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.

Indian benchmark indices opened in green zone on Wednesday after two days of consecutive losses, amid mixed global cues and investor optimism of a US Fed rate cut.

As of 9.30 am, Sensex advanced 231 points, or 0.27 per cent at 84,898 and Nifty added 66 points, or 0.26 per cent to 25,906.

The broadcap indices performed in line with the benchmarks, with the Nifty Midcap 100 up 0.47 per cent and the Nifty Smallcap 100 adding 0.50 per cent

Indian stock markets ended lower on Tuesday as investors booked profits after the recent rally, leading to a broad dip across major indices.

Sentiment weakened further after reports suggested that US President Donald Trump may consider imposing new tariffs on Indian rice, raising fresh concerns about unresolved trade negotiations between India and the United States.

At the closing bell, the Sensex closed at 84,666.28, falling 436.41 points or 0.51 per cent.

The Nifty also slipped and settled at 25,839.65, down 120.90 points or 0.47 per cent.

 India's financial sector outperformed major global peers with broadly positive outcomes amid geopolitical tensions, tariff wars and supply‑chain disruptions, showcasing resilience and stability, a report said on Tuesday.

Financial services sector recorded mixed year marked by growth, regulatory shifts, and sustained digitisation efforts across the ecosystem, said the report from Grant Thornton summarising how the sector fared in CY25.

Shares of leading Indian rice companies fell sharply on Tuesday, after US President Donald Trump hinted that he may impose fresh tariffs on agricultural imports, specifically targeting Indian rice and Canadian fertilisers.

The statement triggered immediate selling in stocks linked to the rice trade. LT Foods was the biggest loser, with its share price slipping 6.85 per cent to Rs 366.55.

Shares of KRBL also declined, falling 1.14 per cent, while GRM Overseas dropped 4.46 per cent.

Gold prices were steady in early trade on Tuesday, as investors stayed cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold February contracts were unchanged at Rs 1,29,978 per 10 grams during early trade.

"In the domestic market, MCX Gold (Feb) is trading near Rs 1,29,952, closely tracking the global uptrend while also receiving support from rupee weakness," market experts said.

Indian stock markets opened sharply lower on Tuesday as investors booked profits after the recent rally.

Sentiment weakened further after reports suggested that US President Donald Trump may consider imposing new tariffs on Indian rice, raising fresh worries about unresolved trade issues between Washington and New Delhi.

The Sensex slipped 380 points, or 0.45 per cent, to 84,723 in early trade. The Nifty also moved in the same direction, falling 124 points, or 0.48 per cent, to 25,837.

India’s micro, small, and medium exposure businesses (MSMEx) credit exposure up to Rs 100 crore stood at Rs 43.3 lakh crore in September, up 17.8 per cent year‑on‑year and flat on sequential basis, a report said on Monday.

Active loans grew 5.7 per cent YoY to 192.9 lakh, the report from CRIF High Mark said, highlighting a portfolio growth that is outpacing borrower expansion and a shift toward larger ticket lending and maturing customer profiles.

India’s market outlook is turning increasingly constructive, as resilient GDP growth, improving earnings expectations and supportive monetary policy begin to lift investor sentiment, a new report said on Monday.

The data compiled by SBI Funds Management noted that while near-term challenges persist, the overall environment for equities is gradually strengthening, setting the stage for a measured but steady improvement ahead.

Gold and silver prices fell in early trade on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on Monday morning, as traders booked profits after the recent rally.

The decline came amid weak demand in the spot market, although losses were limited because the US dollar weakened and investors expect the US Federal Reserve to announce a rate cut this week.

During early trade, MCX gold February futures were trading 0.04 per cent lower at Rs 1,30,409 per 10 grams. "MCX Gold remains within a rising channel pattern and is currently hovering around the Rs 1,30,300–Rs 1,30,400 zone, after facing rejection near Rs 1,32,250, which now acts as the immediate resistance," experts said.

MCX silver March futures slipped 1 per cent to Rs 1,81,600 per kg.

Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo Airlines, fell sharply in early trade on Monday, dropping 6.6 per cent to an intra-day low of Rs 5,015 on the BSE.

However, it recovered later as around 9:45 a.m., the shares were trading at Rs 5,159.50, down by Rs 211 or 3.93 per cent.

The sell-off came after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) extended the deadline for IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers to respond to a show-cause notice linked to the airline’s recent operational disruptions.

