Indian equity markets opened slightly lower on Friday, as investors awaited the Reserve Bank of India’s key interest rate decision.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will announce the repo rate at 10 AM after concluding its three-day meeting, keeping traders cautious at the start of the session.

At the opening bell, the Sensex was at 85,187, down 79 points or 0.09 per cent. The Nifty also saw a mild decline, slipping 12 points or 0.05 per cent to 26,021.

India’s gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow 6.7 per cent in 2026, 7 per cent in 2027 and 6.8 per cent in 2028, a report said on Thursday.

Lower inflation and resilient labour markets should continue to support consumer spending in most developed markets, the report from S&P Global Ratings said, forecasting stable global economic expansion of 3.2 per cent in 2026 and 2027.

Driven by robust domestic demand and tax reforms, Fitch Ratings on Thursday revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 7.4 per cent, from 6.9 per cent projected earlier.

The global rating agency said that private consumer spending is the main driver of growth in the country this fiscal, “supported by strong real income dynamics, increased consumer sentiment, and the impact of recently implemented goods and services tax reforms”.

For FY27, Fitch expects India’s growth to ease to 6.4 per cent with domestic demand remaining the key driver. According to the global rating agency, public investment growth is likely to moderate, while private investment should pick up in the second half of FY27.

Gold and silver prices slipped in the morning trade on Thursday, as investors booked profits after the US dollar strengthened against major currencies.

The demand in the spot market also remained weak, which added to the pressure on precious metals.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold February futures fell 0.13 per cent to Rs 1,30,288 per 10 grams.

“MCX Gold has extended its up-move and created a fresh high near Rs 1,31,400, and is now approaching its lifetime resistance zone at Rs 1,32,294, which continues to act as a key breakout hurdle,” experts said.

The Indian rupee continued its sharp fall on Thursday, sliding 22 paise and remaining well above the 90-per-dollar mark amid weak global cues.

The currency has been under pressure due to persistent equity outflows and the lack of clarity around the India-US trade deal, according to market experts.

The rupee opened weaker at 90.41 against the US dollar, compared to its previous close of 90.19. This decline came just a day after the rupee breached the psychologically important 90 mark for the first time on December 3, when it hit a new all-time low.

Indian stock markets opened weak on Thursday as pressure from a falling rupee and continued foreign investor selling kept sentiment muted on Dalal Street.

The opening also coincided with the weekly F&O expiry for the Sensex, adding to the cautious mood among traders.

The rupee hit a fresh record low of 90.56 against the US dollar in early trade, worsening concerns about capital outflows.

The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Article IV annual assessment of India’s economic framework released last week states that the country’s strong economic performance has benefitted from sound macroeconomic policies and earlier structural reforms. It further states that despite external headwinds, growth is expected to remain resilient, with inflation remaining subdued.

However, oddly enough at the same time, it has given India’s national accounts statistics, which includes key figures such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross Value Added (GVA), a C grade. Yet overall, across all data categories, India has received a sound B grade. There are four grades in total: A, B, C and D.

India’s fast-rising incomes have made buying a home far more affordable over the past decade and a half, with the country’s price-to-income ratio dropping sharply from 88.5 in 2010 to 45.3 in 2025, a new report said on Wednesday.

As average income levels have grown more than fourfold -- rising at around 10 per cent annually -- housing prices have increased at a much slower pace of 5–7 per cent a year, data compiled by Colliers India showed.

This widening gap has significantly improved the ability of Indian families to purchase homes across major cities.

India’s services PMI Business Activity Index rose from 58.9 in October to 59.8 in November, driven by robust new business intakes that fuelled output growth, according to the HSBC India Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey by S&P Global released on Wednesday.

The seasonally adjusted index rose to 59.8 in November, signalling a “historically sharp” expansion in output that was faster than in the previous month, according to the report.

“Employment growth remained modest with most companies reporting no change in payroll numbers. Meanwhile, India's composite PMI remained strong, though it softened slightly to 59.7 in November, reflecting a slowdown in growth of factory production,” said Pranjul Bhandari, Chief India Economist at HSBC.

 Gold prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) jumped on Wednesday, supported by gains in the global bullion market and the sharp fall in the Indian rupee, which touched a record low against the US dollar.

MCX gold opened 0.6 per cent higher at Rs 1,30,550 per 10 grams, compared with its previous close of Rs 1,29,759.

"A clean and sustained close above Rs 1,32,300 can propel prices toward Rs 1,34,400– Rs 1,35,500. Immediate support lies near Rs 1,30,000, while the stronger base remains positioned around Rs 1,28,400," analysts stated.

