The Times of India News

India and New Zealand have inked a free trade agreement, aiming to double bilateral trade within five years. This pact grants India tariff-free access to New Zealand's markets for key sectors like textiles and engineering goods. New Zealand also pledged $20 billion in investment, while India offered market access on over 70% of tariff lines, excluding sensitive products like dairy.

The RBI sold a net $11.9 billion in October 2025 to stabilize the rupee, actively intervening in spot and forward markets. Gross dollar sales surged to $29.6 billion, indicating strong efforts to counter rupee pressure and prevent it from falling below 89 per dollar.

November's high-frequency indicators reveal robust domestic demand and stable economic activity, with benign inflation keeping input costs low for firms. Despite external headwinds, coordinated policy actions have bolstered resilience, allowing monetary policy to support growth. Global uncertainties persist, impacting emerging market flows, though equity markets showed optimism.

Gold and silver prices have reached unprecedented highs, shattering previous records in both international and domestic markets. February gold futures on MCX surged past Rs 1,36,000 per 10gm, while March silver futures also hit an all-time peak. Experts attribute this surge to substantial liquidity injections by the US Federal Reserve, aggressive central bank gold purchases, and escalating geopolitical tensions.

Infosys and Bharti Airtel spearheaded a 638-point Sensex rally, marking a rebound after recent declines. The Indian rupee's stability against the dollar boosted investor sentiment, bringing the Sensex close to its all-time high. Despite foreign funds being net sellers, the market experienced a significant surge, adding substantial wealth to investors.

Global investors are pouring capital into India's burgeoning clean energy sector. Danish firm AP Moller Capital is making its debut private equity investment, backing a new 900 MW renewable platform. Meanwhile, steel giant ArcelorMittal is investing $900 million to add 1 GW of solar, wind, and battery storage, powering its steel operations with greener energy.

Indian-origin finance chiefs are increasingly leading global giants like Unilever, Tesla, and Mastercard. A study reveals over a dozen multinational corporations have appointed Indian descent CFOs, many educated in India. This trend highlights the evolving role of CFOs as strategists, adept at navigating complex markets and demonstrating resilience, a skill honed by the Indian education system and professional experiences.

India and New Zealand have signed a Free Trade Agreement set to boost mobility for Indian students and professionals, while enhancing export opportunities. The deal removes student caps, extends post-study work visas, and introduces a temporary employment visa for 5,000 Indian professionals. It also offers tariff reductions on agricultural products and opens up 118 service sectors for India.

India and New Zealand have inked a free-trade agreement, aiming for deeper cooperation rather than immediate trade surges, with bilateral flows at $2.1 billion. The pact opens 70% of India's tariff lines, while New Zealand offers 100% access. Sensitive sectors like dairy remain protected, but provisions for skilled professionals and investment are included.

Indian equities are poised for a potential year-end rally, with historical data strongly favoring small-cap stocks. These smaller companies have consistently outperformed during the Santa Claus period, delivering impressive average returns. Technical indicators and market breadth now suggest a rebound for smallcaps, offering an encouraging outlook for investors seeking opportunities.

India and New Zealand have finalized a Free Trade Agreement, promising duty-free entry for Indian goods and $20 billion in New Zealand investments over 15 years. The pact aims to double bilateral trade within five years, though New Zealand's foreign minister expressed opposition, deeming it 'neither free nor fair'.

US stock markets opened higher on Monday, with major indices showing modest gains amid light trading. Strength in commodities, including record highs for gold and silver, supported market sentiment. Investors are now awaiting key economic data releases later in the week, including GDP and consumer confidence.

New Zealand firms can process dairy inputs in India for re-export under a new free trade agreement, with India's domestic market fully protected. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed the arrangement allows processing of raw materials for 100% export via a fast-track mechanism, ensuring no impact on Indian producers.

Railway-linked stocks surged on December 22, driven by stock-specific news and rising pre-Budget expectations. Jupiter Wagons, IRCTC, RailTel, and RVNL saw significant gains, with some climbing as much as 15%. This rally precedes the Union Budget, a period often marked by heightened focus on capital expenditure themes.

India is set for a significant overhaul of its key economic data. New series for retail inflation, national accounts, and industrial production, with updated base years, will be released starting February 2026.

India's core infrastructure sectors saw a welcome 1.8% expansion in November 2025, a significant turnaround from the previous month. Cement and steel led the charge with robust growth, alongside fertilizers and coal. However, energy segments like crude oil, natural gas, and electricity continued to face headwinds, recording contractions.

The Income Tax department is directly contacting multinational companies to alert their Indian employees about undisclosed foreign assets and income before the year-end compliance deadline. Companies are urged to ensure staff disclose overseas assets and income to avoid penalties and prosecution under the Black Money law.

Understanding mutual fund tax treatment is crucial for optimizing returns. Tax liability arises only upon selling, switching, or redeeming units, with the impact depending on the fund type and holding period.

Foxconn's new iPhone plant near Bengaluru is India's fastest-growing factory, hiring 30,000 workers in under a year. This expansion, with a predominantly young female workforce, highlights Apple's strategy to diversify supply chains beyond China. The facility, set to become India's largest, is already exporting over 80% of its output.

