong GST growth and disinvestment receipts may not offset the expected higher deficit. In addition, SBI Research recommends a revised long-term capital gains structure to generate additional revenue.

In a recent operation, the Maharashtra FDA suspended licenses of 19 food business operators for violations. They seized food articles worth over Rs 9 crore across multiple divisions in the state. This included significant amounts of Patanjali cow ghee found to be misbranded and adulterated. Further, the FDA registered FIRs, arrested several individuals, and sealed multiple establishments for serious hygiene issues.

Marico reported a significant expansion in gross margins due to a 35% decrease in copra prices. The company achieved a 27% year-on-year growth in consolidated EBITDA, indicating strong profitability. While Parachute volumes grew, revenue growth was limited primarily due to prior price reductions. Marico cautioned about ongoing inflation in crude-linked derivatives and vegetable oils impacting future margins.

As the US midterm elections approach, Corporate America anticipates potential shifts in Washington's power dynamics. Analysts predict that a strong Democratic showing could benefit sectors such as clean energy, housing, and healthcare. Conversely, AI and defense stocks may face increased scrutiny from lawmakers. While Democrats could impose stricter regulations, Republicans may continue to influence major budgeting decisions.

Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras was just 17 when she earned her pilots license and pursued her dream of flight. Sadly, during her time as a co-pilot on a Learjet 60, the aircraft crashed in Palm Beach County, resulting in the loss of nine lives. With 1,300 hours logged and nine months as a commercial pilot, she had filed reports of turbulence and icing shortly before the tragedy.

Indian equities experienced a strong start to the week, bolstered by better than expected Q2 earnings. Improved domestic macro indicators contributed to the positive sentiment among investors and traders. Increased passenger vehicle sales and gross GST collections reflected resilience in domestic economic activity. Several stock recommendations were highlighted for Tuesday, suggesting potential upward movements. Analysts shared technical insights indicating opportunities for buying various stock

Washington DC power outage: A DC power outage affected over 1,100 Pepco customers after a manhole reportedly exploded directly in front of the World Bank in Foggy Bottom. The power outage in Washington DC prompted an emergency response and reports of smoke in downtown Washington. Pepco confirmed that its workers were investigating an outage affecting approximately 1,100 customers.

India's urban shoppers are increasing grocery spending while making less frequent trips, reflecting higher prices' impact. Online sales are rising sharply, driven by new households entering the market and increased shopping occasions. In contrast, traditional kirana stores still hold a significant market share despite a slight decline. Personal care products are the fastest-growing category with notable value sales increases.

Oracle has announced its ambitious plan to generate $20 billion through bond and share sales, focusing on both corporate needs and essential infrastructure development. The raised funds are earmarked for advancing initiatives in AI and cloud computing, projecting substantial growth soon. This fundraising will also assist with capital expenses, debt repayment, acquisitions, and share buybacks. Despite a 3.

Marvell Technology is poised to acquire Lumentum in a groundbreaking all-stock transaction worth $115 billion. This strategic acquisition is intended to position Marvell more competitively against Broadcom in the rapidly growing AI sector. With this expansion, Marvell anticipates boosting its optical components production to satisfy the escalating demand in data transfer spurred by AI innovations in data centers.

Indian stock markets surged nearly 2% on November 2, with Sensex gaining 1,233 points and Nifty rising 388 points. Falling crude oil prices, strong corporate earnings, positive global cues and foreign investor buying boosted sentiment.

EAAA India Alternatives attracted Rs 316.3 crore in listing-day bulk deals from HDFC Mutual Fund, Carnelian Asset Management and L&T. The stock listed at a marginal premium before gaining 3.8% over its IPO price.

A wave of cyberattacks has struck supermarket refrigeration systems across several European nations, including Belgium, Sweden, Luxembourg, and Estonia, raising serious food safety alarms. These breaches allowed unauthorized access to cooling units, causing hazardous temperature increases that threaten product integrity. Experts are voicing concerns about the rising risks associated with connected technologies, while investigators work diligently to pinpoint the perpetrators and safeguard agains

Lenny Kravitz plane crash: A viral rumour falsely claimed that rockstar Lenny Kravitz was among those killed in the Florida Learjet crash that claimed nine lives. His team has denied the reports after an old social media post by a female pilot sparked confusion about his alleged presence on the doomed jet.

Commodity derivatives traders in India surged nearly 62% to 21 lakh in FY26, while equity F&O participants fell 20% to 85 lakh. Zerodha's Nithin Kamath cited commodity volatility, options popularity and extended MCX trading hours.

In FY26, StockGro showcased substantial growth, achieving a profit after tax of Rs 112.96 crore while nearly doubling its revenue to Rs 226.14 crore, largely propelled by rising subscription fees. Operational costs increased, leading to higher total expenses. As the company gears up for an IPO, preliminary papers have been submitted to Sebi, with StockGro currently serving over 35 million users and capitalizing on Indias booming retail investment market.

Sebi has announced a reduction in the cooling-off period for illiquid private listed InvITs. The previous cooling-off period was set at 12 weeks, which has now been changed to 8 weeks. This decision comes in response to feedback from market participants and aims to enhance the ease of doing business. Illiquid InvITs typically face challenges due to low trading volumes and large lot sizes.

In a significant move to adhere to Sebi's minimum public shareholding regulations, Sri Lotus Developers and Realty Ltd announced that promoter Anand Kamalnayan Pandit plans to sell 2.38 crore shares. This transaction is scheduled for November 3-4, with the shares priced at Rs 240 each, despite the company's current share price of Rs 245.90. Presently, promoters own 79.87 percent of the company.

A parliamentary panel raised concerns over high airfares during discussions with IndiGo and Air India officials. Rising Aviation Turbine Fuel prices and the closure of Pakistan airspace were cited as major factors. IndiGo reported significant losses in the September quarter due to these issues, alongside challenges faced by Air India. The meeting also reviewed aircraft security and global aviation practices in India.

India's market regulator has unveiled a new framework enabling foreign investors to invest in REITs and InvITs, aiming to boost foreign capital in these sectors. To issue depositary receipts, REITs and InvITs must gain approvals from both local and international exchanges, requiring a minimum of 75% consent from unitholders for any fresh offerings. Currently, established REITs and InvITs in India are already open to foreign investments under certain regulations.

Lahore has faced an estimated USD 40 billion in economic losses since trade with India paused in 2019. Business leaders emphasize the need for restoring these commercial ties to stimulate mutual benefits. The suspension has escalated costs for essential goods that are typically imported from India. Industries, particularly textiles and pharmaceuticals, have struggled to cope with rising transportation and sourcing expenses.

Fusion Finance reported a net profit of Rs 86.5 crore in Q2, reversing a year-ago loss of Rs 22.1 crore. Gross NPAs improved to 1.6%, AUM grew 14%, and NIM expanded to 12.5%.