Business / The Times of India
Stock market recommendations: Bajaj Broking Research suggests a resilient Indian equity market, projecting Nifty consolidation between 24,400-25,200 with a bullish outlook supported by rate cut expectations and favorable monsoon forecasts. Aurobindo Pharma and Gokaldas Exports are highlighted as top stock picks, indicating potential upward movement.
The revamped PM SVANidhi scheme is set to offer street vendors higher subsidised loans and credit cards with a Rs 30,000 limit, thanks to bank participation. Rural vendors migrating to cities will also benefit from these loans, with an additional Rs 10,000 potentially included. This initiative aims to provide accessible capital and reduce reliance on high-interest informal loans.
Following recent turmoil stemming from incorrect derivative trade recognition, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) will scrutinize IndusInd Bank's financial statements. The Financial Reporting Review Board (FRRB) will conduct the review for the fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25 to ensure compliance with accounting and auditing standards.
Bajaj Auto's consolidated net profit witnessed a 10% year-on-year decline, reaching Rs 1,802 crore in Q4, primarily due to reduced domestic sales. While the company's net profit for the same period last year was Rs 2,011 crore, total revenue from operations saw an increase, climbing to Rs 12,646 crore during the quarter.
Ola Electric experienced a significant downturn in the March quarter, with revenue plummeting by 60% to Rs 649 crore and net losses widening to Rs 870 crore. Deliveries also sharply declined to 51,375 units, reflecting a substantial drop in demand, particularly in the premium segment.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that embracing rapid technological advancements can significantly boost economic productivity, a primary goal for policymakers. Speaking at the Institute of Economic Growth, she highlighted the increased focus on capital expenditure post-Covid, with states recognizing its growth-enhancing multiplier effect.
The Supreme Court has admitted appeals from Byju's promoters and BCCI regarding the edtech firm's insolvency proceedings. These appeals challenge the NCLAT's refusal to allow insolvency withdrawal, citing a pre-CoC settlement of Rs 158 crore. The promoters argue the settlement was reached before the committee of creditors was formed, seeking to halt the CIRP.
Tata Sons' board has cleared company secretary Suprakash Mukhopadhyay of any ethical violations after reviewing an internal probe into his ties with Divinion, a family-owned financial firm. While Mukhopadhyay failed to disclose his connection, the board concluded there was no intentional breach of conduct. Concerns arose over potential conflicts of interest, given Divinion's links to current and former Tata employees.
Coca-Cola is adopting an all-weather strategy in India to boost sales beyond the summer season, focusing on festivals and creating more consumption occasions. Despite early monsoons potentially impacting sales, the company aims to overcome seasonality by offering diverse product choices and healthier options.
India and the US are progressing towards a bilateral trade agreement, even as the impact of a US court order on potential tariffs is assessed. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the advancements alongside ongoing trade deal negotiations with the EU at the CII's Annual Business Summit 2025.
The RBI is fortifying its forex reserves against weaponization by diversifying assets across currencies and jurisdictions, reducing reliance on the US dollar. With reserves constituting 74% of its Rs 76 lakh crore balance sheet, the central bank aims to insulate the Indian economy from external shocks. Simultaneously, the RBI promotes rupee-denominated trade and enhances data security with the upcoming IFS Cloud.
SEBI has introduced new regulations to enhance the safety of derivatives trading by limiting open positions in index options. Effective between July and December, these rules link derivatives positions to the cash market, setting limits for net open interest at 1,500 crore and gross positions at 10,000 crore.
The Donald Trump administration has strongly opposed a US trade court decision. The court blocked President Trump's reciprocal tariffs. The White House stated that US trade policy will continue. The government is exploring other options. Trump's trade advisor, Peter Navarro, said the administration was not surprised. Officials are confident about appealing the decision. They believe alternative legal options are available.
Chief Economic Advisor Nageswaran urged India Inc to increase capital expenditure and align worker compensation with profitability for sustained economic growth. He highlighted the need to close the gap between rising profitability and slower capital formation to achieve a minimum 6.5% real growth. Nageswaran also emphasized trust-based collaboration between government and the private sector to achieve 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
The Reserve Bank of India's gold assets surged by 57.12% to Rs 4,31,624.8 crore by March 2025, driven by a 54.13 metric tonne increase in gold holdings and price appreciation. Total gold reserves reached 879.58 metric tonnes, with allocations to both the Issue and Banking Departments. India's gold reserves now constitute 11.