Gold prices surged to record highs on Monday, driven by a weaker US dollar and anticipation of US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Both domestic and international markets saw significant gains, with MCX gold futures hitting Rs 1,35,824 per 10 grams and Comex gold reaching USD 4,429.3 per ounce.

The UAE does not grant Golden Visas for holding cryptocurrency, but it does recognise qualifying real estate ownership. As Dubai increasingly allows property purchases using crypto, investors may access the real estate pathway if ownership is legally registered and properly valued. The route is narrow, documentation-heavy, and subject to regulation, making compliance, both in the UAE and at home, essential.

China has imposed provisional anti-subsidy duties on EU dairy imports, ranging from 21.9% to 42.7%, effective December 23. This action follows an investigation concluding that EU dairy subsidies harmed China's domestic sector. The move escalates existing trade tensions between China and the EU, which began with an EU probe into Chinese electric vehicles.

Enduring market volatility is key to unlocking significant equity returns. Instead of fixed holding periods, focus on business cycles. Long-term investors who stay invested through dull and scary phases, like the Titan example, are rewarded with substantial growth. Missing just a few strong market days can drastically reduce returns, highlighting the importance of time in the market over timing it.

Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented supplementary demands for grants of Rs 24,496.97 crore for the current financial year. The net additional burden on the state's consolidated fund will be Rs 22,299.74 crore after deducting the central share. The government plans to finance this through revenue targets and curbing unproductive expenditure, while maintaining fiscal discipline.

Silver reached a lifetime high on Monday, touching Rs 2,14,534 per kilogram on MCX and $68.65 per ounce spot, driven by strong central bank buying, ETF inflows, and industrial demand. Analysts anticipate a potential rise to Rs 2,25,000 by year-end due to supply disruptions and global cues.

India and New Zealand have finalized a Free Trade Agreement, set to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment. The pact promises enhanced market access for goods and services, with New Zealand committing substantial investment.

Stock market recommendations: SBI Securities' Sudeep Shah identifies KEI Industries and JK Tyre & Industries as top stock picks for the week starting December 22, 2025. Nifty and Bank Nifty show indecision with narrow ranges but potential for upside on breakouts, while broader indices recover, indicating renewed buying interest.

India and New Zealand have signed a historic free trade agreement, concluding negotiations in just nine months. The pact aims to boost trade and investment, with both leaders confident bilateral trade could double in five years. It includes significant market access for Indian services and tariff reductions on New Zealand exports.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are poised for a significant surge, potentially reaching 138,000-140,000, according to Manav Modi. Silver has already seen remarkable gains, exceeding 120% year-to-date. Despite record highs, investors are advised to buy on dips, with key support levels at 132,000.

TRAI has urged broadcasters to comply with the 12-minute-per-hour advertising cap, despite the rule being under judicial review. The regulator insists the regulation remains applicable, even as the Delhi High Court has restrained coercive action. Broadcasters are concerned about the enforcement due to existing financial pressures and declining revenues.

Fund mobilisation in the domestic stock market remained strong in the current financial year, with 83 companies raising Rs 1.3 lakh crore as of November in FY26, according to a report released by the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

The Indian rupee is showing a strong recovery, gaining 22 paise to 89.45 against the US dollar today, following recent record lows. This rebound is attributed to likely Reserve Bank intervention, corporate inflows, and falling crude oil prices. Experts predict a significant strengthening in the latter half of the next financial year, suggesting the current weakness is temporary.

Stock market recommendations: Motilal Oswal Financial Services has identified Astra Microwave Products and Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals as top stock picks for the week of December 22, 2025. Astra Microwave is poised for growth in defense electronics, while Crompton aims to expand its market share in consumer electricals, particularly with its acquisition of Butterfly Gandhimathi Appliances.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, rallied strongly in trade on Monday. While Nifty50 was above 26,100, BSE Sensex surged over 450 points.

Asian stocks advanced, mirroring Wall Street's gains, with tech sentiment boosting markets. Japan's yen hit record lows against the euro and Swiss franc, despite the Bank of Japan raising interest rates. South Korea's market surged on AI optimism, while commodities like silver and gold reached new highs. Oil prices also climbed following US intervention with Venezuelan tankers.

Gold prices reached a record high, driven by expectations of further US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and a weaker dollar. The yellow metal's appeal as a safe haven has been bolstered by geopolitical tensions and central bank buying, with silver also experiencing significant gains.

Jefferies initiated coverage of Groww with a buy rating, citing strong growth potential in its broking and new initiatives. IIFL Finance also initiated coverage of Firstsource Solutions with a buy, highlighting its diversified BPO services and tech-driven approach. Macquarie initiated Lenskart with an outperform rating, emphasizing its competitive edge and market share gains.

New insurance law amendments permit 100% foreign direct investment and allow insurers to merge with non-insurance companies, subject to regulatory approval. This opens new avenues for consolidation, potential listing routes for unlisted insurers, and broader acquisition opportunities beyond traditional insurer-to-insurer deals.

Air India is halting its non-stop San Francisco flights from Bengaluru and Mumbai starting March 1 due to aircraft deployment issues and increased costs from airspace restrictions. While Delhi services to San Francisco and Toronto will be boosted, passengers with existing bookings face uncertainty. The airline promises re-accommodation or refunds, with a possibility of restoring the routes later.