Business / The Economic Times
NITI Aayog is set to formulate a plan to encourage private sector investment in infrastructure, prompted by a projected 25% decrease in private capital expenditure this fiscal year. Consultations with companies and ministries will address regulatory hurdles, financing costs, and skill gaps. The goal is to boost private sector confidence amid government financial constraints.
India has imposed restrictions on the import of jute, woven fabrics, and yarns from Bangladesh, specifically prohibiting entry through any land port along the India-Bangladesh border. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced that these imports are now only permitted through the Nhava Sheva seaport.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will meet with exporters and industry leaders on June 30 to address India's goods and services exports amid West Asia tensions and ongoing trade negotiations. India aims for $900 billion in exports this fiscal year, even as trade talks continue with the US, UK, and EU.
A government report indicates a rise in the importance of livestock and fishing in India's agriculture. Livestock's share increased to 31.2% in 2023-24. Fishing and aquaculture expanded to 7% during the same period. Andhra Pradesh leads in fishing due to shrimp farming. The agriculture sector's contribution to GVA decreased, signaling a shift towards industry and services.
India's finance ministry has advocated for a sovereign rating upgrade from S&P, highlighting the nation's robust growth prospects and strong macroeconomic indicators amidst global uncertainty. Officials emphasized easing inflation, an improving debt-to-GDP ratio, and a roadmap for further fiscal moderation. India's external sector performance remains strong, supported by adequate foreign exchange reserves and steady service exports.
President Trump indicated ongoing trade discussions with India, expressing uncertainty about removing all trade barriers. While hinting at a potential agreement to open up India's market, he emphasized the desire for fair trade access. Both U.S. and Indian officials have signaled optimism, working towards a balanced agreement to promote business between the two nations.
India's external debt surged to USD 736.3 billion by March 2025, a 10% increase from the previous year, driven by currency market volatilities and the appreciation of the US dollar. Long-term debt constituted a major portion, while the share of short-term debt decreased, though its ratio to foreign exchange reserves increased slightly. US dollar-denominated debt remained the largest component.
The US SEC is actively working to serve legal documents to Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar in India, concerning a securities case filed in November 2024. The case alleges false statements related to a bond offering by Adani Green Energy Ltd. The SEC is pursuing service through the Hague Service Convention, as the defendants are based in India.
A Crisil Ratings report projects India's sugar production to surge 15% to 35 million tonnes in the 2025-26 season, driven by a favourable monsoon boosting cane yields. This increase could ease domestic supply constraints, potentially enhancing ethanol diversion and reviving exports.
Canada's main stock index inched up to an all-time high on Friday, but losses in heavyweight mining shares kept gains in check, while investors assessed domestic and U.S. economic data.
India has imposed restrictions on jute, woven fabrics, and yarn imports from Bangladesh, limiting entry to the Nhava Sheva seaport, according to a recent notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. This regulation, effective immediately, expands upon earlier restrictions placed on readymade garments and processed foods in May.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated stricter due diligence for onboarding Aadhaar Enabled Payment System Touchpoint Operators (ATOs) to combat rising fraud. Banks must now conduct KYC for ATOs inactive for three months before reactivating their transaction capabilities. Ongoing monitoring and risk-based operational parameters are also required to enhance the security of AePS transactions.
Despite a brief surge in oil prices due to geopolitical tensions, India's macroeconomic health remains strong, characterized by subdued inflation and growth-supportive policies. While risks from potential oil supply disruptions persist, India is well-positioned to navigate global challenges. The government aims to further boost productivity through strategic missions and deregulation, fostering economic resilience and growth momentum.
Six BSE Healthcare stocks touched their 52-week highs on Friday amid a market rally led by strong investor interest. Sensex closed 303 points higher at 84,058, reflecting bullish momentum across key segments of the broader market.
The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), India's Public Sector Shipyard, has announced a proposed acquisition of a controlling stake in Sri Lanka's largest and most established shipyard, Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) valued at up to USD 52.96 million, a statement said on Friday.
India is proactively addressing potential supply chain vulnerabilities stemming from China's rare earth export restrictions. Despite possessing significant reserves, India's domestic rare earth production lags, leading to substantial imports. To counter this, the government is implementing a national initiative and offering incentives to boost local processing and magnet production, aiming to secure its supply of these critical materials.
India has restricted the import of specific jute products and woven fabrics from Bangladesh via land routes, as per a recent notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. These items can now only be imported through the Nhava Sheva seaport in Maharashtra.
Sebi pump and dump: Sebi has confirmed conducting multiple raids in connection with a pump-and-dump investigation, signalling its intensified crackdown on stock price manipulation. While details remain under wraps, the regulator says incriminating evidence has been found and further action is likely.
Nike's shares jumped at the opening bell Friday after the company said it's shifting some production away from China. But it also warned that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration will cost it about $1 billion before it makes internal changes, which include surgical price increases in the U.S. starting this fall.
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite achieved record highs. Megacap stocks experienced a surge, fueled by renewed enthusiasm for Artificial Intelligence and expectations of relaxed monetary policy. Micron's positive forecast boosted investor confidence. Nvidia reclaimed its position as the world's most valuable company. A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran eased inflation worries.
