News

India's primary market is set for a massive year-end, with December poised to raise nearly Rs 30,000 crore from around 25 IPOs. Major listings like ICICI Prudential AMC and Meesho are leading the charge. This surge, fueled by strong business confidence and discerning investors, signals robust market momentum extending into 2026.

Air India operated a 164-seater Airbus A320 on eight flights with an expired airworthiness license, posing a safety risk. The airline has suspended responsible personnel, and the DGCA is investigating the critical lapse. This incident further complicates Air India's efforts to rebuild passenger confidence following a previous fatal crash.

Chinese electronics giants like Oppo and Vivo are increasingly relying on loans from their group companies to fund Indian operations. This shift to external commercial borrowings (ECBs) stems from roadblocks in securing equity funding due to Press Note 3 (PN3) rules and regulatory actions, making bank loans difficult. The funding challenges are impacting expansion plans for some firms.

Gold prices saw a dip on Tuesday. Traders decided to book profits after recent gains. This pullback ended a strong run for the yellow metal. Domestic prices mirrored global market movements. Gold futures on Comex also slipped. Analysts suggest this correction is due to profit-taking after prices reached multi-week highs. Investors are anticipating a US interest rate cut.

Omnicom is laying off over 4,000 employees and merging several advertising brands following its $13 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group. This strategic move aims to enhance financial benefits and regain momentum amidst industry transformation driven by AI and fierce competition. The integration will see agencies like DDB and MullenLowe merge into TBWA, and FCB absorbed into BBDO.

The government has confirmed no current plans for merging public sector banks. Foreign Direct Investment limits in banks have been detailed. The sale of IDBI Bank is proceeding as planned, with significant stakes being divested by the government and LIC. Regional Rural Banks have shown strong financial performance, achieving record profits.

Indian refiners are now securing non-sanctioned Russian crude at attractive discounts, with some deals fetching $5 per barrel below Dated Brent. This strategic shift follows US sanctions on major Russian oil firms. While overall imports remain controlled, select companies are resuming purchases, navigating evolving sanctions and ongoing trade discussions with Washington.

Bajaj Housing Finance shares hit a 52-week low on Tuesday following reports of a block deal where promoter Bajaj Finance is believed to have offloaded a 2.35% stake. Despite steady financial performance and an 18% profit rise in Q2FY26, the stock has fallen 23% since its September 2024 listing.

Gold price prediction: Gold prices are poised for a near-term rise, driven by surging expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut and ongoing economic concerns. Analysts highlight strong ETF inflows and a potential all-time high for gold, while silver also shows significant gains amid inventory shortages and a favorable gold-silver ratio.

Asian markets mostly rose as investors focused on potential US interest rate cuts, buoyed by weak economic data. Nerves around rising Japanese bond yields eased slightly after the Bank of Japan governor's remarks, though concerns about liquidity shifts lingered. Samsung Electronics shares jumped on news of its triple-folding smartphone.

Apple has hired Google veteran Amar Subramanya as its new VP of AI to bolster its lagging ambitions. Subramanya, who previously led AI efforts at Microsoft, brings expertise in foundation models and machine learning. This move highlights the intense talent war in Silicon Valley as Apple seeks to catch up with rivals in the AI race.

Starbucks will pay $35 million to over 15,000 New York City workers following claims of unpredictable shifts. This settlement, alongside a $3.4 million penalty, comes amid a nationwide union strike demanding better staffing and stable hours. The coffee giant also agreed to comply with the city's Fair Workweek law, aiming to address worker grievances after years of stalled contract negotiations.

Stock market recommendations: Investors can consider buying Ashok Leyland, HCL Tech, and Bank of Baroda on December 2, 2025. Ashok Leyland is expected to break a triangle pattern upwards. HCL Tech is poised to resume its uptrend after consolidation. Bank of Baroda is showing a range breakout with positive momentum.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in red on Tuesday on weak global cues. While Nifty50 was above 26,150, BSE Sensex was near 85,500.

Brokerages offer mixed views on Indian stocks. HSBC is bullish on GAIL, Jefferies on Kfin Tech, and Kotak on Swiggy. Citigroup, however, rates Laurus Laboratories a sell. Goldman Sachs maintains a neutral stance on Jubilant Foodworks, citing growth potential and margin expansion opportunities.

Maruti, Opponents Trade Charges Over New Proposal

Diesel sales surged to a six-month high in November, driven by a GST rate cut that boosted festive demand and increased industrial and commercial activities. This rise in diesel consumption, a key economic indicator, reflects a rebound in transport, farming, and construction sectors. Petrol and LPG sales also saw growth, with LPG benefiting from the Ujjwala scheme.

Silver futures on MCX surged to a record high near Rs 1.8 lakh/kg, mirroring global price increases to $58.5/ounce. A weakening rupee further fueled the rally. Analysts attribute the sustained price rise to a structural demand-supply mismatch, driven by increased industrial and investment demand coupled with constrained mining output.

The Indian rupee hit a record low of 89.76 against the dollar amid maturing offshore forward positions and the absence of a US trade deal. Simultaneously, 10-year government bond yields climbed to over two-month highs, driven by strong GDP data and rate-cut doubts. Geopolitical concerns and weak foreign investment also pressured the currency.

India's industrial production growth decelerated to a 14-month low of 0.4% in October, primarily due to a sluggish manufacturing sector and contractions in electricity and mining. This slowdown was attributed to fewer working days during festivals and adverse weather conditions impacting key segments.

