Private banks report mixed results as new CEOs clean up

Mumbai: India’s private banks showed contrasting trends in asset quality in Q2 FY26, with larger lenders maintaining stability while smaller players, particularly those under new leadership, reported setbacks in earnings. IndusInd Bank and Federal Bank, both navigating transitions under new MDs, did not post year-on-year growth in net profits as the chiefs accelerated clean-ups and…

Read More

Gold rally to continue? HSBC forecasts $5,000/oz in early 2026 amid sustained safe-haven demand; 2025 average raised to $3,455

HSBC on Friday projected that gold prices could surge to $5,000 an ounce in the first half of 2026, driven by geopolitical risks, economic uncertainty, and a wave of new market participants. As per news agency Reuters, the bank also raised its average gold price forecast for 2025 to $3,455 per ounce from $3,355, while…

Read More

GST rate cuts: 30 daily-use items see bigger-than-expected price drops; government monitoring prices

Post the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts effective September 22, prices of 30 out of 54 daily-use items monitored by the government have seen more-than-expected reductions, while others are yet to fully reflect the intended benefits. The government is working with industry players to ensure further retail price drops where needed.As per news…

Read More

Dhanteras turns record-breaking! Cars, electronics and jewellery see unprecedented demand; GST cuts, festive spirit fuel purchases

Dhanteras 2025 is turning into a record-breaking festival for Indian retailers, with strong demand across automobiles, electronics, and jewellery.Maruti Suzuki India expects to cross the 50,000-unit mark over the two-day festival, marking its highest-ever Dhanteras sales, said senior executive officer, marketing & sales, Partho Banerjee. “We are expecting around 41,000 deliveries today, with another 10,000…

Read More

Gold rush: Geopolitical tensions drive yellow metal gains, safe-haven flows fuel rally; what’s next for investors?

Gold’s rally this year has reignited investor interest ahead of Diwali, with the yellow metal emerging as one of 2025’s strongest-performing assets. Global uncertainties, dovish central banks, and safe-haven demand have kept prices elevated.“Gold has witnessed a parabolic rally since August 2025, soaring from Rs 98,500 per 10 grams to a fresh all-time high of…

Read More

‘Exploring resources’: After oil, India-Russia to tie-up on rare earth? How New Delhi aims to steer away from China’s monopoly

Indian companies are exploring potential partnerships with Russian firms to secure better supplies of rare earth magnets and critical minerals, as China continues to tighten its grip on global rare earth exports. Beijing’s increased rare earth export restrictions have continued to hit industries worldwide and in India, as it controls nearly 90% of rare earth…

Read More

Diwali 2025 bank holidays: Are banks closed for 3 days this weekend? See state-wise details

Diwali 2025 bank holidays: As the festive week of Diwali approaches, several states will see a string of bank holidays. However, banks will not remain closed nationwide for three consecutive days, with most closures being state-specific based on regional festivals. Is bank open today on Dhanteras 2025? This Saturday, October 18, banks across India will…

Read More