The Times of India

Public sector banks achieved a record profit of over Rs 52,000 crore in the third quarter. This marks an 18 percent increase year-on-year. State Bank of India led the performance, contributing significantly to the overall earnings. Several other banks also reported strong profit growth. The aggregate profit for the nine months crossed Rs 1.45 lakh crore.

The recent IndiaUS trade engagement signals deeper agricultural trade integration ahead. As markets open further, Indian farmers will be more exposed to global price movements both opportunities and risks.

Indian IT shares have plummeted, losing Rs 2.5 lakh crore as AI automation threatens traditional outsourcing. New tools from Anthropic and Palantir, capable of rapid SAP migrations, have spooked investors. Analysts predict a significant revenue hit, though historical disruptions have ultimately spurred industry growth. Investors are now cautiously assessing the sector's AI-driven future.

India has adopted a phased tariff reduction approach for select products under the India-US trade deal, allowing duty elimination over 10 years for some items. Highly sensitive agricultural sectors, including meat, dairy, and certain fruits and pulses, remain fully protected. This strategy aims to boost Indian exports to the US while safeguarding domestic farmers.

In line with expectations, the new Income Tax Act 2025, which supersedes the long-standing Act of 1961, will now be effective from 1 April 2026. The new Act was drafted with a valiant attempt at simplification of provisions by reducing jargon and using layman language instead for easier comprehension.

Gold experienced significant gains on Monday, reaching Rs 1.57 lakh per 10 grams. This surge was driven by a rebound in global markets, a weaker US dollar, and increased demand for safe-haven assets. Silver also saw substantial increases in futures trading, climbing nearly 5%.

Long-duration and gilt categories saw their gains of the past three months wiped out in a single day. Market experts now believe that Indias rate-cutting cycle is over.

The Supreme Court pointed out that, although anticipatory bail under Section 438 CrPC is not a fundamental right but a statutory right, the delay in dispensing bail applications by the courts constitutes a direct implication of Article 21.

India is poised to lead G-20 economic growth, with real GDP projected to expand by 6.4% in fiscal 2026-27. Moody's anticipates a stable banking sector, supported by improving asset quality, strong capital, healthy profits, and ample liquidity. Despite challenges in deposit mobilization, government support will bolster public sector banks.

Gold, silver price today: Gold and silver prices have rebounded on Monday after last weeks crash. The yellow metal and white metal are up both in international and domestic markets.

Stock market recommendations: Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd recommends the top stock picks for the week starting February 9, 2026. These are: SAIL, and Ventive Hospitality. Heres a detailed analysis:

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are likely to remain volatile this week, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. The expert shares his outlook for gold prices in the near term:

State Bank of India's stock hit a record high following its strongest-ever quarterly profit, driven by robust loan growth and steady margins. The bank reported a significant jump in net profit, exceeding expectations. Analysts remain bullish, citing consistent performance, asset quality, and positive future outlook, with several brokerages reiterating 'Buy' ratings and raising price targets.

The Indian Rupee strengthened against the US dollar today. This rise followed positive global news and excitement over a new India-US trade agreement. The currency had opened lower but recovered as sentiment improved. The deal aims to boost trade between the two nations. Strong domestic stock markets also supported the Rupee.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmarks, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened in green on Monday, rallying strongly on the back of India-US trade deal joint statement issued over the weekend, and US President Donald Trumps executive order revoking 25% penal tariffs.

Dubai offers a vibrant life but demands a significant income. How much money do single individuals need monthly for comfort? How much money do couples and families require given that rent, education and daily expenses are key cost drivers? Tax-free salaries are offset by high living costs, making careful budgeting crucial for a stress-free life in Dubai.

Asian markets rallied, led by Tokyo, following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's election victory and hopes for greater political stability. Wall Street's strong performance also boosted sentiment, with Japan's Nikkei jumping significantly. Investors are optimistic about potential fiscal support and tax reductions, despite concerns over public debt.

