Topic
economy
Finance India's Finance Minister Sitharaman cites financial sector boom to woo Canadian investors
India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman invited Canadian investors to increase participation in India's growth story, citing robust scheduled commercial banks, rapid NBFC growth and a digital ecosystem that reduced access costs. She flagged 100% FDI in insurance, GIFT City and supply-chain alternatives as key attractions.
Business Inflation Is Heating Up, But Don't Expect Another Crisis, BBC Says
BBC News analysis finds UK inflation is set to rise to around 3.5% later this year after energy bills climbed in the fallout from the war in Iran. Yet food inflation remains at 1.3%, wages are outpacing prices, and economists do not expect another crisis on the scale of the war in Ukraine.
Business CMA Investigates Trainline, Virgin Atlantic and RED Driving School Over Drip Pricing
The CMA has opened a drip pricing investigation into Trainline, Virgin Atlantic and RED Driving School over concerns that mandatory fees are not shown upfront. Trainline faces alleged fees of up to £2.79 on train tickets, while RED Driving School's fees can exceed £7 per lesson. The watchdog can fine the firms or order customer compensation if breaches are found.
Business UK inflation rises to 2.9% in July as gas prices lift energy bills
UK inflation rose to 2.9% in the 12 months to July, up from 2.6% in June, according to the Office for National Statistics. The acceleration was driven by higher gas prices and Ofgem's 13% energy price cap increase, which added £221 a year to typical household bills.
Logistics Trucking Market Enters Multi-Year Recovery as 20–25% of Capacity Exits
According to a FreightWaves interview, RXO Chief Strategy Officer Jared Weisfeld says 20-25% of for-hire truckload capacity is likely to exit amid government enforcement and rising costs, signaling a multi-year recovery. Spot rates are already up 30-50% year over year, tender rejections remain at multi-year highs, and shippers are consolidating freight with fewer brokers. Weisfeld advises locking in capacity partnerships now as the market tightens through September.
Global borrowing costs hit fresh highs on inflation fears
Long-term borrowing costs across major economies hit fresh highs as inflation fears, rising oil prices, government debt levels and AI investment weigh on bond markets. US 30-year yields reached 5.33% and UK borrowing costs hit 5.85%.
Business India Ratings Raises FY27 GDP Forecast to 6.8% Despite El Nino, West Asia Risks
India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) raised its FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.8% from 6.7%, but expects a sharp slowdown from 7.6% in FY26 due to inflation, rupee weakness and El Nino risks. The agency also projected retail inflation at 4.9% and a wider current account deficit of 1.5% of GDP.
Business Job vacancies at five-year low as smaller firms scale back recruitment
Job vacancies in the UK fell to 707,000 in May-to-July, the lowest level in more than five years, as smaller firms scaled back recruitment citing labour and operating costs, according to the Office for National Statistics. The unemployment rate held at 4.9% and regular earnings growth picked up to 3.5%, with the ONS saying the labour market was 'little changed overall'.
Business Colgate-Palmolive India Signals More Price Hikes as Inflation Persists, CEO Says
Colgate-Palmolive India signalled further price hikes in coming quarters as commodity inflation from the West Asia war persists, according to Business Today. CEO & MD Prabha Narasimhan said the company has ring-fenced vulnerable consumers through grammage additions in small packs. The firm is also doubling down on premiumisation and has partnered with Bombay Shaving Company for Palmolive's D2C and e-commerce channels.
Business Colgate Flags Inflation Risk, May Hike Prices, CEO Says at Investor Day
Colgate-Palmolive may raise prices as inflation remains a concern, CEO Prabha Narasimhan said at the annual investor day call. The premium business is growing six times the market, while Rs 10 and Rs 20 value packs remain intact for budget consumers.
Logistics Data Center Construction Drives Truckload Freight Demand Beyond Headline Metrics, Analysts Say
Dr. Jason Miller and Ken Adamo argue that data center construction is generating significant freight volume that traditional metrics undercount. Air freight imports are up 17% year over year, while heavy equipment makers Caterpillar, Eaton, and Cummins report higher volumes. Capacity remains tight, with tender rejections around 13% and no major carrier entry expected until mid-2027.
