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The Indian economy grew by a higher-than-expected 8.2 per cent -- a six-quarter high -- as increased factory production in anticipation of a consumption boost from the GST rate cut helped offset deceleration in farm output.

Nifty ended the week with modest gains and a fresh record high, but broader market participation remained weak as the Nifty 500 continued to trail its peak. With the index testing a key resistance zone near 26,300, traders may adopt a cautious, stock-specific approach amid subdued volatility and mixed sectoral trends.

Lenskart Q2 Results: Lenskart Solutions reported its first quarterly results post-listing, showcasing a robust 19.6% year-on-year increase in consolidated profit after tax to Rs 102.22 crore. Revenue from operations also surged by 20.8% YoY, reaching Rs 2,096.14 crore for the second quarter ended September 2025.

Crisil has lifted its full-year GDP growth forecast to 7% from 6.5% after the economy expanded 8% in the first half, beating expectations. Chief economist Dharmakriti Joshi said real GDP grew 8.2% in the September quarter, though nominal growth was softer at 8.7% due to easing inflation.

FIIs remain net sellers in November with Rs 3,765 crore outflows till November 29, but improving macros and record-high markets may trigger a shift in their strategy. Analysts say strong GDP data, robust earnings, and revived sentiment could halt sustained selling and potentially draw FIIs back as buyers.

Silver, after consolidating between $46$54, shows signs of a potential breakout. Analysts note a cup-and-handle formation, suggesting upside of $8$9 from current levels. Sustained gains above $54 could trigger the next rally, supported by higher highs, higher lows, and strong buying pressure near $46.

Bitcoin rebounded nearly 12% from its $80K low, stabilizing around $90,688 amid signs of slowing U.S. economic momentum. Mixed macro signals and cooling labor data suggest a cautious market, though expectations of Fed rate cuts in 2025 offer liquidity hopes. Traders are closely watching key technical levels and macro data for trend confirmation.

The minister said the Q2 growth data had countered criticism from some quarter about the economys trajectory. According to him, measures taken over recent years to reduce procedural delays, encourage investment and support production have begun to show lasting effects.

Markets extended their winning streak to a third week, hitting new record highs driven by global risk sentiment and domestic factors. Nifty and Sensex closed higher, with analysts anticipating further upward movement. While large caps lead, broader market participation remains selective, with specific sectors showing strong bullish setups.

Bitcoin's recent downturn, despite a significant price drop, shows subdued volatility, indicating a fundamental market shift. Wall Street's growing influence, through ETFs and professional hedging, is transforming Bitcoin into a more stable, macro-influenced asset, moving away from its speculative retail roots.

Consumer demand is strengthening ahead of the festive and wedding season, with improving trends across jewellery, liquor, paints, and select FMCG categories. Titan and Hindustan Unilever remain top picks as brand momentum, premiumisation, and recovering rural sentiment drive growth. Analysts expect a stronger second half as consumption normalises and margins stabilise.

Sebi has barred Prabhudas Lilladher from taking new assignments for seven days from December 15, citing multiple violations involving client funds, margin reporting, account settlements, and improper penalty pass-throughs. The action follows a joint inspection by Sebi and stock exchanges, which flagged lapses across key compliance and operational processes.

Whitbread warned that UK budget measures will cost the Premier Inn owner 40-50 million next fiscal year due to increased business rates on commercial properties. The company's CEO expressed extreme disappointment, stating the changes are a hammer blow to their business and the wider hospitality industry. Despite this, Whitbread maintained its fiscal 2026 outlook.

Mindspace Business Parks REIT has acquired three prime commercial properties in Mumbai and Pune from its sponsor K Raheja Corp for Rs 2,916 crore. This strategic acquisition, comprising 8 lakh square feet, will increase the REIT's portfolio to 39 million square feet. The deal strengthens Mindspace REIT's presence in sought-after central business districts, adding high-quality assets with strong cash flows.

The Reserve Bank of India has reorganised its regulatory rulebook by merging thousands of circulars and guidelines into a smaller set of Master Directions. The central bank said the move is meant to reduce compliance burden and make rules easier to follow for banks and other regulated entities.

