The Times of India News

China's economic recovery is losing momentum as consumer spending and investment faltered in November. Retail sales saw their slowest growth since the Covid period, while factory output and car sales also softened. This weak domestic demand, coupled with external risks, has prompted leadership to prioritize expanding domestic demand for the upcoming year.

Leading financial institutions are bullish on several Indian companies. Morgan Stanley sees potential in Adani Power, while CLSA maintains an outperform rating on Dixon Technologies despite some concerns. HSBC is positive on Tata Steel's growth prospects, and Jefferies reiterates a buy on BPCL due to strong refining performance. Citigroup recommends IGL, citing improved volume outlook from clean energy mandates.

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US visa applicants, including H-1B workers and their families, must now make social media profiles public for enhanced screening. This directive, effective December 15, extends existing measures for students and exchange visitors. The State Department views visa decisions as national security matters, utilizing all available information to vet applicants for potential risks.

India has identified nearly 300 products in engineering, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and chemicals with significant export potential to Russia, aiming to boost bilateral trade. Despite a large trade deficit, India's current exports in these key sectors are considerably lower than Russia's import demand, presenting a substantial opportunity for growth.

Indian family businesses are experiencing robust expansion, with nearly half reporting revenues between USD 1 billion and USD 30 billion. Driven by increased capital access, generational leadership shifts, and technology adoption, these enterprises are poised for significant growth. A strong focus on ESG and aggressive global expansion plans further underscore their dynamic trajectory.

Banks must now link loans for micro, small, and medium enterprises to an external benchmark. This move aims to improve monetary policy transmission. The Reserve Bank of India has also reduced the reset period for these loans. Quality control measures are being phased in with specific exemptions for MSMEs.

Gold and silver are poised for further gains as global inflation data and economic indicators are closely watched. Analysts anticipate continued momentum driven by central bank policy expectations and geopolitical factors. Domestic factors like rupee depreciation are also boosting gold's appeal for Indian investors, while strong industrial demand supports silver.

India's gems and jewellery exports surged nearly 20% to $2.5 billion in November, driven by strong shipments of cut and polished diamonds, studded gold jewellery, and silver items. While cumulative exports remain steady, this monthly uptick signals a market stabilization and picking up demand in key destinations like Hong Kong and the Middle East, offering optimism for future growth.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged the Centre to implement wide-ranging reforms in the Union Budget 2026-27 to boost India's investment-led growth. Key recommendations include increased capital expenditure, a new National Infrastructure Pipeline, and tax incentives to encourage private and foreign investment.

Navi Mumbai International Airport is exploring the addition of a third runway. CIDCO has initiated a techno-commercial feasibility study to assess its viability, considering future air traffic growth and operational needs.

India's economy is set for a significant boom, potentially reaching $16 trillion by 2042, according to a new study. This expansion, driven by a stronger wealth effect, will boost consumption and investment. Per capita income is projected to quadruple, fueling growth in sectors like financial services, automobiles, and real estate, promising substantial long-term wealth creation.

A private member's bill proposing the right to disconnect has reignited discussions on work-life boundaries in India. While unlikely to become law, the bill highlights a cultural shift towards employee well-being, with several companies already implementing flexible policies and acknowledging the need to move beyond an 'always-on' work culture.

India's top 10 most-valued companies experienced a significant market capitalization drop of Rs 79,129.21 crore last week, with Bajaj Finance and ICICI Bank facing the steepest declines. This broad market weakness saw eight of the top ten firms lose value, while only Reliance Industries and Larsen & Toubro registered gains.

India's domestic copper manufacturing faces severe damage from cheap imports under free trade agreements, according to the Indian Primary Copper Producers Association. The industry body urges the government to implement safeguard duties and quantitative restrictions to protect investments and prevent the erosion of the smelting and downstream manufacturing base.

Indian markets navigated macroeconomic pressures and global uncertainties this week. A weakening rupee was partially offset by a US Federal Reserve rate cut and optimism around India-US trade talks. While foreign investors sold equities, domestic buying provided support. Investors will watch trade developments and key economic data for direction.

Wall Street strategists are advising a shift away from dominant tech giants towards sectors like healthcare, industrials, and energy for 2026. Concerns over high valuations and AI spending are prompting investors to explore undervalued cyclical stocks, small caps, and economically sensitive areas, signaling a potential broadening of market leadership.

China's manufacturing sector is embracing automation, with some factories already operating with minimal human intervention. While larger companies invest heavily, smaller businesses adopt a hybrid approach, integrating technology to assist workers. This shift raises concerns about job losses and the cost of modernization for SMEs.

Indian Railways is implementing significant cost-cutting measures in maintenance, procurement, and energy to bolster its finances. This proactive approach aims to absorb anticipated wage increases from the Eighth Pay Commission, projected to be substantial. The railway is focusing on operational efficiency and increased freight revenue to manage the financial impact.

Wall Street firms are advising investors to diversify beyond the Magnificent Seven tech stocks as their market dominance appears to be waning. Strategists are recommending sectors like health care, industrials, and energy for 2026, citing concerns over elevated valuations and AI investment returns. Market data indicates a shift, with smaller indices outperforming megacap tech.

Oil tanker movements into and out of Venezuelan waters have almost come to a standstill, Al Jazeera's sources stated, after the US announced that it would seize more vessels as part of its military pressure on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.