The much-anticipated Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting is set to begin from Wednesday, with the outcome on the key policy rate on Friday.

The three-day MPC meeting comes at a time when inflation is at an all-time low and GDP growth on a high trajectory path. The real GDP, adjusted for inflation, grew at 8.2 per cent in Q2 of FY 2025-26, against the growth rate of 5.6 per cent during Q2 of FY 2024-25.

Notably, inflation trajectory in October reflected a remarkable softening, underscoring the economy’s robust fundamentals and effective price management measures.

Economists and market experts say that it would be a close call on the repo rate at the RBI MPC.

The Indian rupee fell sharply on Wednesday, slipping past the crucial 90-per-dollar level for the first time ever.

The currency dropped to a new record low of 90.13 against the US dollar, breaking its previous all-time low of 89.9475 touched just a day earlier.

The decline in the rupee came amid weak trade and portfolio flows, along with growing uncertainty over the India-US trade deal.

These factors kept the currency under continuous pressure throughout the session.

The Indian stock market opened on a quiet note on Wednesday, with both benchmark indices showing minimal movement in early trade.

The Sensex inched up by just 12 points to 85,151, while the Nifty slipped 18 points to 26,014.

Most of the major Sensex stocks were trading in the red, dragging the indices sideways. Shares of HUL, Titan, Tata Motors PV, NTPC, BEL, Trent, Bajaj Finserv, Kotak Bank, Ultratech Cement, Maruti Suzuki, L&T, Power Grid, and ITC were among the top losers in the morning session.

India's corporate tax collection has more than doubled from Rs 4,57,719 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 9,86,767 crore in 2024-25, the Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Choudhary told in the Rajya Sabha, aid in a written reply to a question, that the RBI, in the article "Resilience and Revival: India’s Private Corporate Sector" in its monthly bulletin for October 2025, has stated that during Covid, despite contraction in sales, decline in raw material cost due to softening of commodity prices, subdued wage growth, along with the favorable base effect, net profit at aggregate level rose sharply by 115.6 per cent.

 The domestic equity indices ended lower on Tuesday amid profit booking, FII outflow and concerns ahead of the RBI's key policy meet this week.

Sensex settled at 85,138.27, down 503.63 points or 0.59 per cent. The 30-share index started the session lower at 85,325.51 against last session's closing of 85,641.90. The index declined further amid selling in banking, IT, and other heavyweights, touching an intra-day low at 85,053.0.

Nifty closed at 26,032.20, down 143.55 points or 0.55 per cent.

"Domestic markets continued to witness profit booking amid worries over the weakening rupee and persistent FII outflows. Meanwhile, the NSE’s sectoral index overhaul in line with SEBI regulations led to corrections in major banking counters," said analysts.

 A total of 11,222 MSMEs have been supported by Export Facilitation Centres in the country from 2022-23 to 2024-25, the Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has established 65 Export Facilitation Centres (EFCs) across the country to provide MSMEs mentoring, handholding support and guidance for undertaking export of their products and services, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, told the Lok Sabha in a written reply to a question.

"Separately, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has launched the Trade Connect ePlatform as a digital interface to provide exporters — including MSMEs — with information on trade agreements, country-specific market requirements, certification and compliance norms, buyer–seller connect services, and global e-commerce guidance."

India's inflation is expected to average just below 2 per cent in FY26 and to remain below the Reserve Bank of India’s 4 per cent target in FY27, a report said on Tuesday.

As the October inflation came in at 0.25 per cent, the report from HSBC Global Investment Research said that only one‑third of the impact of GST tax cuts has shown up in inflation so far and there is room for further decline in inflation.

"We don't think it's only about short-term GST tax cuts and low food prices. We believe the fall in core inflation in this cycle is more long-lasting than past episodes, and that this will influence monetary policy," the report said.

Indian stock markets opened with a sharp gap-down on Tuesday but soon recovered some losses as investors continued to book profits after the recent rally.

The Sensex was trading at around 85,508, down 134 points or 0.16 per cent, while the Nifty slipped 31 points or 0.12 per cent to 26,145.

"The Nifty's positional trend remains bullish, with strong support at the 26000-26050 zone. On the higher side, 26300 could offer resistance on a closing basis," market watchers added.

India's Gross Goods and Services tax (GST) collections reached Rs 1,70,276 crore in November, up 0.7 per cent year-on-year, driven by lower rates and overall policy reforms, the official data showed on Monday.

Total net GST revenue was up 1.3 per cent at Rs 1.52 lakh crore last month.

Notably, import-related IGST went up 10.2 per cent to Rs 45,976 crore, taking total gross GST revenue to Rs 1,70,276 crore, up 0.7 per cent from November last year.

