The Times of India

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmarks, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, rose in trade on Friday after days of fall. While Nifty50 was above 25,900, BSE Sensex was up almost 150 points.

US companies and trade lawyers are bracing for a potential $150 billion refund battle as the Supreme Court hears a case challenging President Trump's use of emergency powers for global tariffs. The outcome hinges on whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act grants authority for such duties, with skepticism from justices fueling expectations of tariffs being struck down.

US President Donald Trump plans a $200 billion federal purchase of mortgage bonds to lower rates and ease housing affordability concerns. Funds from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be used, aiming to reduce monthly payments. This move comes ahead of midterm elections, though experts question its effectiveness against deeper market issues.

Stock market recommendations: Bajaj Broking Research recommends buying Hindustan Unilever, and Tata Power as top stock picks for January 9, 2026. Heres its view on Nifty and Bank Nifty:

US mortgage rates saw a slight increase this week, remaining near their 2025 lows. While borrowing costs have eased significantly from a year ago, they continue to present a challenge for homebuyers. Despite some relief in monthly payments, housing affordability remains a major hurdle.

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is rapidly gaining traction in developing nations, broadening generative AI access despite a widening global economic divide. Its free, open-source models are lowering adoption barriers, particularly in price-sensitive regions, while facing restrictions in Western markets due to security concerns.

The Indian government is introducing vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology to enhance road safety and prevent accidents. A joint task force with the Department of Telecom has been established, with the DoT agreeing to allocate specific spectrum for V2V use.

Home loans taken from non-banking sources - such as employers, friends, relatives or private lenders - qualify for an interest deduction but not for a principal deduction under section 80C.

US President Donald Trump has backed a bill that could levy 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, giving the US leverage over major buyers such as China and India to curb imports from Moscow.

US stocks saw a slight dip as defence companies surged on President Trump's ambitious military spending plans. While major indices remained near highs, defence giants like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin posted significant gains. Bond yields edged up amid mixed economic data, and oil prices continued their volatile climb.

Alaska Airlines Captain Brandon Fisher is suing Boeing for $10 million, alleging the company wrongly blamed him and his co-pilot for the January 2024 door plug blowout. Fisher claims Boeing shifted blame in court filings after initially praising the crew's safe landing, causing him emotional distress and reputational harm.

Assocham is urging the government to offer incentives for green steel production, including hydrogen-based DRI and renewable energy, to aid the sector's low-carbon transition. The industry body also seeks support for scrap recycling and R&D to boost productivity and reduce import reliance.

The Indian government may introduce a customs duty amnesty scheme in the 2026-27 Union Budget to resolve over Rs 1.52 lakh crore in pending litigation.

A significant collection of Steve Jobs' childhood items and early Apple products is now up for auction, featuring the first Apple check and an Apple-1 prototype motherboard. The sale also includes rare devices like the Lisa-1 and a first-generation iPhone, alongside personal effects from Jobs' youth, offering a comprehensive look at Apple's origins.

President Trump has greenlit a bipartisan bill authorizing significant sanctions and up to 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian energy. The Sanctioning Russia Act aims to pressure nations like China, India, and Brazil, part of the BRICS block, to cease fueling Russia's war machine.

Despite the United States withdrawing from the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the India-led initiative will continue its work with 125 member nations. The alliance remains focused on advancing solar energy deployment, climate objectives, and supporting member countries.

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is collaborating with the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) to launch Indian natural gas futures. This initiative aims to provide a robust risk management tool for market participants, enhancing transparency and efficiency in India's evolving natural gas market.

The timing matters. Oil prices are already under pressure globally, and petrol prices have eased after years of inflation-driven pain. The Venezuela pitch is being sold as a way to lock that relief in.

The Indian rupee dipped by 7 paise to 89.94 against the US dollar on Thursday, influenced by rising crude oil prices, consistent foreign fund outflows, and a stronger dollar. Renewed worries about potential US tariffs and a downturn in domestic stock markets also weighed on the currency

New Labour Codes explained: The draft rules released by the government are important because they outline several key provisions on how employees' wages, salary, allowances and gratuity benefits are structured.

Gold prices are trading lower today. February gold futures on MCX have seen a dip. This follows a volatile week for bullion markets. Strong US labor data and a stronger dollar are impacting sentiment. Losses are observed across various gold contracts on the MCX.