Overall, the Budget 202627 has been delivered with clarity, balance, and a longterm vision. It successfully addresses expectations across sectors

Stock market recommendations: According to Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical Research and Derivatives, SBI Securities, the top stock picks for the week are Bajaj Finance, and Larsen & Toubro. Heres his view on Nifty, Bank Nifty for the week starting February 9, 2026:

Commerce minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the nation's strong stance in the US trade deal. The focus was on boosting farm exports and safeguarding sensitive sectors like dairy. The agreement opens new avenues for Indian products such as tea and coffee. Concerns about feed ingredient imports are addressed with a limited quota.

Kotak Bank has denied media reports of submitting a financial bid for IDBI Bank, ruling itself out of the acquisition race. This development shifts focus to foreign bidders like Fairfax India and Emirates NBD, as the government aims to complete the sale by FY26. Valuation concerns are cited as a potential reason for Kotak's withdrawal.

India's auto component industry is poised for significant growth following a trade deal with the US, offering preferential tariff treatment and zero-duty access for certain Indian auto parts. This agreement is expected to boost export competitiveness, deepen collaboration, and reinforce India's role in global automotive supply chains, opening new avenues for export-led expansion.

Indian carpet exporters are witnessing a revival after a significant slowdown caused by hefty US tariffs. Buyers are re-engaging, checking inventories, and expressing excitement for upcoming industry shows. This renewed activity offers hope for regaining lost market share from neighboring countries and Turkiye.

State Bank of India has boosted its credit growth forecast to 13-15% for the fiscal year, citing strong momentum and broad-based growth across retail, agriculture, SME, and corporate segments. The bank reported a record quarterly profit of Rs 21,028 crore, driven by diverse income streams and efficient cost management.

EPFO is considering performance-linked incentives for fund managers, allocating more to those delivering better returns. This move, part of a new benchmark methodology for debt investments, aims to diversify equity investments beyond index ETFs. The organization manages assets worth Rs 30 lakh crore and will discuss these proposals soon.

Indian exporters, particularly in food and textiles, are cautiously optimistic following a US tariff reduction from 50% to 18%. While some faced significant losses and discounts, the revised trade deal offers a historic opportunity for increased exports and job security. Companies are now focused on rebuilding buyer relationships and exploring new market advantages.

Dalal Street anticipates a strong opening on Monday as the US-India trade deal nears completion. Positive sentiment is fueled by Gift Nifty's rise and recent constructive developments, including agreement on bilateral trade areas. Analysts foresee increased exports, job creation, and potential foreign investment, boosting market confidence after a volatile week.

Indian refiners have not yet received any formal instructions to halt Russian crude imports, they have been informally advised to begin scaling back purchases. Experts believe that while Russian crude may drop in the coming months, the chances of it completely disappearing from Indias crude basket appear slim.

Tiruppur's garment exporters anticipate a significant surge in shipments to the US, potentially doubling to Rs 30,000 crore within three years, following the new India-US trade framework. This expansion is also projected to create approximately 5 lakh new jobs in the textile hub over the next five years, boosting India's export competitiveness.

Syria and Saudi Arabia inked major economic pacts recently, launching a joint airline and a $1 billion telecoms project to rebuild war-torn Syria. These agreements aim to boost regional connectivity, enhance digital infrastructure and attract vital foreign investment, signalling a significant shift in the nation's post-conflict recovery and deepening bilateral ties.

India anticipates purchasing $500 billion in goods from the US over five years, a figure Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal deems conservative given the nation's expanding economy. This projection aligns with India's overall import demand, expected to reach $2 trillion, creating significant opportunities for US suppliers in sectors like aviation, technology, and energy.

Dubai's ultra-luxury property market is booming, attracting global investors. Navigating this hot sector requires more than just listings. Platforms like Bayut are simplifying the process by offering verified data, insights from Dubai Land Department records and connections to specialist agents. This ensures buyers make informed decisions on high-value properties, avoiding outdated or unavailable listings and securing the best opportunities.

Employees in the UAE facing redundancy must serve their notice period. Skipping this can lead to financial penalties. Employers also have obligations regarding notice. The law applies to both employer-initiated terminations and employee resignations. Job search leave is available during the notice period. Understanding these rules ensures a smooth transition.