The Reserve Bank of India is optimistic about reaching its inflation goal. Inflation fell below 4.0 per cent in February and March 2025. Food inflation saw a sharp decline. This allows monetary policy to support economic growth. Headline inflation averaged 4.6 per cent in 2024-25. The RBI will remain vigilant about potential risks.
Coca-Cola is optimistic about expanding its billion-dollar brands portfolio, with India playing a crucial role. Currently, three billion-dollar brands originate from India: ThumsUp, Maaza, and Sprite. The company sees resilience in demand and aims to build and localize its portfolio, despite India being a highly taxed market for carbonated beverages.
A US trade court has rebuked Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs strategy, deeming his broad tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act as an overreach of presidential power. This ruling casts uncertainty on trade negotiations with key partners like China and India, potentially altering their negotiation strategies.
Mapmygenome, an AI-driven genomics and personalised health company based in Hyderabad, has acquired Microbiome Insights, a Canadian microbial sequencing player. This acquisition includes Microbiome Insights' CAP-accredited Canadian laboratory and intellectual property. The deal enhances Mapmygenome's scientific capabilities and facilitates its expansion into North America, aligning with its strategic growth plans and upcoming listing on the Indian stock exchanges.
JSW Steel's CEO Jayant Acharya advises Indian steelmakers to monitor Chinese exports and FTA partner imports closely, despite no current import surge. India remains a net steel importer, prompting a provisional safeguard duty on flat steel products. Investigations are ongoing regarding injurious imports to protect the domestic industry, as JSW Steel maintains a 35 million tonne production capacity.
The US economy experienced a 0.2% contraction in the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to a surge in imports ahead of President Trump's tariff hikes. This decline, the first in three years, was partially offset by strong business investment and inventory buildup. A federal court blocked Trump's tariffs, adding uncertainty to the economic outlook.
The e-rupee's circulation significantly increased to 1,016 crore by March 2025, according to the RBI's recent report. The central bank is actively exploring cross-border CBDC pilots to improve payment efficiency and transparency, with bilateral projects underway. The retail pilot now includes 17 banks and 60 lakh users, while the wholesale version expands with new participants.
Ola Electric's March quarter results show a significant decline. Adjusted revenue fell sharply, and net losses widened. Deliveries also decreased considerably, especially in the premium segment. Full-year losses increased despite improved gross margins. The company attributes the performance to weak demand. Ola Electric is now focusing on new models to boost sales. Concerns remain about demand and achieving sustained profitability.
US stock markets surged following a court ruling against Trump's tariff authority, boosting investor confidence. Nvidia's strong earnings further fueled tech gains, leading the Nasdaq's rise. Asian markets also rallied, while a revised estimate revealed a US economic contraction in Q1 2025 due to increased imports ahead of expected tariffs, impacting GDP.
The RBI's balance sheet expanded by 8.20% to Rs 76.25 lakh crore in fiscal year 2025, driven by increased gold holdings and domestic investments. This growth facilitated a substantial dividend payout of Rs 2.69 lakh crore to the government. The rise in assets and liabilities reflects the central bank's core functions and reserve management activities.
Ola Electric faced a net loss of Rs 870 crore in Q4 FY25. Revenue decreased to Rs 611 crore. The company's full-year loss was Rs 2,276 crore. Despite losses, Ola Electric maintains market leadership with strong scooter sales. They aim for profitability in FY26 through cost efficiency and increased production.
NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery stated that India's economy is $15 trillion in PPP terms, over half the size of the US economy. He emphasized improving labor productivity, diversifying supply sources, and leveraging FTAs for economic growth.
The Indian economy is projected to maintain a promising outlook in 2025-26, fueled by revived consumption, government capex, and healthy financial conditions. RBI's report highlights the National Manufacturing Mission and expanding global trade engagements as further growth catalysts. India's resilience, digital payment leadership, and focus on AI contribute to a positive economic trajectory, though geopolitical uncertainties remain a risk.
Following Operation Sindoor, India anticipates a surge in defence exports as indigenous equipment gains recognition for its war-tested capabilities, DRDO Chairperson Samir V Kamat said. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program's newly approved execution model encourages private sector involvement in fighter aircraft development, aiming for prototype completion by 2034 and production by 2035.
India is expected to drive global economic growth in 2025 and 2026. The IMF projects strong GDP growth for India. This positions it as the fastest-growing major economy in South Asia. A trade agreement between India and the United Kingdom has boosted Indias trade outlook. Military tensions between India and Pakistan have increased uncertainty. The global economic environment remains fragile.
Amidst a US trade court's rejection of Trump-era tariffs, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) advises India to proceed cautiously in FTA talks with the US. The court's ruling, invalidating tariffs imposed without Congressional approval, raises concerns about the legality of past US trade measures.