India is considering lifting rules that have barred Chinese firms from government contracts since 2020, a move that could reset commercial engagement as diplomatic tensions ease. The finance ministry is proposing to remove registration and security clearance requirements for bidders from bordering nations, aiming to unblock stalled projects and supply chains.

India's economic expansion in FY26 might surpass official forecasts, with a revised GDP base year potentially pushing growth closer to 7.5%. While agriculture growth is set to moderate, the services sector is expected to be the primary driver, projecting a robust 9.1% expansion. Industrial output will see a slight uptick, though mining output is anticipated to decline.

Air India has received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner since its acquisition by the Tata Group. This marks a significant step in the airline's long-haul fleet modernization under private ownership.

Budget 2026: The government is looking to simplify its customs duty slabs and tariff regime in Union Budget 2026 by cutting labs to five or six, aiming to reduce disputes, streamline imports and align duties with trade and industrial goals.

Silver prices experienced a significant drop of Rs 10,000 on Thursday, with March 2026 futures plummeting. This sharp correction follows December's record high, signaling market instability. HSBC forecasts a gradual decline in silver prices over the next few years, citing weakening industrial and jewelry demand, despite a projected deficit. Increased mining output also contributes to the bearish outlook.

Indian households are among the largest holders of precious metals in the world, with an estimated holding of ~25,000 tonnes of gold accumulated over generations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the sudden passing of Vedanta Group director Agnivesh Agarwal, 49, who died of cardiac arrest after a skiing accident in the US. Agarwal, son of Anil Agarwal, was recovering well before the tragedy. He was a respected leader, sportsman, and musician, deeply committed to India's self-reliance and societal welfare.

Gold and silver price prediction: Abhilash Koikkara, Head - Forex & Commodities at Nuvama Professional Clients Group is of the view that gold and silver prices are touching new record highs and this is a phase of consolidation.

Asian markets traded mixed as investors awaited key US labor data, which will influence Federal Reserve interest rate decisions. Geopolitical tensions, including China's anti-dumping probe into Japanese chemicals and US actions in Venezuela, also weighed on sentiment. Oil prices saw a slight increase after recent declines.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmark indices, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, continued their slide on Thursday. While Nifty50 was just above 26,100, BSE Sensex went below the 84,950 mark.

Top stock market recommendations: Aakash K Hindocha of Nuvama Professional Clients Group recommends buying ABB, Fortis, and Petronet. He also shares his views on Nifty, Bank Nifty.

IT firms' AI adoption metrics are raising questions as audited financial data shows little productivity gain since 2020. Despite significant acquisitions and a depreciating rupee, per-employee economics remain largely flat. Experts suggest enterprise-grade AI deployments are key for measurable business impact, with the next 12-24 months being crucial.

The Trump administration is threatening to penalize countries buying discounted Russian oil, a move that could impact India's energy imports and trade with the US. A bipartisan sanctions bill, approved by Trump, aims to pressure nations like India, China, and Brazil to cease Russian crude purchases, which the US argues funds Putin's war in Ukraine.

TCS has halted final anniversary appraisals for some employees due to non-compliance with its five-day work-from-office policy. This move, impacting freshers, links performance banding and variable compensation to office attendance. The company has also tightened its exception request policy for personal emergencies and network issues.

Samsung Electronics is building a future of AI living. At CES 2026, the company revealed its vision for AI companions. These will offer unified and personal experiences across mobile, displays, and home appliances. Samsung aims to make AI a trusted assistant, enhancing daily life and reducing chores. SmartThings already connects millions globally, paving the way for this advanced AI integration.

Indian tax authorities have highlighted significant risks associated with virtual digital assets like crypto, echoing the Reserve Bank of India's concerns. The anonymous and borderless nature of these assets, coupled with offshore platforms, makes tracking taxable income and beneficial owners extremely difficult. Jurisdictional challenges further complicate tax recovery, prompting authorities to implement safeguards like TDS and mandatory registration.

India's diamond exports to the US have significantly declined due to a 50% tariff, impacting the industry. Despite this, stakeholders remain hopeful for a trade deal that would eliminate tariffs on natural diamonds. The US remains a crucial market, with India poised to become the second-largest consumer of natural diamonds globally.