Geopolitical uncertainties driven by the delay in the India-US trade deal have been the single-most important reasons for the rupee sliding against the US dollar, an SBI Research report said on Wednesday, adding that the rupee is likely to bounce back strongly in the second half of the next fiscal.

India’s trade data shows the remarkable resilience in navigating through prolonged uncertainty, more protectionism and labour supply shocks.

Despite ongoing global uncertainties, the medium-term outlook for Indian equities remains constructive, supported by domestic growth drivers and policy support, a report said on Wednesday.

The report from HSBC Mutual Fund said that India’s growth remains resilient amidst significant global macroeconomic challenges and resilience is expected to continue due to the softening in crude oil prices and other domestic factors.

Indian equity markets touched fresh all-time highs in November and clearly outperformed global markets, a new report said on Wednesday.

The data compiled by PL Asset Management said India emerged as a bright spot at a time when many global markets struggled due to weak technology stocks, fading enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and soft economic data from China.

Indian Railways has achieved a major milestone in clean energy use and by November this year, it has commissioned 898 MW of solar power for its operations.

This is a sharp increase from just 3.68 MW in 2014 and marks an expansion of nearly 244 times over the 2014 level.

At present, 2,626 railway stations are utilising solar power. This wide scale adoption is helping reduce energy costs, according to the Railway Ministry.

Silver prices hit fresh all-time highs on Wednesday, as strong global cues and rising expectations of interest rate cuts pushed the precious metal sharply higher.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver prices surged more than 4 per cent in early trade, extending their recent breakout rally.

During early trade, MCX silver was trading 3.38 per cent higher at Rs 2,04,445 per kg after touching a lifetime high level.

Indian equity benchmark indices traded on a flat note in early deals on Wednesday, as mixed trends in banking stocks kept investors cautious.

The Sensex opened 176 points higher at 84,856 but soon gave up its early gains and slipped into the red, touching a low of 84,649.

Indian equity benchmark indices ended lower on Tuesday as weak global cues and selling pressure in metal, realty and financial stocks weighed on market sentiment.

At the close of trade, the Sensex slipped 533.50 points, or 0.63 per cent, to settle at 84,679.86, while the Nifty declined 167.20 points, or 0.64 per cent, to end at 25,860.10.

“On the downside, the support at 25,870 was breached, intensifying bearish sentiment in the market,” experts said.

India’s long-term outlook remains firmly positive, underpinned by favourable demographics, policy continuity, rapid urbanisation and sustained productivity gains, a report said on Tuesday.

As 2025 draws to a close, Indian equity markets are sending mixed signals. Benchmark indices remain close to record highs, but beneath the surface, the picture is far more nuanced.

Smallcase Managers, in its report, said that valuations are stretched across large parts of the market, smaller stocks are under pressure, and investors are becoming increasingly selective about where they deploy capital.

India’s paints and coatings industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4 per cent till 2030, reaching nearly $16.5 billion in the next five years, up from $9.6 billion in 2024, a report said on Tuesday.

The report from Rubix Data Sciences (Rubix) said that the robust growth is supported by rapid urbanisation, rising disposable incomes, sustained infrastructure development and expanding housing construction.

Well stocked granaries, low oil prices and longer-lasting drivers of core disinflation are likely to keep India inflation benign in FY27 as well, according to a new report.

HSBC Global Investment Research said in its report that “we do not forecast more RBI repo rate cuts, but the risks, if any, are of more easing, if growth disappoints”.

November CPI inflation came in at 0.7 per cent (on-year), in line with market expectation. Despite a sequential uptick of 0.4 per cent (on-month), the annual prints remained depressed due to base effect.

Indian equity benchmark indices opened Tuesday’s trading session on a weak note, tracking negative cues from Asian markets.

Early selling pressure dragged both the Sensex and the Nifty lower in initial trade.

The Sensex opened nearly 200 points lower at around 85,025 and slipped further to trade about 300 points down in the early minutes.

India’s inflation rate based on wholesale prices remained in the negative zone in November, as prices declined by (-) 0.32 per cent last month compared to the same month of the previous year, according to figures released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Monday.

WPI-based inflation was (-) 1.21 per cent in the previous month of October and 2.16 per cent in November last year.

"The negative rate of inflation in November 2025 is primarily due to a decrease in prices of food articles, mineral oils, crude petroleum and natural gas, manufacture of basic metals and electricity,” the ministry’s statement said.

India’s retail inflation is expected to remain well under control in the third quarter of FY26, with headline CPI inflation likely to settle at 0.4 per cent, slightly lower than the Reserve Bank of India’s projection of 0.6 per cent, according to a report by Bank of Baroda on Monday.

The bank said easing food prices and stable core inflation have continued to provide relief to consumers despite some recent sequential rise in vegetable prices.