Net collections from exports and imports grew 11.6 per cent to Rs 36,521 crore.

Total net GST revenue for the April-November period this fiscal went up 7.3 per cent to Rs 12.79 lakh crore.

A rebound in exports after two years will drive up the revenue of the Indian agrochemical industry by 6-7 per cent this fiscal, a report said on Monday.

The development will be supported by a favourably timed revival in global demand and normalisation of inventories, just as domestic offtake slows due to a protracted monsoon that impacted kharif season sales.

The industry's return to its long-term growth range of 8-10 per cent next fiscal, however, hinges on exports sustaining the momentum and domestic demand picking up, Crisil Ratings said in its report.

Since inflation is set to remain well below target for the foreseeable future, HSBC Global Investment Research on Monday projected that the RBI will cut rates by 25 bp during its monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting on December 5 -- taking the policy repo rate to 5.25 per cent.

Growth has been strong so far, benefitting from the front loading of government spending and GST-cut led retail spending.

However, the November Flash manufacturing PMI (56.6) indicated that GST-led boost may have peaked with the overall new orders coming in soft, said the report.

India’s manufacturing industry registered another round of impressive growth, with total new orders and output again expanding at above-trend rates, according to the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) released on Monday.

Registering 56.6 in November, the seasonally adjusted PMI – a single-figure indicator of sector performance – was comfortably above the neutral mark of 50.0 and its long-run average of 54.2, according to data released by S&P Global.

Falling from 59.2 in October, however, the latest figure highlighted the slowest improvement in operating conditions since February, the report mentioned.

Indian benchmark indices opened the new month at new all-time high on Monday, amid investor optimism around strong Q2 GDP growth at 8.2 per cent.

As of 9.30 am, the Sensex advanced 291 points, or 0.34 per cent at 85,997 and the Nifty added 86 points, or 0.33 per cent to 26,289.

The broadcap indices performed in line with the benchmarks, with the Nifty Midcap 100 up 0.28 per cent and the Nifty Smallcap 100 adding 0.58 per cent.

SBI, Trent and Tata Steel were among the major gainers in the Nifty Pack, while losers included Tech Mahindra, Tata Consumer, Titan Company and Bajaj Finance.

Already the world’s fourth largest economy, the nation is charting a confident course towards becoming the third largest one by 2030 -- with GDP projected at $7.3 trillion, according to an official statement.

India’s economic ascent continues to capture global attention and the current growth phase reflects the strength of decisive policymaking, structural reforms, and India’s deepening global integration, the statement added.

As per the latest data, the real GDP of India, adjusted for inflation, is estimated to grow by 8.2 per cent in Q2 of FY 2025-26 against the growth rate of 5.6 per cent during Q2 of FY 2024-25.

The Indian equity benchmarks made marginal gains for the third consecutive week, supported by positive global cues, robust domestic inflows and strong Q2 earnings.

Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex edged higher 0.34 and 0.52 per cent this week to close at 26,202 and 85,706, respectively.

Analysts said that global cues remained supportive, aided by softer US yields, renewed expectations of a Fed rate cut, and benign crude prices that helped temper inflation concerns.

Broader indices underperformed, with the Nifty Midcap100 and Smallcap100 ending the week down 0.11 per cent and 0.10 per cent respectively.

Private equity and venture capital investments in India touched $5.3 billion in October 2025 up 9 per cent month-on-month, driven by a tenfold surge in private investments in public equity (PIPE), a report said on Friday.

Sector wise the strong activity in financial services that recorded $2.9 billion drove the surge followed by e-commerce at $715 million, the joint report from Ernst & Young (EY) and Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) said.

In October, PIPE deals were the highest for $2.1 billion, up 981 per cent year‑on‑year, while start‑up investments followed with a total of $2 billion posting a 175 per cent increase on-year.

Ahead of India’s Q2 GDP numbers on Friday, Moody's Ratings said that the country is projected to clock 7 per cent GDP growth in 2025 and 6.4 per cent in 2026 due to domestic growth and economic resilience amid global disruptions.

The country will lead growth among emerging markets and in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, said the global rating agency. "India will lead growth among emerging markets and across the region, with GDP growing 7 per cent in 2025 and 6.4 per cent in 2026," according to a note by Moody's Ratings.

The average GDP growth in APAC is projected to remain steady at 3.4 per cent in 2026, compared to expected growth of 3.6 per cent in 2025.

According to the rating agency, emerging markets will drive GDP growth in the region, with average growth of 5.6 per cent.

Gold and silver prices rose in the domestic futures market on Friday morning as strong spot demand and expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut lifted investor sentiment.

