economic times

The PFRDA is establishing a dedicated NPS fund-of-funds platform to invest pension money into selected alternative investment funds (AIFs). This initiative aims to position pension assets as a stable source of long-term capital for India's private markets. The regulator has clarified classifications and strengthened governance for alternate assets, enabling pension funds to invest confidently.

Silver's remarkable 2025 rally has propelled it to unprecedented levels, surpassing gold and most stocks with a 103% return. Analysts anticipate further gains, with domestic prices potentially reaching Rs 1.85 lakh per kg. This surge is fueled by expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts, a weakening dollar, and robust industrial demand, alongside a depreciating […]

Russia is keen to address India's trade deficit concerns and boost imports, aiming to shield bilateral commerce from third-country pressure. Ahead of President Putin's visit, Moscow highlighted plans to stabilize crude supplies and strengthen cooperation in defense, energy, and nuclear technology. Discussions will also cover peaceful negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict and counter-terrorism efforts.

India's Russian crude imports are set to dip following US sanctions on major oil firms, but a permanent shift is unlikely. Refiners are strategically sourcing from non-sanctioned Russian entities and other global suppliers. Despite temporary disruptions, India's demand for cost-effective Russian oil, coupled with emerging workarounds, suggests continued, albeit indirect, procurement.

Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell have pledged $6.25 billion to seed children's investment accounts created under President Trump's legislation. This significant contribution aims to provide an initial deposit for 25 million children under 10, fostering hope and opportunity for future generations. The program, set to launch in 2026, encourages long-term savings for education, housing, or […]

US equities saw a steadier mood as Treasury yields eased and bitcoin rebounded, helping major indices regain ground. Investors favored technology stocks, with MongoDB and United Natural Foods posting significant gains. This optimism countered a slide in Signet Jewelers due to a weak holiday forecast. Global markets showed modest movements, with South Korea's Kospi notably […]

As the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee meets, experts are divided on a potential repo rate cut. While strong GDP growth and easing inflation present opposing forces, some analysts believe a cut is possible to support growth. However, others anticipate the central bank will maintain the current rate due to economic resilience.

The Indian rupee hit an all-time low of 89.95 against the US dollar, driven by speculators and importers. Experts cite a strong dollar and delayed trade deal as key factors. While some foresee appreciation with a trade deal, others expect continued volatility around the 90-per-dollar mark.

SoftBank's Masayoshi Son revealed he 'was crying' while selling Nvidia shares, a painful but necessary move to fund AI ventures like OpenAI. Despite the emotional toll, Son emphasized the critical need for capital for future AI investments, dismissing concerns about an AI bubble and predicting its immense long-term economic impact.

EPS-95 pensioners hoping for a pension hike will likely be disappointed. The Labour Ministry confirmed an actuarial deficit in the Employees' Pension Scheme, meaning it's not generating enough to cover current payouts. This financial strain makes increasing minimum or maximum pension benefits improbable in the near future, despite ongoing demands.

Indian stock markets are poised for a constructive 2026, driven by an improving earnings cycle, strong domestic liquidity, and normalizing valuations, says Ajay Menon, MD & CEO – Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Which sectors should investors focus on? Will other emerging markets and even gold continue to outperform Indian equity benchmarks in 2026 […]

China has issued new general export licenses for rare earth shipments, easing months of disruption caused by tighter controls. This move, following the Trump-Xi summit, allows year-long permits for specific customers, particularly in the auto sector. While easing some pressures, differences remain between Beijing and Washington regarding the extent of these changes.

Investors who followed Michael Saylor's Bitcoin strategy are now facing heavy losses. Strategy Inc.'s stock has seen a sharp decline, causing leveraged funds tied to it to unwind. This has erased previous gains and is impacting asset retention for funds tracking the company's volatile Bitcoin bets.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.