November GST collections saw modest growth after a significant rate overhaul, with the government highlighting increased consumption as a positive sign. While domestic revenue dipped slightly, import collections rose, and net collections improved due to lower refunds. Officials expressed optimism that these trends indicate a sustainable reform with a future multiplier effect.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced two bills to levy excise duty on tobacco products and a health and national security cess on pan masala, following the withdrawal of GST compensation cess. These measures aim to maintain high taxation on 'sin goods' and fund public health and national security initiatives.

Indian auto sales surged in November 2025, with Maruti Suzuki achieving record figures driven by strong domestic demand and exports. Hyundai and Tata Motors also reported significant year-on-year growth, boosted by GST reforms and increasing EV adoption. Toyota Kirloskar Motor continued its upward trend, showcasing the industry's robust recovery.

The Reserve Bank of India has launched the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) 2025-30, aiming to expand financial access and usage across India. This strategy, guided by five key objectives known as 'Panch-Jyoti', focuses on women, households, and micro-enterprises, promoting equitable and responsible financial products.

The Indian rupee fell to a new low of 89.53 against the US dollar on Monday, driven by increased dollar demand and trade deficit concerns. Limited central bank intervention and delays in the India-US trade deal further weakened the currency. Economic indicators also pointed to a slowdown in manufacturing and industrial output.

Indian markets mirrored global trends as US stocks dipped. Bitcoin's slide impacted crypto firms. Global bond yields rose, influencing investor sentiment. US factory activity showed a decline. Companies faced ongoing supply chain and hiring challenges. Investors watched holiday shopping data and corporate news.

Financial fraudsters are increasingly targeting small business and current accounts to move illicit funds, a shift from previous reliance on retail and Jan Dhan accounts. Scammers are exploiting easy access to business PANs and fake Udhyam certificates to open these accounts, which are then used as mule accounts to obscure the trail of stolen money.

Indian importers are securing substantial volumes of South American soybean oil for delivery in 2026, anticipating a surge in palm oil prices. This strategic move is driven by expectations of tightened palm oil supplies due to Indonesia's planned biodiesel expansion and concerns over global availability.

India's IPO market is buzzing with activity, with nearly two dozen companies set to launch public issues soon, potentially raising Rs 40,000 crore. This surge, driven by strong retail participation and domestic inflows, includes major names like ICICI Prudential AMC and Meesho. Experts anticipate a record fundraising year, highlighting investor confidence and a robust economic outlook.

More than two lakh private companies have shut down in India over the last five years. This includes companies closed due to amalgamation, conversion, dissolution, or being struck off. The government has no current proposal for employee rehabilitation. A significant number of inactive companies were removed from records. Reforms aim to simplify the tax system and promote business.

India's industrial output saw a slowdown in October 2025, registering a mere 0.4% growth compared to 4% in September. This dip is attributed to fewer working days during major festivals. While mining and electricity sectors experienced declines, manufacturing showed resilience, driven by key industries like basic metals and refined petroleum products.

Investor optimism is high as Meesho, Aequs Limited, and Vidya Wires prepare for their IPOs, opening December 3-5. All three are trading at significant premiums in the grey market, suggesting strong listing gains. Market watchers cite robust business prospects and anchor investor interest as key drivers for this positive sentiment.

Black Friday sales in India surged 27% this year, driven by strong performance in healthy food, beauty, and home categories. The global shopping event's popularity is growing, with increased online participation from smaller towns significantly contributing to the rise in order volumes.

Silver futures surged to new highs on the MCX, driven by anticipated US Fed rate cuts, a weaker dollar, and strong industrial demand. Experts see a significant technical breakout, with prices potentially reaching Rs 2 lakh by early 2026. Global markets also show bullish trends, suggesting further upside potential for the precious metal.

India's labour laws have undergone a major overhaul, consolidating 29 laws into four codes effective November 21, 2025. This reform aims to boost workplace safety, ease business, and formalize employment. Businesses must adapt to new wage definitions and extended social security, while navigating short-term challenges like cost recalculations and dual compliance environments.

Bitcoin experienced a sharp decline, dropping below $86,000 as December began with renewed selling pressure across the crypto market. Ether and other major tokens also saw significant losses, signaling a risk-off sentiment among investors. Concerns over meager ETF inflows and potential selling by large holders are weighing on prices, with traders eyeing $80,000 as a key support level.

Commercial LPG prices saw a Rs 10 per unit reduction, offering relief to the hospitality sector. However, airlines face renewed cost pressure as Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices were hiked for the third consecutive month. Petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged nationwide.

US tariffs have slowed India's manufacturing growth to a nine-month low, impacting sales and production. While exports to other regions remain strong, new export orders saw their slowest rise in over a year. India is negotiating a trade framework with the US to address these tariff challenges, though future output expectations have dipped.

Gold and silver futures opened strongly on Monday, buoyed by a weakening dollar, anticipated US Federal Reserve rate cuts, and a depreciating rupee. Silver futures reached a new peak, with analysts expecting continued strong momentum driven by global economic factors and currency fluctuations.

India's economy is reportedly growing at an impressive 8.2%, yet the IMF has assigned its national accounts a 'C' grade due to methodological weaknesses. This rating highlights concerns about outdated base years, price deflators, and data granularity, sparking a debate over the accuracy of the reported growth figures.