Arbitrage MF returns to face the squeeze with rise in STT

Arbitrage funds, popular with affluent investors, are set to see returns shrink by 25-35 basis points due to a proposed increase in securities transaction tax (STT) on equity derivative trades. The government’s budget proposal raises STT on futures sales, impacting the price anomalies these funds exploit. Despite this, their tax efficiency is expected to maintain […]

SGBs lose tax glitter after Budget 2026, tumble 8-10%

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) experienced a significant drop of 8-10% as investors shied away from the secondary market following the government’s withdrawal of tax benefits on capital gains at maturity. This move, coupled with falling gold prices, has prompted wealth managers to advise investors to re-evaluate their investment strategies.

US trade deal win may spark foreign buying rush in Indian stocks

Indian stocks are set to outperform Asian markets. A new trade deal with the US has removed a major concern for investors. This agreement is expected to bring back foreign capital. The Indian rupee may also see support. Early market reactions show optimism for the upcoming trading sessions. Investors are looking forward to potential growth […]

Stocks in news: RIL, Adani Enterprises, Bajaj Housing, PB Fintech

Indian markets showed resilience, recovering some Budget-day losses. Several key companies are under the spotlight today. Bajaj Finance and Adani Enterprises will announce their third-quarter results. RIL faces a legal challenge from the government. Eicher Motors reported strong January sales. Lupin launched a generic cancer drug in the US. Investors watch these developments closely.

Asian stocks climb with metals as volatility eases

Asian stocks climbed Tuesday, recovering from recent volatility in gold and silver. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose over 1% as precious metals rebounded and Nasdaq 100 futures gained on a strong sales outlook from Palantir. Positive US factory activity data boosted sentiment, signaling a potential manufacturing recovery.

DIPAM secretary: Rs 80,000 crore target high but achievable

The government aims to raise ₹80,000 crore through disinvestment and asset monetisation in FY27. DIPAM secretary Arunish Chawla expressed confidence in meeting this ambitious target. Plans are underway to unlock value from land assets of state-run firms by establishing dedicated real estate investment trusts. Industry feedback is also being sought for stake dilution in public […]

Manufacturing push key to strong rupee in long run: CEA Anantha Nageswaran

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran states strong manufacturing is vital for the rupee’s long-term strength. The recent budget includes measures to boost factory output. He emphasizes that manufacturing prowess influences currency strength more than services. Countries with robust manufacturing bases have seen their currencies retain strength over decades.

Tight fiscal room won’t affect infra creation capex: Expenditure secy

The government will maintain its focus on infrastructure development through increased capital expenditure, despite fiscal constraints and global economic uncertainty. Expenditure Secretary V. Vualnam dismissed concerns from states regarding the discontinuation of revenue deficit grants, emphasizing the need for states to manage their own expenditure. The Centre has enhanced funding for state-level capital investment schemes […]

Factory activity firms up in January amid weak outlook

India’s manufacturing activity saw a slight rebound in January, driven by increased new orders and output, though business confidence dipped to a three-and-a-half-year low. While consumer goods led the growth, capital goods lagged, and future output expectations weakened despite buoyant domestic demand and moderate international orders.

MoSPI to map economic impact of cooperatives

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation will launch a six-month rapid survey in April to assess the economic contribution of functional cooperatives across India. This initiative aims to estimate their gross value added, gross value of output, and employment generation for financial years 2020-21 and 2023-24, addressing existing data gaps.