Commodities E20 Petrol Row: Chief Economic Adviser Nageswaran Calls for Lower Ethanol Blend at Pumps
Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran has called on the government to restore lower-ethanol petrol such as E10 alongside the mandatory E20 blend, according to Business Today. The call follows consumer concerns over vehicle performance and damage, and comes as the Supreme Court hears challenges to the E20 policy. The Centre last month said it had no proposal to bring back lower blends, and has defended the programme as cutting imported crude dependence.
Business India Needs Faster Growth, Stronger Rupee to Reach $20 Trillion by 2036: Equirus Report
India could become a $20 trillion economy by 2036 if it lifts underlying rupee growth to around 14.2% and sustains annual rupee appreciation of 3-3.6%, according to an Equirus research report. The proposed 20-step reform agenda targeting services, GCCs, tourism and taxes could deliver a net annual gain of Rs 4.5 trillion. The economy, currently about $3.7 trillion, would need to expand roughly 5.5 times.
Commodities India's Record Horticulture Harvest Underpins Farm-to-Bottle Beverage Economy
India's total horticulture production hit 377.78 million tonnes in 2025-26, with fruit output up 3.25% to 121.48 million tonnes, according to Second Advance Estimates. The record crop is the raw material base for an Indian beverage market worth $14.95 billion in 2024, but monsoon, cold chain and groundwater risks remain, SLMG Beverages' Paritosh Ladhani says.
Now, tax amnesty for undisclosed foreign assets
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Business India Now Fastest Growing Major Economy, PM Modi Says in Independence Day Speech
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has become the world's fastest growing major economy in the last 12 years, moving from the 'Fragile Five' to a major economy. He set a 2047 goal of developed nation status during his 13th Independence Day address at Red Fort. No fiscal data or policy details were included.
Business Royal Parks Gardeners Vote to Strike Over 'Insulting' 70p Hourly Pay Rise
Gardeners employed by sub-contractor Idverde across London's eight Royal Parks have voted to strike after rejecting a 70p-an-hour pay increase that GMB called 'an insult.' The ballot recorded 75% turnout and 95% support for strike action, according to a BBC report.
Finance India's forex reserves climb to $707 billion, mark $14.1 billion jump
India's foreign exchange reserves rose by $14.136 billion to $707.002 billion in the week ended August 7, according to RBI data. The gain follows a $10.512 billion increase in the prior week and comes after measures including the FCNR(B) deposit scheme attracted about $40 billion in inflows, according to reports.
Logistics Splash Wrap: War, drought and broken infrastructure force shipping into the detour economy
Splash247's Splash Wrap documents how conflict, drought and failing infrastructure are rerouting global shipping. Ukrainian grain exports are down 76% year-on-year, DP World is losing about $100m monthly at Jebel Ali, and the Rhine is close to being cut in two at Kaub.
Business Wall Street moves toward all-time high as inflation moderates and oil prices drop
Wall Street advanced on Thursday as wholesale inflation eased more than expected and oil prices fell, lifting the S&P 500 toward a record high. The Dow gained 185 points and the Nasdaq rose 1%, while traders cut the probability of a September Fed rate hike to 35%.
Business US wholesale inflation slows to 4.7% in July: What comes next for Fed, consumers
US producer price index rose 4.7% year-on-year in July, down from 5.5% in June, while core PPI eased to 4.2%. The data is likely to factor into Federal Reserve discussions ahead of the September meeting, even as fuel costs rebound and consumer price growth outpaces wages.
Business UK economic growth slows to 0.4% in second quarter, official data shows
UK economic growth slowed to 0.4% in Q2 2026, in line with economists' expectations and below the 0.6% seen in Q1. The Office for National Statistics said manufacturing propelled growth, with some businesses citing good weather and sporting events as a positive effect in June.
Business Sitharaman: BRICS Economies Are Major Global Growth Engines, Private Capital Key
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said BRICS economies are among the major engines of global growth but face challenges in attracting private capital. Speaking at a New Development Bank seminar in Jaipur, she argued public capital should catalyse rather than substitute private investment, highlighting the role of multilateral development banks in reducing risk and boosting investor confidence.
Business Food Prices Push Up Retail Inflation to 4.45% in July
India's retail inflation rose to 4.45% in July 2026 from 4.38% in June, driven by higher prices of onion and ginger, according to NSO data. Food inflation accelerated to 5.52%, with onion and ginger inflation at 22.54% and 83.62% respectively. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra projected headline inflation to peak in Q3 2026-27, with CPI for the fiscal year at 5%.
