HCL Tech has painted a better picture for the year

HCL Tech exceeded expectations in Q3FY25, reporting robust net profit and margin growth, despite slightly below-estimate dollar revenue growth. The company raised its FY25 revenue guidance and maintained a lead over TCS in revenue growth metrics.

LIC’s weak show weighs on Life Insurers’ Dec biz

The life insurance industry saw a 4.8% year-on-year growth in Retail Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) for December 2024, hindered by a 13% decline in LIC’s Retail APE due to new surrender regulations, while private sector growth rose by 11.4%. SBI Life led as the fastest-growing private insurer.

Liquidity the bigger worry, not rupee fall

The weakening rupee is unlikely to significantly impact India’s trade balance, inflation, or growth prospects despite hurting importers. Limited commodity price rises and weak global growth, especially in China, help mitigate imported inflation. Excessive rupee interventions may hinder growth and further strain forex reserves and liquidity.

IndusInd Bank to gain weight on MSCI Index

The private lender’s latest shareholding data show that foreign portfolio investors reduced their stake to 46.63% in December from 55.53% in September. This reduction has pushed the foreign headroom comfortably above the 25% threshold, with MSCI currently applying a half-float factor,