Global stock markets experienced a downturn due to fading optimism regarding trade tensions, while oil prices surged amid potential sanctions on Moscow. Nvidia's strong earnings report provided a bright spot, contrasting with concerns raised by US companies about the impact of tariffs on consumers. European markets mirrored Asia's decline, and investors appeared to be reassessing the reliability of US assets.
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd seeks government approval to treat Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports as a single unit for tariff calculations, aiming for uniform charges and increased traffic at the new Navi Mumbai facility. The move addresses concerns about higher fees potentially deterring airlines from using Navi Mumbai, where AAHL has invested significantly.
Security printing costs surged by 25% to Rs 6,372.8 crore in 2024-25, driven by increased banknote printing. While Rs 500 notes dominated circulation, the share of Rs 500 notes declined marginally in value terms. The majority of withdrawn Rs 2000 notes returned to banks, and e-rupee circulation saw a significant rise.
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a law recognising gold and silver coins as legal currency in Florida, exempting them from sales tax. This makes Florida the largest state to take such a step, pending legislative ratification by July 1, 2026. The legislation aims to provide Floridians with greater financial freedom and protect their wealth from inflation and federal spending.
A US trade court has blocked most of Donald Trump's tariff measures, deeming that he overstepped his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The court's decision, which consolidates multiple lawsuits, invalidates tariffs imposed on countries like Canada, Mexico, and China. The White House has criticized the ruling and immediately filed an appeal, but other Trump-era tariffs remain valid.
The US government has imposed new export restrictions on a range of goods shipped to China, including semiconductor design software, chemicals, and industrial tools. These measures aim to limit China's access to critical components, prompting market reactions as Cadence and Synopsys shares declined. Despite initial concerns, Synopsys maintained its revenue projections, leading to a partial recovery in after-hours trading.
Indian Railways is set to achieve net-zero targets by year-end, surpassing its 2030 goal through extensive electrification. Aiming for 95% electric traction by 2030, it anticipates significant carbon emission reductions. The shift includes sourcing renewable and nuclear energy, targeting 10 GW of electricity by the decade's end.
Nvidia announced impressive first-quarter results, with revenue surging 69% year-over-year to $44.1 billion, exceeding Wall Street's expectations. Despite a slight miss in net profit at $18.78 billion, earnings per share rose to 73 cents. Shares climbed over 4% in after-hours trading.
India's public sector banks have spearheaded a remarkable turnaround, driving the banking sector to record profits of Rs 3.71 lakh crore. Fueled by increased lending income and reduced NPAs, PSU banks saw a 26% profit surge, nearing private banks' earnings.
Himachal Pradesh banks observed a holiday on May 29 for Maharana Pratap Jayanti. Banking services were unavailable in Shimla and other areas. Digital banking remained operational nationwide. The Reserve Bank of India released holiday schedules. Earlier in May, banks were closed for other regional holidays.
Gold and silver price prediction: MCX Gold is resuming its upward trend, potentially reaching 98,000, supported by geopolitical tensions and inflationary concerns. MCX Silver exhibits strong bullish momentum, targeting 1,01,800, driven by robust demand and macroeconomic uncertainties.
Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Thursday. While Nifty50 went above 24,850, BSE Sensex rose over 500 points.
Asian shares and US futures experienced a surge following a court ruling that temporarily blocked President Trump's ability to impose sweeping tariffs under emergency powers. Japan's Nikkei 225 index advanced, and the dollar rose against the yen. The ruling's impact on trade talks and ongoing inflation concerns, as highlighted in the Federal Reserve minutes, remains a key factor.
Wall Street investors have coined the term TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out) to describe President Trump's pattern of threatening tariffs, then backing down. Traders are now profiting by anticipating these reversals and buying stocks when tariff threats emerge. Trump acknowledged the term, defending his actions as negotiation tactics to secure concessions.
Top stock market recommendations: Nifty remains range-bound, potentially retesting lower supports unless it closes above 25050, while Bank Nifty's rising trendline break suggests a possible 1200-1500 point decline. Aakash K Hindocha recommends Chennai Petroleum Corporation, LTIMindtree, and Zydus Lifesciences as buy calls, citing bullish patterns and potential for upward movement in these stocks.
South Korea's central bank has lowered interest rates to bolster its export-driven economy, responding to pressures from the US tariff war. The Bank of Korea also significantly reduced its annual growth forecast to 0.8 percent, reflecting rising global uncertainties and lower-than-anticipated first-quarter growth. This rate cut brings lending rates to their lowest level since October 2022.