Logistics Freight Rail Index Hits Near Decade High as Rail Traffic Outpaces GDP Growth
The Freight Rail Index has climbed to its highest level since 2008 after four consecutive months of gains, with North American rail traffic up 3.6% in Week 31. U.S. carloads excluding coal rose 4.7% in Week 31 and intermodal set a July record, driving a modal shift away from trucks. A U.S. District Court upheld the FRA's two-person crew rule, while Amtrak faces Midwest locomotive availability issues.
Business CPI data: Retail inflation moves up to 4.45% in July; stays above RBI's target for second month
India's retail inflation rose to 4.45% in July 2026, above the RBI's 4% target for a second straight month, with food inflation at 5.52%. The RBI kept policy rates unchanged, projecting full-year CPI inflation of 5.0% for 2026-27.
Business US Inflation Eases as Food Costs Cool in July
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that US consumer prices rose 3.4% in the year to July, down from 3.5% in June. Monthly inflation rose 0.1% due to housing costs, while food prices slowed and energy fell, offering consumers relief.
Business India July Inflation Accelerates to 4.45%, Unlikely to Alter RBI Rate Outlook
India's consumer price inflation accelerated to 4.45% in July, the second consecutive monthly reading above the Reserve Bank of India's 4% target, according to ET Retail. The print was nearly in line with Reuters poll expectations of 4.50%, while the RBI held its repo rate at 5.25% and cut its 2026/27 inflation forecast to 5%.
Business Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran to Step Down in February
N Chandrasekaran will not seek reappointment as Tata Group chairman when his term ends in February after the Tata Sons board failed to reach a resolution on a five-year extension. The announcement sent shares of listed Tata companies plunging and raised questions about leadership at the conglomerate, which owns Air India, Tata Steel and Jaguar Land Rover.
Finance Fitch Affirms India's Sovereign Rating at BBB- with Stable Outlook on Robust Growth
Fitch Ratings affirmed India's sovereign rating at BBB- with a stable outlook, citing robust growth prospects and strong external finances. The agency projects GDP growth of 6.4% in FY2027 and expects the RBI to raise its policy rate by 25 basis points to 5.5%.
Business Wall Street nears record high as inflation data awaited; oil prices swing
US stock benchmarks traded near record highs on Tuesday as investors awaited Wednesday's inflation report, while oil prices swung on uncertainty over Iran conflict and crude exports. Corporate earnings topped forecasts for Cardinal Health and Aramark, while Intel expanded its stock sale to $20 billion. Brent crude last quoted at $87.18, down 0.6%.
Business Direct Tax Collections Rise Sharply to Rs 8.11 Lakh Crore; Non-Corporate Taxes Lead
The Times of India reported that direct tax collections in India rose sharply to Rs 8.11 lakh crore, with non-corporate taxes leading the increase. The August 11, 2026 report by the TOI Business Desk provides the headline figure but no detailed segment breakdown. The page also includes personal finance calculators for loans, SIPs, PPF, FD, NPS and mutual fund investments.
Finance Fitch Retains India’s Credit Rating at BBB-, Sees Strong Economy, Warns on Fiscal Risks
Fitch Ratings affirmed India's long-term issuer default rating at BBB- with a stable outlook, the 20th consecutive year at the lowest investment grade. Fitch projects 6.4% GDP growth for the current financial year but warns that youth protests over employment could raise fiscal spending pressures.
Business India Sixth-Largest Economy at $3.92 Trillion Nominal GDP in FY26: Government
India ranked as the world's sixth-largest economy with a $3.92 trillion nominal GDP in FY26, according to a government statement in the Rajya Sabha. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary detailed the IMF ranking methodology, growth strategy, falling public sector bank bad loans, and unclaimed deposits of Rs 86,917 crore.
Logistics ISM at 55.6 Signals End of Freight Recession and Rate Upturn into 2027
According to RSM analyst Ryan Farlow, the ISM Manufacturing index hit 55.6, its highest in years, ending the US freight recession. Contract rate increases and substantially higher spot prices are reported across carriers, while capacity exits and driver shortages tighten the market. Data center construction slowdowns remain the primary risk, with roughly 500 municipalities enacting bans or pauses.
