US stock futures fall on Apple warning, gold up
US equity futures declined as Apple warned of margin pressures, fueling concerns about AI investment returns. Gold and silver saw gains, while Asian shares edged higher. Investors are increasingly wary of the timing and profitability of massive tech spending on artificial intelligence.
Muthoot Finance raises $600 million via overseas dollar bonds
Muthoot Finance successfully raised approximately $600 million through a senior secured US dollar bond. The 4.5-year bond, secured against company assets, was priced at a tighter-than-expected 5.75%. This marks the company’s third overseas bond issuance in the past year.
No FDs please: Indian households’ financial savings strategy changes
Indian households are increasingly investing in equities and market-linked instruments. This shift marks a significant change from traditional bank deposits. The trend shows growing confidence in riskier assets. While equity participation is rising, the debt market remains underdeveloped. Developing the debt market is the next step for a robust financial system.
Strong local flows into funds offset volatile overseas money
Mutual funds, driven by consistent household inflows via SIPs, have become a cornerstone of India’s equity market, offsetting volatile foreign investor flows. Domestic institutional investors, including mutual funds and insurance companies, now hold a larger share of equities than foreign portfolio investors, marking a significant shift in market dynamics.
MFIs need to strengthen credit assessment, curb rising stress
The Economic Survey also noted that while private equity and venture capital funding has fuelled the expansion of the microfinance sector, it has also been accompanied by recurring stress, including over-lending and over-indebtedness.