The report noted that CPI inflation continued to remain below the lower band of the RBI’s target range for the third consecutive month.

Retail inflation stood at just 0.7 per cent in November 2025, a sharp fall from 5.5 per cent recorded in November last year.

India is projected to lead major Asia-Pacific economies in 2026 with the GDP growth of 6.6 per cent and inflation at 4.2 per cent, according to a report released on Monday.

This growth will be supported by strong domestic demand, aided by monetary easing, tax reforms, GST rationalisation and lower global commodity prices, said the annual economic outlook for 2026 by the Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI).

“Favourable demographics, rapid digitisation, and technological advancements continue to position India among the fastest-growing major economies, driving expansion in global capability centres and Tier 2–3 cities,” the report mentioned.

Gold and silver prices rose sharply in early trade on Monday, supported by positive global cues and weakness in the US dollar.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold February futures were trading 0.72 per cent higher at Rs 1,34,580 per 10 grams during early trade.

Silver March contracts also saw strong buying interest and climbed 1.36 per cent to Rs 1,95,466 per kg.

Indian stock markets opened on a weak note on Monday as a subdued global market mood affected investor sentiment.

During early trade, the Sensex slipped nearly 280 points in early trade to hover around 84,989, marking a fall of about 0.33 per cent. The Nifty also started the day lower, trading near 25,966, down 81 points or 0.31 per cent.

Commenting on the technical outlook, experts said that the support is placed around 25,850–25,900.

The reduction in goods and services tax (GST) is expected to cut consumer price index (CPI) inflation by roughly 25 basis points in the September–November 2025 period and could reduce 35 basis points this fiscal (FY26), a new report has said.

The report from State Bank of India (SBI) said that Q1 FY27 inflation forecasts were lowered by about 100 basis points to 3.9 per cent from 4.9 per cent. The Q3 FY26 estimate was revised to 3.8 per cent from an earlier 0.6 per cent, it added.

Indian equity benchmarks made marginal losses during the week amid sustained FII outflows and uncertainty surrounding the US-India trade negotiations.

However, the market ended the week in a bullish tone with Nifty surging 0.57 per cent on the last trading day after the US Federal Reserve announced a 25-bps rate cut.

Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex dipped 0.36 and 0.17 per cent during the week to close at 26,046 and 85,267, respectively.

The consumer price index (CPI) inflation is likely to average 2.5 per cent this fiscal (FY26) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will stay data dependent on future rate decisions, especially amid an uncertain global backdrop, according to a Crisil report.

Inflation based on CPI quickened to 0.7 per cent in November from 0.3 per cent in October, driven by the slower pace of deflation in the food and beverages category and a pick-up in fuel and light inflation.

Core inflation excluding gold — a better indicator for measuring demand-side price pressures and assessing the impact of goods and services tax (GST) rationalisation — eased slightly again in November (2.5 per cent compared to 2.6 per cent).

Indian stock markets gained for the second straight session on Friday, supported by a strong global rally and heavy buying in metal stocks.

Sentiment also improved after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump on Thursday to discuss strengthening economic ties, as both countries continue working toward a trade agreement.

At the closing bell, the Sensex had risen 449.53 points, or 0.53 per cent, to 85,267.66.

India’s gem and jewellery exports rose 19 per cent in November to $2.52 billion from $2.09 billion a year earlier, driven by gains in cut and polished diamonds, gold, silver and platinum jewellery.

The YoY improvement in November was due to a low base from November 2024, when Diwali holidays closed many manufacturing units. Exporters also attributed the growth during November to strong Christmas demand in the US and China, multiple media reports said.

However, for the April–November period, overall growth remains muted as the exports were flat at $18.86 billion in 2025 compared to $18.85 billion in 2024.

The rupee fell to a new record low in early trade on Friday, slipping 24 paise to 90.56 against the US dollar.

The currency came under pressure as uncertainty around the India-US trade deal and continued foreign fund outflows hurt market sentiment.

According to forex traders, the rupee is weakening mainly because importers are aggressively buying dollars amid rising global prices of precious metals.

The strong demand for the US currency is adding to the pressure on the rupee.

Gold prices inched up on Friday morning, while silver slipped as traders booked profits after the metal hit a fresh record high on the MCX.

During early trade, MCX gold futures for February were trading 0.10 per cent higher at Rs 1,32,599 per 10 grams.

"MCX Gold has broken out to lifetime highs, trading near Rs 1,32,776 inside a tightening ascending wedge with firm support at Rs 1,31,400," analysts stated.

"The next resistance zone opens the momentum leg toward Rs 1,34,000 and above," they added.

Indian stock markets opened on a strong note on Friday, taking cues from a global market rally and rising optimism that an India–US trade deal may soon be finalised.

The positive sentiment strengthened further after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump on Thursday, with both leaders discussing ways to boost economic ties as officials continue negotiations on a trade agreement.