SpaceX is reportedly conducting an internal share sale valuing the company at $800 billion, with a potential 2026 IPO in the works. This valuation, nearly double its previous figure, surpasses OpenAI's record and positions SpaceX as the world's most valuable private firm. Funds will fuel Starship development, AI data centers, and lunar base initiatives.

The Nifty experienced a mild correction this week, consolidating within a downward pattern and closing negative despite a Federal Reserve rate cut. The index faces resistance near recent peaks, with key levels at 26,200 and 26,300. A cautious approach is advised until a breakout above this resistance is confirmed.

GST reforms are projected to reduce retail inflation by up to 35 basis points in 2025-26, with an estimated 25 basis points decline already observed between September and November 2025 due to rate adjustments. While Kerala faces higher inflation driven by specific commodity prices, national CPI is expected to average 1.8% in 2025-26.

India's primary market is gearing up for a busy week with four new IPOs totaling Rs 830 crore, led by KSH International's Rs 710 crore offering. Investors are keenly awaiting listings from prominent names like ICICI Prudential AMC, Corona Remedies, and Park Medi World, with strong grey market premiums indicating positive sentiment.

India is experiencing a rare economic phase with near-zero inflation and robust growth exceeding 8%. While this 'Goldilocks' moment benefits borrowers and large corporations, farmers face significant losses due to falling food prices. Savers might see reduced returns as interest rates decline, highlighting a complex economic landscape where benefits are unevenly distributed.

India is actively engaging with Mexico over a unilateral tariff hike of up to 50% on a wide range of products. New Delhi seeks solutions beneficial to both nations while protecting Indian exporters' interests, as the increased duties are set to take effect from January 1, 2026.

Copper prices are soaring towards $12,000 a ton, fueled by booming AI data infrastructure demand and global supply worries. With a 35% surge this year, the metal's electrical properties make it vital for data centers, EVs, and clean energy. Despite rising inventories, a market deficit is projected, intensifying supply concerns and driving investor interest.

Following the RBI's repo rate cut, State Bank of India has slashed its lending rates, including MCLR, EBLR, and RLLR, effective December 15th. This move aims to lower borrowing costs and EMIs for both retail and corporate clients. The bank also revised its BPLR and base rates, offering significant relief to borrowers.

India has eased visa regulations for Chinese professionals, allowing them to obtain business visas for short-term assignments, a move aimed at streamlining approval processes. This relaxation follows recent efforts by both nations to improve people-to-people engagement and mend relations strained by the 2020 border standoff.

SBI has reduced interest rates on specific deposits and lending benchmarks following a 25 basis points repo rate cut. The bank adjusted deposit rates to maintain its net interest margin, with changes affecting 444-day deposits and those between two to three years. This move occurs as bank credit growth outpaces deposit expansion.

The Indian government has launched a Rs 476.03 crore, six-year development program to modernize the makhana sector. This initiative, overseen by the National Makhana Board, focuses on research, quality seed production, farmer training, and enhancing value addition, branding, and export promotion across the country.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund's massive Rs 10,600-crore IPO saw robust demand on its opening day, with institutional investors oversubscribing their portion. While high net worth and retail investors showed moderate interest, the IPO is set to close on December 16. Prudential Corp Holdings is divesting a significant stake in this offering.

Haryana has launched its most ambitious environmental initiative, the 'Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development,' in collaboration with the World Bank, with a Rs 3,600 crore corpus. This project aims to significantly improve air quality over five years through sweeping interventions, including industrial upgrades, e-bus procurement, and enhanced monitoring infrastructure.

Indian Railways is piloting a new on-board catering model, separating meal preparation from service. IRCTC is partnering with established food brands and industrial kitchens to supply fresh, hygienic meals on select Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains. Initial passenger feedback is positive, with trials focusing on improving meal quality and offering diverse, restaurant-style menus.

Automakers experienced a record-breaking November with strong factory dispatches to dealerships, indicating sustained consumer demand. Passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers saw significant double-digit growth year-on-year, with Maruti Suzuki reporting its best November in 40 years. Despite a dip in two-wheeler registrations, industry leaders remain optimistic for continued growth into 2026.

President Trump touts rising government revenues and investment pledges as proof of his economic strategy's success. However, many Americans face affordability pressures, creating a disconnect between headline growth and personal finances. Critics argue that while tariffs have increased, they haven't significantly eased cost-of-living strains for households.

RBI Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar warned that stablecoins pose significant macro-financial risks, including currency substitution and weakened monetary policy. He argued they lack the essential features of modern money, such as fiat status and singleness, and could undermine India's financial architecture. Sankar highlighted that their purported benefits are largely unproven, with domestic systems already offering superior payment solutions.

US lawmakers are pushing to remove steep tariffs on Indian imports, arguing they harm American jobs and consumers. A resolution seeks to end President Trump's national emergency declaration that led to duties up to 50%. This bipartisan move aims to mend the vital US-India partnership and boost economic ties, citing disruptions and increased costs for Americans.

The government is launching a pilot project to link subsidized fertilizer allocation to farmers' land size, aiming to curb diversion and pilferage. This initiative comes as India faces high chemical nutrient use impacting soil health. Meanwhile, fertilizer imports are projected to rise significantly due to increased domestic demand.