Ashish Kacholias disclosed portfolio rose 15% in FY26, with 21 stocks delivering double-digit returns and three turning multibaggers.

Ten BSE smallcap stocks, including JSW Holdings and Primo Chemicals, gained for five consecutive sessions, showcasing consistent short-term momentum.

Through Make in India, electronics-focused PLI schemes, SPECS, and the new ECMS, the government has created tailwinds for PCB manufacturing.

Despite RBIs rate cuts, corporate bond yields remain elevated due to slow monetary transmission, high issuance, and global uncertainties. While yields softened slightly in October, supply-demand dynamics and investor caution keep them firm. Strong GDP growth, attractive spreads, and potential future rate cuts make corporate bonds an appealing investment option.

InCred Equities top 10 mid- and small-cap picks, including Globus Spirits, VRL Logistics, and Atul Ltd, offer upside potential up to 74%.

Sebi has barred Droneacharya Aerial Innovations and its promoters from the markets for two years after finding misuse of IPO proceeds, inflated financials, and diversion of funds. The regulator also penalised the company and related entities with Rs 75 lakh for running a fraudulent scheme that misled public investors.

Indias primary market is set for a busy week, with Rs 6,900 crore expected from 12 IPOs. Meesho leads the lineup with its Rs 5,421-crore issue, alongside Aequs and Vidya Wires on the mainboard. Nine SME IPOs will also open, keeping subscription activity high as December begins.

Meeshos 5,421-crore IPO opens next week with a strong GMP and improving fundamentals, but profitability and competition remain key risks.

Indian markets saw a surge in stock prices on Friday. Retail and technology sectors led the gains. Investors anticipated a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. Major indexes recorded weekly gains. The Nasdaq experienced a monthly decline due to AI valuation concerns. A CME Group outage briefly disrupted trading. The holiday shopping season commenced with Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

European shares concluded Friday higher, extending a strong weekly and monthly advance. Optimism surrounding potential U.S. rate cuts fueled gains, with the banking sector notably performing well. Basic Resources also led Friday's rise, driven by record copper prices, while aerospace and defence stocks faced pressure amid Ukraine peace talks.

U.S. Treasury yields edged higher on Friday amidst thin trading volumes following the Thanksgiving holiday and a significant CME Group trading platform outage. While futures trading resumed after an 11-hour shutdown, markets remained subdued. Investors are anticipating a potential Federal Reserve interest rate cut, leading to a slight steepening of the yield curve as the month concludes.

The U.S. dollar is poised for its worst weekly drop since late July, driven by increased expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts following softer labor data. Traders are pricing in a high probability of a cut in December, despite inflation concerns. Meanwhile, anticipation builds for the Bank of Japan's meeting, with potential signals of a rate hike influencing the yen.

Gold prices have reached a two-week high. Silver has hit a new record. This surge is driven by expectations that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next month. Investors are returning to gold as a safe haven. Soft economic data and dovish remarks from Fed officials support this outlook. Platinum and palladium also saw gains.

Indias Q2 FY26 GDP surged 8.2%, beating expectations and reaffirming its position as the fastest-growing major economy. Markets may open positively on Monday, driven by robust manufacturing and services growth, easing inflation, and potential FII sentiment shift, though experts caution against chasing indices at elevated levels.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India, often referred to as Sebi, is rolling out a set of new regulations designed to clamp down on the rising tide of fraud in the securities market.

Within the total revenue expenditure, interest payments accounted for Rs 6,73,715 crore, while Rs 2,46,575 crore was spent on major subsidies. The expenditure pattern highlights the balance between the government's fiscal commitments, such as interest and subsidies, and its focus on investment through capital outlay.

Indian markets are watching for AI profitability signals and economic health indicators. Stocks rebounded, buoyed by expected December Fed rate cuts. However, AI stock volatility, particularly in Nvidia and Alphabet, keeps investors cautious. Upcoming economic reports and consumer sentiment data will be crucial in navigating market uncertainty through year-end.

Prism, Oyos parent, has called an EGM on December 20 to seek approval for a Rs 6,650-crore IPO and a revised bonus issue of one share for every 19 held. Shareholders will also vote on raising authorised share capital to Rs 2,491 crore, with the bonus record date set for December 5.