Gold outperformed most asset classes over the long term, delivering a compounded annual return of 15 per cent in rupee terms over 20 years, compared with 13.5 per cent for Indian equities as per Nifty 50 returns, a report said on Thursday.

The FundsIndia report showed that real estate returned 7.8 per cent and debt delivered 7.6 per cent over the period, with Indian equities’ 20‑year return trailing the 14.8 per cent return from US equities as per the S&P 500 returns.

SIP inflows in November remained almost steady at Rs 29,445 crore, slightly lower than the Rs 29,529 crore recorded in October, according to data released by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) on Thursday.

Despite this minor dip, overall investor participation in mutual funds stayed strong during the month.

Net equity inflows saw a healthy rise, increasing to Rs 29,894 crore in November from Rs 24,671 crore in October.

Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India are poised to reach $105 billion by 2030 as the sector expands into higher‑value research and development, driven by government policy and talent, the government data showed on Thursday.

The country now hosts over 1,700 GCCs that together earned $64.6 billion in FY24 and employ over 19 lakh professionals, up from $40.4 billion in FY19 at 9.8 per cent annually, according to an official statement.

Equity mutual funds saw a strong rise in investor interest in November, with inflows jumping 21 per cent on a monthly basis, according to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) on Thursday.

According to the latest data, equity inflows stood at Rs 29,911 crore in November, compared to Rs 24,690 crore in October.

However, on a yearly basis, inflows were down 17 per cent from Rs 35,943 crore recorded in November 2024.

 About 80 per cent of rural households have consistently reported higher consumption over the last year -- a hallmark of rising prosperity, a NABARD survey showed on Thursday.

About 67.3 per cent of monthly income is now spent on consumption, the highest share since the survey began, aided by GST rate rationalisation. This demonstrates strong, broad-based demand - not sporadic or concentrated in specific segments, according to a statement from Finance Ministry.

The government has informed that freight loading increased from 1,233 million tonnes (MT) in 2020-21 to 1,617 MT in 2024-25, making Indian Railways second largest freight carrying Railways in the world.

To keep the freight rate competitive, the freight rates have not been revised since 2018 despite increase in input cost over the years, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

“Passenger fares have been rationalised from July 1, 2025 after a gap of more than 5 years. The increase in fares is very low, ranging from half paise per km to two paise per km for premium classes,” said Vaishnaw in replies to questions in Lok Sabha.

Indian stock markets opened on a volatile note on Thursday, swinging between gains and losses even as the US Federal Reserve announced a 25-basis-point rate cut on Wednesday.

The Sensex, which began the day slightly higher, soon slipped into the red and was trading at 84,312 during early trade, down 79 points or 0.09 per cent. The Nifty also erased its early gains and inched down to 25,750, lower by 8 points or 0.03 per cent.

"From a technical standpoint, Nifty holds immediate support at 25,600–25,650, while the 25,850–25,900 zone continues to act as a strong resistance that has repeatedly halted upward momentum," analysts said.

The Bombay Stock Exchange's (BSE) subsidiary BSE Index Service on Wednesday announced the launch of four new factor Indices from the universe of BSE large-cap total market capitalisation (TMC) index with 5 per cent stock level capping.

The newly introduced indices are BSE large-cap 100 momentum 30, BSE large-cap 100 low volatility 30, BSE large-cap 100 enhanced value 30, and BSE large-cap 100 quality 30.

"BSE Index Services Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of BSE, today announced the launch of 4 new BSE factor indices from the BSE 100 large cap TMC index as the universe with 5 per cent stock level capping," the exchange said in a press release.

 Assets under management (AUM) of vehicle loans at India's non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) is projected to grow at a steady 16-17 per cent annually over the current and next fiscals to Rs 11 lakh crore by the end of March in 2027, supported by policy measures and macroeconomic tailwinds, a report said on Wednesday.

While sub-segments of vehicle loans will see differential growth trends, the growth of used vehicle loans will continue to outpace that of new vehicle loans.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra has urged Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of public and select private banks to lower intermediation costs and improve operational efficiency citing the 125 basis points (bps) policy rate reduction since February.

“The governor noted that the 125 basis point easing, combined with greater use of technology, should translate into lower intermediation costs and higher efficiency, thereby supporting sustainable growth and deeper financial inclusion,” the official statement from RBI said.

Indian companies have built an initial public offering (IPO) pipeline exceeding Rs 2.55 lakh crore for the coming calendar year as firms rush to tap buoyant investor demand.

For 2026, 88 companies have secured SEBI approval to float IPOs worth around Rs 1.16 lakh crore, while another 104 await clearance to raise nearly Rs 1.4 lakh crore.

The surge is also reflected in an unprecedented 244 draft red herring prospectuses filed in 2025, far higher than 157 filings in 2024, as per data.