India’s microfinance sector contracted in the first quarter after a previous rebound. Uneven monsoon progress weighed on rural demand and lender caution grew. The sector’s portfolio shrank four percent to ₹3.26 lakh crore by June end. Business usually slows during this period, but rainfall added concerns. Lenders remain cautious about growing loans due to uncertain patterns.
Yen finds footing after intervention, dollar near 6-week low on Mideast hopes
Currency markets took a breather as the Japanese yen gained traction, influenced by recent intervention measures. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar index lingered near its six-week
August 5, 2026