Logistics Freight Volumes Slide in July Jobs Report While Carrier Pricing Power Persists
The July jobs report revealed a 23,000 nonfarm payroll decline, missing consensus expectations, while SONAR freight indices show truckload volumes and rejections sliding. Despite softer spot rates, the Freight Pricing Power Index remains in carrier-favorable territory at 72, and contract rates are still near highs. Manufacturing expansion and rising diesel prices add crosscurrents for freight operators.
Business ITR Filing Deadline 2026: Penalties, Late Fees and Consequences of Missing July 31
According to Business-Today, taxpayers missing the July 31, 2026 income tax return deadline face late fees up to Rs 5,000, 1% monthly penal interest, and loss of carry-forward benefits. The report details who must file, the belated and revised return windows, and the wider consequences of not filing at all.
Business Centre Rules Out Diluting PSU Strategic Sale List, Tells Ministries to Work Together
The Centre has ruled out diluting the list of PSUs earmarked for strategic sale despite review demands from several ministries, according to The Times of India. The government has already raised over Rs 60,000 crore from disinvestment against an Rs 80,000 crore target, with IDBI Bank's privatisation being the next major test.
Finance LIC chief flags global turmoil pressure on insurance persistency and premium growth
Economic and geopolitical uncertainty is weighing on Indian household savings and insurance demand, with LIC reporting lower long-term persistency and cautious premium growth despite a sharp rise in first-quarter profit. MD & CEO R Doraiswamy pointed to seasonal factors and tighter household savings as key contributors.
Business AI Broadens India Office Demand Beyond Fortune 500, Embassy REIT Says
Embassy REIT reported a 17% year-on-year revenue rise to ₹1,241 crore in Q1 FY27, with 86% of leasing from new entrants and 21% from AI-related firms. CEO Amit Shetty says AI is broadening India's office demand beyond Fortune 500 companies to Fortune 2000, mid-market firms and smaller Global Capability Centres.
Finance India’s markets have strong domestic cushion, but global risks loom: Sebi
Sebi’s annual report 2025-26 says resilient domestic fundamentals will support Indian markets in 2026-27, but geopolitical uncertainty, high commodity prices and volatile foreign capital flows remain risks. The report follows a year of record FPI equity outflows of $19.7 billion and a ~14% decline in broader indices in dollar terms.
Technology AI Creating More Jobs Than It Cuts in India, Nomura Report Finds
A Nomura Holdings report analysing 69 anecdotes across Asia found that AI-related hiring is outpacing job losses in India, with 83,100 AI-related hires versus 31,921 layoffs and attrition. The report says India is 'ground zero' for assessing AI's effect on employment, though it cautions the findings indicate broader trends rather than absolute job numbers.
Finance India’s Forex Reserves Rise by $10.5 Billion to $692.8 Billion in Week Ended July 31
India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $10.5 billion to $692.8 billion in the week ended July 31, according to RBI data reported by Akashvani. Foreign currency assets climbed $8.7 billion to $564.6 billion, while gold reserves added $1.6 billion. SDRs and the IMF reserve position also rose.
Finance Wall Street rallies as 23,000 job cuts boost hopes of softer Fed policy
Wall Street traded higher on Friday after US employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs, boosting expectations that the Federal Reserve may have more room before raising interest rates. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%, the Dow gained 114 points, and the Nasdaq climbed 1%, while Treasury yields declined and Brent crude slipped to $82.07 a barrel.
Business US Employers Unexpectedly Cut 23,000 Jobs in 'No Hire, No Fire' Labour Market Reversal
US employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs in July, with the Labor Department revising May and June payrolls down by 103,000. Analysts characterise the labour market as 'no hire, no fire', with job security strong for existing workers but hiring and entry-level opportunities scarce.
Business US sheds 23,000 jobs in surprise July fall as summer slowdown deepens
The US economy shed 23,000 jobs in July, against analyst expectations of 80,000 new jobs, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics revised May and June gains down by 103,000. The unemployment rate held at 4.1%. The data raises questions over whether the Federal Reserve will change interest rates at its September meeting.
Business Kolte-Patil Developers targets ₹6,000 crore revenue from six MMR redevelopment projects
Kolte-Patil Developers expects a combined ₹6,000 crore revenue from six society redevelopment projects across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The Pune-based realty firm, in which Blackstone holds a 40% stake, plans to launch the projects within 6-12 months.