Indian stock markets started the week on a weak note on Monday as benchmark indices opened lower in the absence of strong domestic cues.

The Sensex slipped by 93 points, or 0.11 per cent, to trade around 85,619. The Nifty also drifted lower and was seen at 26,137, down 50 points or 0.19 per cent.

Analysts said that Nifty is expected to trade within a defined range today, with near-term resistance placed around 26,300-26,350, where profit-booking may emerge.

As the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) monetary policy committee cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent, home loan rates are poised to fall to levels last seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Borrowers can expect their home loan interest rate to decline by 25 bps to about 7.1 per cent as several public sector banks, including Union Bank, Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra, currently offer home loans at 7.35 per cent, according to multiple media reports.

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 25 bps repo rate cut and its dovish stance creates scope for further easing in FY27 if growth weakens, while ongoing foreign‑exchange depreciation could improve export competitiveness, a report has said.

The report from HSBC Global Investment Research welcomed the RBI's plans to infuse domestic liquidity in December, saying it could infuse about Rs 1.45 trillion of liquidity.

The RBI unveiled plans of Rs 1 trillion of open market operations purchases and a a 3-year USD/INR buy-sell swap of $5 billion.

India is steadily moving towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, driven by strong fundamentals, infrastructure‑led growth and resilient supply chains, M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, has said.

The last decade has been transformative, and initiatives like Jan Dhan and DPI have expanded financial inclusion from 21 percent in 2008 to over 80 percent today, Nagaraju said here at a conference on AI and digital public infrastructure (DPI), according to an official statement.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that after income tax and GST reforms, the next focus of the government is the simplification of the customs tax system.

Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit here, the minister said that the government has moved to a “faceless” income tax system online and now, “the same virtues will have to be brought to customs”.

She further stated that smuggling of illegal goods is still a serious problem.

Indian equity benchmarks made marginal losses after hitting record highs and three weeks of consecutive gains due to profit booking. However, the market ended the week in a bullish tone after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) delivered a 25 bps rate cut that lifted investor sentiment.

Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex dipped 0.37 and 0.27 per cent during the week to close at 26,186 and 85,712, respectively.

The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points on Friday received a strong positive response from economists, who believe the move will support growth at a time when inflation is at exceptionally low levels.

Experts said the policy action, along with the liquidity measures announced, shows that the central bank wants to use the current window of low inflation to strengthen economic momentum.

Rajani Sinha, Chief Economist at CareEdge Ratings, said the rate cut and the decision to maintain a neutral stance were in line with expectations.

The RBI’s monetary policy committee (MPC) on Friday slashed its forecast for India’s inflation rate for the financial year 2025-26 to 2 per cent -- from 2.6 per cent predicted in October due to the sharp decline in food prices and the GST rate cuts playing out.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said that “the MPC noted that headline inflation has eased significantly and is likely to be softer than the earlier projections, primarily on account of the exceptionally benign food prices. Reflecting these favourable conditions, the projections for average headline inflation in 2025-26 and Q1 2026-27 have been further revised downwards.”

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday raised its GDP growth forecast of the Indian economy to a robust 7.3 per cent for 2025-26 from 6.8 per cent earlier, on the back of an improved outlook driven by strong agricultural prospects, GST rate cuts continuing to play out, low inflation and strong balance sheets of corporates and banks.

Addressing a press conference after the monetary policy committee meeting here, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the surge in economic growth to 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of the current financial year and the sharp decline in inflation to 1.7 per cent had provided a rare “Goldilocks period” for the Indian economy.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced on Friday that the monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting has unanimously decided to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent from 5.5 per cent earlier to spur growth in the economy.

The RBI Governor also said that the Central Bank would inject more liquidity in the economy by undertaking open market operations with the purchase of government securities to the tune of Rs 1 lakh crore. Besides, the RBI would also put in place a dollar-rupee swap arrangement of $5 billion.

Malhotra said that the surge in economic growth to 8.2 per cent growth in the second quarter of the current financial year and the sharp decline in inflation to 1.7 per cent had provided a rare “Goldilocks period” for the Indian economy.

Gold prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) slipped slightly in morning trade on Friday, as investors waited for the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) monetary policy decision.

However, a weaker US dollar and steady demand in the spot market helped limit the fall in gold rates.

During early trade, before the policy announcement, MCX gold February futures were down 0.14 per cent at Rs 1,29,892 per 10 grams, while MCX silver March contracts were up 0.74 per cent at Rs 1,79,461 per kg.

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.