During early trade, MCX gold December futures were trading 0.39 per cent higher at Rs 1,25,999 per 10 grams, while MCX silver December contracts were up 0.85 per cent at Rs 1,63,849 per kg.

“MCX Gold futures are now approaching a critical resistance zone between Rs 1,26,800 and Rs 1,27,500,” market watchers said.

“A decisive daily close above this band can trigger a fresh rally toward Rs 1,29,000– Rs 1,30,500 in the coming sessions,” they added.

As economists and industry wait for the Q2 GDP numbers to be released by the National Statistical Office on Friday, reports say that the economy may outshine the 7 per cent forecast for the July-September period despite US tariffs and overall weak global cues.

In the April-June quarter (Q1 FY26), the GDP growth was a five-quarter high at 7.8 per cent, and experts expect another stellar performance by the Indian economy.

India’s macroeconomic outlook remains one of cautious optimism, underpinned by robust domestic demand and easing inflationary pressures.

Growth is being supported by strong investment activities, recovery in rural consumption, and buoyancy in services and manufacturing, according to a latest SBI report.

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty turned positive on Friday after recovering from early losses, supported by buying on dips ahead of the key Q2FY26 GDP data, which will be released later today.

The Sensex rose 101 points to 85,821, up 0.12 per cent, while the Nifty inched up 35 points to 26,251, a gain of 0.14 per cent.

"The Nifty seems likely to stay within a defined range, with near-term resistance in the 26,300–26,350 area and support near 26,050–26,100; dips toward this support zone may offer fresh buying opportunities," analysts said.

Strong buying in heavyweight stocks such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Tech Mahindra, Titan, SBI, Maruti Suzuki, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Motors PV, and Sun Pharma helped the market erase its morning losses.

Various high-frequency indicators reflect that India’s economic activity has gained momentum following the reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST), according to the Finance Ministry’s Monthly Economic Review released on Thursday.

E-way bill generation expanded by 14.4 per cent during September and October 2025 on a year-on-year basis. At the same time, cumulative GST collection growth of 9 per cent for April–October 2025 indicates that the underlying revenue stream has remained resilient, aided by firm consumption and improved compliance.

Momentum was also evident in the production economy. In October, the manufacturing sector continued to show improvement, with the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to 59.2 from 57.5 in September. This increase was driven by GST relief, productivity enhancements, and investments in technology, the report states.

The confluence of well-anchored inflation expectations, sustained public capital expenditure, and firming rural and urban demand places the Indian economy on a stable footing, positioning it to navigate emerging risks and preserve its growth momentum through the remainder of FY26, according to the Finance Ministry’s Monthly Economic Review released on Thursday.

India’s overall macroeconomic environment remains stable, supported by easing inflation, resilient domestic demand, and continued policy momentum. The favourable impact of GST rationalisation is increasingly visible in consumption indicators, while robust agricultural activity — reflected in the strong onset of Rabi sowing and adequate reservoir levels — has reinforced the outlook for food supply and rural incomes, the Ministry's Review for the month of October states.

Indian stock markets continued their strong momentum on Thursday, with both the Sensex and Nifty hitting new record highs.

Investors remained optimistic as hopes of interest rate cuts in the US and India grew stronger, while steady buying by foreign investors further boosted sentiment across sectors.

The Nifty climbed to a fresh all-time high of 26,306.95, surpassing its previous record of 26,277.35 touched on September 27, 2024.

The Sensex also crossed a major milestone, moving past the 86,000 mark for the first time to reach 86,026.18.

Gold and silver prices fell in early trade on the MCX on Thursday as traders booked profits after the recent rally.

The decline came even as investors continued to watch for signals from the US Federal Reserve ahead of its monetary policy meeting next month.

During early trade, MCX Gold December futures were down 0.36 per cent at Rs 1,25,480 per 10 grams, while MCX Silver December contracts slipped 0.20 per cent to Rs 1,60,950 per kg.

Gold has support at $4130-4095 while resistance at $4195-4225. Silver has support at $52.65-52.35 while resistance is at $53.65-53.90, as per analysts.

Indian stock markets picked up pace after a slow start on Thursday, with the Nifty index touching a fresh record high.

The Nifty climbed to a new all-time high of 26,295.55, breaking its earlier record of 26,277 set on September 27, 2024. It took the index 287 sessions to reach this new peak.

The Nifty extended its recent gains, reinforcing the prevailing bullish undertone after a phase of consolidation.

"The index now finds strong immediate support in the 26,050–26,100 region, which has consistently acted as a demand zone. On the upside, resistance has gradually shifted toward the 26,300–26,350 band, where selling pressure is expected to emerge and potentially limit near-term upside," market watchers said.