News
Business / The Economic Times
President Donald Trump stated he will have a say in the proposed $72 billion merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery. Trump expressed concerns about the combined entity's market share potentially creating a problem in the entertainment industry. He indicated economists would assess the deal's implications.
These laggards were identified using specific filters: a market cap below Rs 1,000 crore, a stock price under Rs 20, and a minimum recent trading volume of 5 lakh shares.
Meeshos Rs 5,421.20 crore IPO, subscribed 79 times, is set to list on December 10, making it one of the most closely watched tech offerings of the year. The book-built issue, comprising a fresh issue of 38.29 crore shares and an offer for sale of 10.55 crore shares, saw overwhelming demand, signalling strong investor interest and grey-market gains of over 38%.
SoftBank-backed digital-commerce ecosystem AceVector Ltd has filed updated draft papers with markets regulator Sebi for an initial public offering (IPO), which will include a fresh issue of shares worth Rs 300 crore.
The combined market valuation of five of the top-10 most valued firms surged by Rs 72,284.74 crore last week, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys emerging as the biggest winners.
China has regained global investor confidence in a stellar year for stocks, with the MSCI China Index rising about 30%, adding $2.4 trillion in value and outperforming the S&P 500. Fund managers including Amundi, BNP Paribas, Fidelity and Man Group expect further gains in 2026, driven by AI innovation and market resilience, as both passive and active inflows fuel the rally.
Nifty crossed 26,000 on November 26, 2025, followed by the SENSEX breaching 86,000, signalling market optimism. However, investors portfolios tell a different story. While Nifty rose 67% over the past year, the BSE SmallCap index fell 5% and the MidCap index gained only 2%. This divergence highlights why index highs arent uniformly reflected across all portfolios.
Nifty ended the week flat with a mildly negative bias, but Fridays 0.59% surge to 26,186.45 signalled continued strength. Analysts say the indexs bullish structure supports a buy-on-dips approach. With RSI at 63 and MACD positive, momentum remains firm. Key resistance lies at 26,350, and a breakout could take Nifty toward 26,600 as markets eye crucial cues this week
India took a major step to strengthen its export ecosystem with the launch of the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), a unified framework approved in the Union Budget 2025-26. The Mission was designed to provide Indian exporters, especially MSMEs and first-time exporters, with simpler, faster, and more coordinated support.
India and the United States are set to begin three-day trade talks in New Delhi on December 10 to finalise the first phase of their proposed bilateral trade agreement. The discussions, led by US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer, are crucial for addressing reciprocal tariffs and boosting bilateral trade, which aims to reach $500 billion by 2030.
Union Budget: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present India's Union Budget 2026 in February. The budget's core is projecting nominal GDP growth. This estimate drives calculations for tax revenue, government spending, and borrowing needs. Key figures are often percentages of projected nominal GDP. Crude oil prices also significantly influence budget allocations, especially for subsidies. Realistic projections are crucial for budget credibility.
Smartworld Developers is investing Rs 2,000 crore in its first Noida project, a mixed-use development on a 6-acre site acquired for Rs 414 crore. This expansion into the key Delhi-NCR micro-market aims to strengthen the company's presence beyond Gurugram, with estimated revenues exceeding Rs 3,000 crore. The project will feature premium residences, retail, and serviced homes.
The RBI has reduced inflation projection for 2025-26 to 2.0 per cent from the October estimate of 2.6 per cent and February estimate of 4.2 per cent.RBI has also revised real GDP growth for 2025-26 and is projected at 7.3 per cent now.
The RBI survey found that fewer households now anticipate price increases across key segments such as food, non-food items, housing, household durables, and services.
India-Russia oil trade: Even Januarys low is well above pre-war levels. More importantly, according to traders and refiners, volumes could rebound as unsanctioned suppliers squeeze in and a vast number of new trading intermediaries appear.
The Reserve Bank of India has reduced the repo rate to boost economic growth. This move comes as India experiences strong GDP expansion and very low inflation. SBI Research suggests markets should act with maturity. The central bank has lowered its inflation forecast for the fiscal year.
