Equity’s not the only gold on D-St, ‘precious’ ETF flows double in Jan
Mutual fund investors significantly increased allocations to precious metals in January, with gold and silver ETFs attracting over ₹33,500 crore, surpassing equity fund inflows for the first time. This surge reflects performance-chasing behavior as gold and silver delivered substantial returns over the past year.
CRAs need to maintain additional net worth: Sebi
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) mandates credit rating agencies (CRAs) to maintain additional net worth for rating instruments under other financial sector regulators. This move follows industry representations to allow rating of unlisted securities and other financial products, potentially creating synergies and addressing market gaps.
Banks ease pace of hiring as tech, AI shoulder more tasks
Indian banks are slowing hiring due to automation, AI, and digital tools reducing the need for large staff increases. HDFC Bank added 5,000 employees in December 2025, reaching 2,15,000, while Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank saw declines in headcount.
Surplus liquidity fuels record parking in SDF
Banks have parked a record ₹4.52 lakh crore in the RBI’s Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) at 5% overnight. This strategy allows them to borrow funds at lower rates, around 4.27% from the TREPS market and earn a significant spread by depositing with the central bank. This reflects substantial surplus liquidity in the banking system.
Freedom To Act: Europe Inc pushes plans to list in India
European multinationals are increasingly exploring listing their Indian subsidiaries in Mumbai, driven by the vibrant domestic fundraising market and the prospect of an EU-India trade agreement. Companies in auto components, speciality chemicals, and clean energy are preparing for IPOs, signaling growing confidence in India’s regulatory framework and investor base.