The Times of India

India is poised for significant economic growth, with government policies providing momentum amidst global trade uncertainties. Principal Secretary Shaktikanta Das highlighted Atmanirbharta as a strategy for resilience, not isolation, enabling India to navigate a fragmented world and pursue sustained development.

A report by GTRI refutes US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's claim that a missed phone call from PM Modi stalled the India-US trade deal. The GTRI argues that substantive policy differences, not a lack of personal diplomacy, are the real reasons for the prolonged delay.

Indian markets are on edge ahead of a crucial US Supreme Court ruling on Trump-era tariffs, which could either spark a sharp rally or intensify volatility depending on the scope of the decision.

Industry body PHDCCI has urged the government to establish a dedicated Green Bank in the upcoming Union Budget. This facility aims to attract private investment into green technologies like renewable energy and electric vehicles.

Decide your risk level on a calm day based on your life, not on the market. Write it down, turn it into an asset allocation (how much in equity, how much in debt), and then let that guide your choices.

India is closely monitoring a proposed US bill that could impose steep tariffs on countries buying Russian crude oil. New Delhi maintains its energy sourcing is driven by market conditions and national security needs for its large population.

US stocks edged higher Friday as a mixed jobs report tempered expectations for an early Federal Reserve rate cut, though easing later this year remains likely. Treasury yields saw varied movement, while Vistra and Oklo surged on energy deals, contrasting with General Motors' decline due to EV pullback.

US hiring remained subdued in December, with employers adding only 50,000 jobs, capping a year of weak employment gains. The unemployment rate edged down to 4.4%, but businesses show caution due to economic uncertainty, inflation, and AI's impact. This subdued hiring contrasts with healthy economic growth.

India's expanding network of free trade agreements is opening up global markets for its agriculture and food processing sectors, according to Minister of State Jitin Prasada. He highlighted recent pacts with countries like Australia and the UK, emphasizing the government's commitment to easing business regulations to attract investment.

The Indian rupee crossed Rs 90 to the dollar in early December 2025, marking its weakest level on record. Why did the RBI allow the currency to slide instead of stepping in to defend it, and why are policymakers insisting they are not worried? The answers lie in a hard economic constraint that leaves central banks with fewer choices than they appear to have.

India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant dip of $9.809 billion, settling at $686.801 billion in the week ending January 2. This decline follows a previous rise, with foreign currency assets and gold reserves both contributing to the decrease. Special Drawing Rights and the country's IMF position also experienced minor reductions.

Vodafone Idea (Vi) secured a significant reprieve from the government, freezing its Rs 87,695 crore adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. The company will now pay Rs 1,144 crore annually for six years, followed by staggered payments until 2041, offering a crucial lifeline to the debt-laden operator.

EY India suggests expanding Production-Linked Incentives to AI, space, and robotics, urging the FY27 Budget to prioritize growth and tax certainty. A dedicated Customs dispute resolution mechanism and simplified tariff structures are also proposed. The firm emphasizes clear guidelines for the new Income Tax Act to ensure a smooth transition and boost investor confidence.

PwC's Ranen Banerjee advises against an interest rate cut by the RBI in February 2026, stating it would be wasting a bullet given robust economic growth and benign inflation. He believes private capital expenditure is driven by demand visibility and capacity utilization, not interest rates, suggesting a prolonged pause is more appropriate.

Equity mutual fund inflows saw a slight dip in December, reaching Rs 28,054 crore, though investor interest in equities and gold remained strong. This occurred amidst significant redemptions from debt schemes, leading to overall industry outflows. Flexi-cap funds led equity inflows, while gold ETFs experienced a surge in popularity.

Gold futures saw a slight increase on Friday morning, despite a generally weak market tone influenced by a stronger US dollar and commodity index adjustments. Traders are awaiting US non-farm payrolls data for further price direction. Spot gold experienced a dip overseas, while US gold futures edged higher.

Budget 2026: EY-India outlined certain direct tax reforms, which if introduced, could unlock private capital, enhance competitiveness, and support inclusive economic growth.

Bharat Coking Coal Ltd's IPO saw robust investor demand, fully subscribing within minutes of opening. Non-institutional and retail investors showed strong interest, with the issue already securing over Rs 273 crore from anchor investors. This offer for sale by Coal India is part of the government's divestment drive in the coal sector.

Stock market crash: Indian equities extended their slide to a fifth straight session on Friday as global trade worries and political uncertainty drove a broad selloff, several lakh crore in market cap.

Budget 2026: It would ordinarily be expected that the forthcoming Budget would refrain from proposing substantive changes to direct tax law, particularly to a statute that is yet to be operationalised. Any premature tinkering with the framework risks diluting the objective of introducing a clean-slate, simplified legislation.

Reliance Industries is considering resuming Venezuelan crude oil purchases if non-US buyers are permitted, awaiting regulatory clarity. Other Indian refiners like Indian Oil Corp and Hindustan Petroleum Corp are also open to Venezuelan oil under similar conditions. This potential shift comes as India faces pressure to reduce Russian oil imports.

Indian stock markets traded in the red on Friday, with Nifty50 below 26,000 and Sensex down over 400 points. Concerns over US tariffs on Russian crude imports and heavy foreign investor outflows weighed on sentiment. Experts suggest markets may stabilize after recent declines, with investors awaiting earnings season for direction.

Despite rising disposable incomes, a significant share of Indian households, especially those dependent on a single breadwinner, remains one income shock or medical emergency away from financial distress.

The Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar on Friday, trading at 89.97 due to persistent foreign investor selling and rising global crude oil prices. US tariffs and a subdued domestic stock market also contributed to the pressure. The Reserve Bank of India has been actively intervening to manage the rupee's volatility.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated PM Modi's failure to call President Trump prevented a trade deal. This comes as the US imposes tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. India faces tariffs on its goods. Both nations are negotiating a comprehensive trade agreement with a goal to significantly boost bilateral trade by 2030.

Gold price prediction today: Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities is of the view that gold prices are facing upside resistance. Here's his outlook and trading strategy

A prediction market is allowing traders to bet on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ by the end of 2026, with current odds at roughly 3% for a Yes outcome. This follows a similar wager in 2025, where the No side ultimately prevailed. The market treats the event as a tradable probability, attracting capital seeking predictable, albeit unlikely, returns.

Asian markets advanced Friday, anticipating US jobs data and a Supreme Court ruling on Trump's tariffs. Chinese inflation rose, boosting Shanghai and Hong Kong, while Seoul hit records on tech optimism. Traders await US payrolls, which could influence the Federal Reserve's rate decisions.

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.