The better-than-expected expansion - an ET Survey had pegged second-quarter growth at 7.3% - was led by a 9.2% expansion in services and a 9.1% rebound in manufacturing.

India is set to lead economic growth in Asia-Pacific and emerging markets. Moody's Ratings projects India's GDP to expand by 7% in 2025 and 6.4% in 2026. This strong domestic performance will drive resilience amidst global uncertainties. Businesses are also expected to invest heavily in AI solutions to maintain a competitive edge.

India's economic growth received a boost from low inflation in the second quarter. Economists anticipate this trend to continue in upcoming quarters. However, they foresee a reversal next fiscal year with potential negative consequences. This situation impacts corporate earnings, sales, and credit growth. It also complicates the achievement of tax targets for FY26.

India's fiscal deficit from April to October reached 8.25 lakh crore. This is 52.6% of the annual target. Lower net tax receipts and higher capital expenditure contributed to this widening. Experts anticipate that future savings and better non-tax revenue will help meet the 4.4% fiscal deficit target for FY26.

India's economic forecast shines bright, with expectations to eclipse seven percent growth this fiscal year. The economy is poised to cross the four trillion dollar mark, thanks to an extraordinary eight-point-two percent growth in the second quarter. Financial prudence and ongoing reforms are pivotal to this momentum.

India is actively pursuing trade agreements with 50 nations across 14 groups. Discussions are underway with Canada for a comprehensive economic partnership. Negotiations are also progressing with Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the entire Gulf Cooperation Council.

ET has reliably gathered that these measures are drawn from proposals by a high-powered Niti Aayog panel, which has favoured FDI through the government route in the proposed new regulatory framework for atomic energy. The broad view in the government is that while the nuclear energy sector needs public private participation for growth, current rulebooks hinder modernisation, transfer of advanced technology and fund flow for capital-intensive large-scale projects.

India's economy surged with an estimated 8.2% real GDP growth in July-September FY26, surpassing the previous year's 5.6%. This robust expansion, driven by manufacturing and services, has led economists to revise growth forecasts upwards, though US tariffs pose a potential challenge.

The Reserve Bank of India has eased digital banking rules. Banks can now show customers various products after they log in. This includes government schemes and third-party financial products. The RBI has also removed the need for prior approval before launching new digital channels. This change aims to streamline digital banking operations for financial institutions across India.

Oyo parent PRISM will hold an EGM on December 20 to seek approval for raising up to 6,650 crore via fresh equity for its IPO and issuing a 1:19 bonus. Shareholders will also vote on increasing authorised capital to 2,491 crore

This proposal comes after the regulator observed the growing need to clearly distinguish content uploaded by Sebi-regulated persons from material posted by unregistered individuals on social media

The Reserve Bank of India has consolidated 9,445 circulars into 244 master directives for 11 types of regulated entities. This initiative aims to boost clarity, accessibility, and reduce compliance burdens, simplifying business operations. The exercise, involving 37 officials, also identified 5,673 obsolete circulars, with the oldest dating back to 1944.

Wall Street's main indexes opened higher on Friday with futures trading springing back to life from an hours-long CME Group outage that had temporarily frozen currencies, commodities and equity contracts around the globe.

Dividend yield shows how much annual dividend income a stock generates relative to its market price. It helps investors assess income potential, compare returns, and gauge financial stability

The issue received an overwhelming response, with bids of over Rs 7,500 crore against a base size of Rs 1,000 crore and a green-shoe option of Rs 4,000 crore, IRFC said in a statement

Authum Investment & Infrastructure approved a 4:1 bonus share issue, subject to approvals, while increasing authorised capital to 128 crore. The NBFC, which operates investment and credit businesses, reported softer Q2 earnings but strong one-year stock returns despite market volatility

Delhi's inflation rate was significantly lower than other major cities and the national average last year. Fuel and light prices saw a notable decrease. However, food and beverages, along with housing costs, experienced an increase. Delhi's overall Consumer Price Index remained among the lowest. This data comes from a government report assessing industrial worker inflation across fifteen cities.