Business RBI holds repo rate at 5.25%, lifts growth outlook, cuts inflation forecast
The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% with a neutral stance, while raising the FY27 real GDP growth projection to 6.7% and cutting the core inflation forecast to 4.3%. Governor Sanjay Malhotra said greater clarity on inflation is needed before any policy action, signaling no immediate rate hike this year.
Logistics Rail Traffic Up 2.5% in Week 30; Industrial Strength Emerges Ex-Coal
U.S. rail traffic rose 2.5% in week 30, with carloads excluding coal up 2.1% for the week and 4% year-to-date, signaling industrial strength. Steel-related commodities surged, while chemical traffic slipped. The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger review remains on hold at the STB.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Consumers already bearing UPI costs via broader economy: RBI governor
RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra said consumers already bear the cost of UPI transactions indirectly through the broader economy, even when no merchant fee is charged. He called any decision on enabling merchant fees premature, while the government has proposed amendments to the law that barred fees and reports suggest a fee could apply to transactions over Rs 2,000.
Business India's services PMI falls to 53.3, hits 4.5-year low as demand, new orders lose momentum
India's services PMI fell to 53.3 in July from 57.4 in June, its weakest reading in 53 months, as new business inflows slowed on softer demand and intense competition. The composite PMI dropped to 54.3, while hiring rebounded modestly and selling prices rose at the fastest pace since April.
Business RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% Despite US-Iran Conflict and El Nino Risks
The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee, led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and retained a neutral stance despite global headwinds from the US-Iran conflict and trade tariffs. The MPC noted inflation is driven mainly by food and fuel prices with little broad-based pressure, while GDP growth remains robust. RBI cut its FY inflation forecast to 5% and raised GDP growth to 6.7%.
Indian economy to hit USD 5-trillion mark in FY29 as per IMF: FM
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Business Lower Minimum Age for MD, Whole-Time Directors to 18: Parliamentary Panel
A joint parliamentary panel has recommended lowering the minimum age for managing directors and whole-time directors from 21 to 18, and raising the maximum from 70 to 75 without a special resolution. The report also proposes special NCLT benches, CSR threshold retention, and a new framework for re-domiciling foreign companies to IFSC.
Business CEA Nageswaran: Free Is 'Most Expensive Word in Public Policy', Threatens Patient Capital
Chief Economic Adviser Anantha Nageswaran said that free is the most expensive word in public policy, warning at the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Summit that infrastructure built on free or below-cost services cannot attract patient capital. He outlined the conditions for durable returns: quality infrastructure, contract certainty, policy certainty, and pricing that covers economic cost.
Logistics July Manufacturing PMI Hits Four-Year High of 55.6; LTL Carriers Report Rising Tonnage
The ISM Manufacturing PMI jumped to 55.6 in July, the highest reading in four years, signaling sustained industrial expansion. LTL carriers reported July tonnage up 5.1% year over year, with ArcBest, XPO, and Old Dominion beating seasonal trends. Shippers face slower supplier deliveries and low customer inventories.
Business India's Manufacturing Growth Slows to Near 5-Year Low as HSBC PMI Dips to 53.5
India's manufacturing expansion slowed to a near five-year low in July, with the HSBC PMI falling to 53.5 from 54.2. The reading remained above the 50 expansion threshold, supported by resilient export orders and improved supply chains, though hiring and domestic demand moderated.
Finance RBI Expected to Hold Rates on Aug 5 as Economists Flag Inflation, Rupee Stability
The RBI is expected to hold interest rates at its August 5 MPC meeting, according to a Business-Today report. SBI's chief economist sees CPI inflation averaging around 5% in FY27, while Goldman Sachs expects the rupee to stabilise, reducing the need for a hawkish policy shift.
Business Lodha Developers to monetise 150 acres at MMR data centre park for ₹10,000 crore
Lodha Developers plans to monetise 150 acres at its data centre park in Mumbai Metropolitan Region for nearly ₹10,000 crore over 3-4 years, according to MD Abhishek Lodha. The company also reported a doubling of June-quarter net profit to ₹1,373.1 crore and reaffirmed ₹24,000 crore pre-sales guidance for FY27.
July GST collections up 15.4% to Rs 2.1 L cr on higher imports
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