The allocation under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme may be raised to Rs 1.8-2 lakh crore for 2026-27 from Rs 1.5 lakh crore budgeted for the current fiscal.
The Reserve Bank of India cut its policy interest rate by a quarter-point, citing a 'Goldilocks' economy with low inflation and strong growth. The central bank also injected liquidity to ensure rate cuts reach consumers and addressed currency market movements. Inflation forecasts were lowered, and growth targets were raised.
Russia has ramped up its fertilizer exports to India, now commanding a staggering 26% of the subcontinents fertilizer imports. This surge contributes significantly to an economic alliance, with Russian fertilizers increasingly finding their place in BRICS nations. S
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra anticipates deposit rates will moderate, mirroring the central bank's 125 basis point policy rate reduction. He noted that real interest rates remain high despite nominal rate decreases, benefiting both borrowers and savers. Data shows a 105 basis point decline in weighted average domestic term deposit rates, though bankers suggest further reductions are limited.
India's central bank has responded to International Monetary Fund concerns about data and currency management. Reserve Bank of India officials stated that GDP and inflation estimates are accurate, with scope for improvement. They explained that data classifications are generally good, with national accounts receiving a lower grade due to an outdated base year.
India and the United States are actively discussing a trade agreement. Recent US tariff changes affect Indian exports. Visa policies are also a key discussion point. India emphasizes the importance of skilled talent mobility for both nations. The government is consulting with exporters to assess the impact of US measures. Engagement continues on matters of national interest.
Industry leaders met with IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge regarding Outer Ring Road infrastructure issues. Concerns included metro connectivity, service roads, traffic, and telecom disruptions. Kharge assured prompt action and pledged Rs 450 crore for road upgrades. The government will also replicate this engagement model for other business corridors. Improved coordination among agencies is expected to speed up solutions.
The RBI Governor in his MPC statement noted that a are goldilocks opportunity was provided in H1 2025-26 with solid growth and benign inflation.
Indian companies can fill the void left by Western firms exiting Russia. Roscongress Foundation CEO Alexander Stuglev expressed optimism about this potential. India and Russia aim to boost bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030. Sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, and energy offer significant growth opportunities. Russian e-commerce platforms are being showcased to aid Indian small and medium businesses.
The Lok Sabha has approved the Health Security and National Security Cess Bill. This paves the way for the government to introduce a special cess. This cess will be imposed on pan masala manufacturing units. The bill's approval marks a significant step in the government's fiscal measures. This development is set to impact the pan masala industry directly.
Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra anticipates deposit rates will decrease, mirroring falling bank lending rates. He noted that real interest rates are currently high for both borrowers and savers. Data shows a significant drop in deposit and lending rates following repo rate cuts.
Russia has guaranteed India uninterrupted fuel supplies, bolstering bilateral ties with multiple agreements signed across various sectors. These include deals on fertilisers, food safety, shipping, and industrial collaboration, alongside commitments to wildlife conservation and expanding trade until 2030.
India and Russia solidified bilateral ties with multiple agreements signed, including a urea plant deal and MoUs on food safety, shipping, and medical sciences. Both nations also agreed on an economic cooperation program to boost trade until 2030, with India pursuing an FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union.
A Delhi court has extended the NIA custody of Soyab, accused of harbouring Red Fort bomber Umar-un Nabi, for another 10 days. Soyab, arrested for allegedly providing logistical support, is the seventh accused in the case linked to a terror module. The NIA continues its investigation and searches across states to identify others involved in the attack.
Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated the central bank does not target specific levels for the rupee, allowing market forces to dictate its value. He emphasised that the RBI intervenes only to curb extreme volatility, not to support the currency.
Indian companies Adani and Hindalco Industries are looking to invest in Peru's copper sector. Peru, a major copper producer, is seeking new investments. India, a growing economy, wants to secure its copper supply chains. Discussions are underway for a free trade agreement between India and Peru. This pact could ensure a fixed quantity of copper concentrate for India.
India is actively promoting its tea exports to China, highlighting the growing popularity of varieties like Darjeeling and Masala tea. The nation's tea exports to China saw a significant increase from USD 20 million last year to USD 37 million in the first ten months of this year, indicating a rising demand beyond traditional green teas.