As the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty nears renewal in 2026, India seeks revisions, signaling a shift in water-sharing priorities and testing Bangladesh's diplomacy amid growing ties with China and Pakistan. India's stance, coupled with actions on the Indus Waters Treaty, raises concerns in Dhaka about its commitment to water-sharing agreements.
The Employees State Insurance Corporation has approved the second phase of the SPREE scheme, relaunching it from July 1 to December 31, 2025, to encourage employer and employee registration. Additionally, the Amnesty Scheme 2025, offering a one-time dispute resolution window, will be available from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
HDB Financial Services' $1.5 billion IPO drew bids worth $19 billion by Friday's close as institutional buyers rushed for India's largest offering so far this year, signaling investor confidence in a stock market recovery.
HAL dividend FY25: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has recommended a 15 per share final dividend for FY25, reflecting strong financials, robust order book, and continued defence sector leadership.
India Post is set to embrace digital payments. Post offices will soon accept payments via UPI. A new IT system with dynamic QR codes is being implemented. The rollout will be completed by August 2025. A pilot program has already begun in Karnataka. This upgrade aims to resolve past technical issues with digital transactions.
HDB Financials $1.5 billion IPO attracted bids for over 2 billion shares15 times the offer sizemaking it one of Indias most in-demand listings in years.
The agriculture and allied sector in India has witnessed substantial growth, with the Gross Value of Output increasing by 54.6% between FY12 and FY24, reaching Rs 29.49 lakh crore. While the crop sector remains the largest contributor, cereals, fruits, and vegetables dominate. Notably, banana's GVO surpassed mango's, and potato continues to lead in the vegetable group.
A new NCAER paper advocates for workforce skilling investments to boost employment in India's labor-intensive sectors by 2030. Strategic inter-sectoral linkages could potentially double employment. Increasing the skilled workforce by 12% through formal training may lead to a 13% rise in employment within these sectors, highlighting the need for policy adjustments and skills enhancement.
India recorded a current account surplus of USD 13.5 billion, or 1.3% of GDP, in the fourth quarter of FY25 (JanuaryMarch).
Indian markets extended their rally for the fourth straight session on Friday, driven by global optimism and a strong surge in oil and gas stocks. Key gainers included Himadri Speciality, Akzo Nobel, and Adani Total Gas.
Dipan Mehta of Elixir Equities says Indian IT faces disruption. Global platforms and specialized firms challenge traditional services. Fortune 500 clients establish capability centers in India. This impacts established IT firms. Mehta highlights RateGain, Affle India, and IndiaMART InterMESH as future players. He notes a shift towards platforms and products.
The Nifty Auto index closed 0.19 per cent up at 24007.95.
The 30-share BSE Sensex closed up 303.03 points at 84058.9
The Nifty Realty index closed 1.55 per cent down at 993.95.
India's foreign exchange reserves experienced a decrease of $1.02 billion, reaching $697.93 billion for the week ending June 20, according to RBI data. This decline follows a previous increase of over $2 billion, with reserves standing at $698.95 billion as of June 13.
The 30-share BSE Sensex closed up 303.03 points at 84058.9
The Nifty IT index closed 0.44 per cent down at 38822.95.
The 30-share BSE Sensex closed up 303.03 points at 84058.9
TPG-backed logistics service provider Shadowfax is likely to file draft papers with capital markets regulator Sebi through a confidential route for its IPO to raise up to Rs 2,500 crore early next week, according to sources.
Sangam(India), NDR Auto Components, Shree Global, Lloyds Steels(PP)and LT Foods, hit their fresh 52-week highs during the day.
In the Nifty 50 index, 27 stocks ended in the green, while 23 stocks closed in the red in today's trade.
The 30-share BSE Sensex closed up 303.03 points at 84058.9
Anand Radhakrishnan of Sundaram Mutual Fund highlights key Indian market trends. Sustainability efforts are gaining traction. Manufacturing, especially defence, shows strength. Premium goods and services see rising demand. Technology disruption emerges in logistics, e-commerce, and fintech. These themes, along with valuations and liquidity, shape market dynamics. Focus is on domestic investors supporting mid and small-sized companies.
Bitcoin's future price is a hot topic. Mudrex CEO Edul Patel sees a bullish long-term outlook. Global monetary supply and potential rate cuts favor Bitcoin. Bitcoin's volatility is declining. Institutional investment is growing via ETFs. Geopolitical risks remain a concern. Patel advises a SIP approach and a 3-5% portfolio allocation. Disciplined investing is key for wealth creation.
The Nifty Bank index closed 0.41 per cent up at 57443.9.
Anand Radhakrishnan of Sundaram Mutual Fund suggests that rate cuts are poised to stimulate both listed and unlisted companies by enhancing liquidity and credit access. Consumption is expected to rise, fueled by tax relief, lower interest rates, and potential wage growth. The US may moderate tariffs to pave the way for rate cuts, potentially boosting economic growth.
The Nifty Pharma index closed 0.55 per cent up at 21928.6.
The Indian rupee had its best week since January 2023, as an Iran-Israel ceasefire cooled oil prices and sapped safe-haven dollar demand, while worries over the Federal Reserve's future independence added pressure on the greenback.