IndusInd Bank has denied reports of talks with a strategic partner. The bank clarified that no such discussions are underway. Earlier, UK-based Hinduja Group, its top shareholder, was reported to be seeking a global partner for a minority stake.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to introduce the Health Security National Security Cess Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha to fund national security and public health initiatives. The bill proposes levying a cess on specified goods manufacturing processes.
India's economy is ending the fiscal year strongly. Landmark tax reforms and firm fiscal discipline are key drivers. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is preparing Budget 2026. This budget will focus on strategic spending and economic stability. Global challenges are present. GST collections remain steady after rate cuts. This indicates ongoing economic activity and better compliance.
Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran downplayed concerns over the rupee's depreciation, stating it's not pressuring inflation and expecting recovery next year. He also highlighted the need for India to up its game to attract higher FDI inflows amidst a shifting global economic landscape, while experts noted the rupee's relative stability compared to other emerging market currencies.
The Indian rupee has hit a historic low against the dollar. This slide raises concerns about import costs and stock market stability. However, the economy shows resilience with strong growth and low inflation. Experts are examining who is affected by this currency movement and who might benefit from it.
Sanjiv Bajaj, the chairman of Bajaj Finserv, expressed confidence in the rupee's fair value while emphasizing the need to manage its volatility. He downplayed concerns about the rupee potentially reaching 90 against the dollar, highlighting that a low-interest rate climate is conducive to growth in India's manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.
India will conduct its eighth Economic Census in 2027. This census will follow the population census. Data from the Economic Census will establish a statistical business register. This register will map all enterprises across states. It will track their operational status. The Economic Census provides vital information for policy decisions. The population census is scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has urged Indian industry to identify weaknesses and innovate for future growth. He stressed reducing reliance on any single country due to the weaponization of trade. Goyal highlighted India's strong economic performance with 8.2% growth and low inflation. He emphasized self-sufficiency in critical products and strengthening domestic supply chains.
The bank now has a capital adequacy ratio of over 17%, so it doesn't need funds. As a promoter, we have always stated that whenever funds are required, it will be provided, says Ashok Hinduja, chairman, IndusInd International Holdings (IIHL).
Developing nations face a severe debt crisis. The gap between debt repayments and new financing has reached a 50-year peak. External debt for these countries hit a record high in 2024. India's external debt also saw an increase. However, India benefited from bond index inclusions and increased lending. South Asia experienced significant net inflows, largely directed to India.
India's business activity remains strong despite global headwinds, with services sector accelerating while manufacturing moderates. US tariffs and waning festive demand impacted factory output, yet robust domestic demand fueled services growth. Despite a dip in export orders and overall business optimism, the economy shows resilience, with upcoming budget decisions crucial for future growth.
The commerce ministry will release the export and import data for November on December 15.
In its annual International Debt Report, the Washington-based lender also found that overall interest payments had hit a fresh record of $415.4 billion in 2024 despite some relief from falling global interest rates.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal urged industries to identify vulnerabilities, innovate, and diversify supply chains to ensure long-term resilience, citing the weaponization of trade. He highlighted India's strong economic growth of 8.2% and robust foreign exchange reserves, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency in critical sectors and deeper global integration.
New laws are set to tax tobacco and pan masala products. These bills replace the GST compensation cess. Excise duty will be levied on tobacco items. A health and national security cess will apply to pan masala. This ensures high taxation on these goods continues. The government aims to repay loans and end the compensation cess soon.
India is updating its economic data framework. The base year for national accounts will change from 2011-12 to 2022-23. This revision will happen next year. The move aims to better reflect the current economy. It addresses concerns raised by an international report. The new base year will provide more relevant economic statistics for the nation.
Russia's Sberbank is boosting trade with India, focusing on imports and skilled workers. The bank is facilitating deals with over 6,000 Indian firms new to Russian trade. Payments are being made in national currencies, bypassing sanctions. Russia seeks to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion. India's IT, pharma, and machine-building sectors are highlighted.

18 C