Author: Staff Writer

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Corporate

Sensex up 427 points, Nifty near 25,900

Indian stock markets ended higher on Thursday, breaking a three-day losing streak. The Sensex rose 426.86 points to settle at 84,818.13, while the Nifty advanced 140.55 points to close just below 25,900. Positive global cues and renewed buying across major sectors supported the rebound.

Key sector indices including auto, IT, pharma, telecom, banking and metals finished in the green, signalling broad-based participation. Improved sentiment in global markets further boosted domestic investor confidence.

Stocks that drove the recovery included Kotak Mahindra Bank, Eternal, Jio Financial, Tata Steel and Grasim Industries. Their strong performance played a major role in lifting benchmark indices.

A few frontline stocks lagged behind despite the broader market strength. Bharti Airtel, Asian Paints, SBI Life Insurance, Bajaj Finance and Axis Bank were among the notable losers.

Midcap and smallcap segments also outperformed, reflecting continued investor appetite beyond large-cap counters. This wider market strength added momentum to the day’s upmove.

However, the rupee weakened further, closing near its record low against the U.S. dollar due to consistent foreign outflows. Currency pressure remains a concern for near-term market stability.

Analysts note that global market trends, foreign fund activity and currency movements will continue to guide sentiment in the sessions ahead.

Also Read: Sensex advances 100 points, Nifty edges above 25,800

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Leaders

Nestlé India eyes faster organic growth

Nestlé India’s newly appointed MD, Manish Tiwary, has laid out a strategy to accelerate growth through organic expansion rather than acquisitions. The company plans to focus on increasing household penetration and promoting healthier, high-quality variants within its existing product categories.

The company will increase advertising spending and introduce more items from its global portfolio to the Indian market, aiming to reach the Rs 20,000 crore revenue milestone faster. Tiwary noted that the current brand portfolio has “immense depth and potential,” so adding new brands is not an immediate priority.

Profit margins are expected to stay in the 22–24 percent range despite inflation, with a focus on digitisation across supply chain, sales, and consumer engagement to improve efficiency. While rural India contributes around 17–18 percent of sales, the company plans growth in both urban and rural markets with tailored strategies.

Tiwary emphasised that organic growth, technology investment, consumer-first agility, and enhanced advertising are central to the plan. He expects volume-led growth, supported by strong distribution, quick-commerce partnerships, and evolving consumer preferences for premium and healthier products.

Also Read: Instagram introduces “Your Algorithm” for personalized reels

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Corporate

TCS to buy US firm Coastal Cloud for $700 million

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services company, will acquire Coastal Cloud, a US-based Salesforce consulting and AI advisory firm, for $700 million in an all-cash deal. The deal is expected to close by January 31, 2026, after receiving the necessary regulatory approvals.

Coastal Cloud, founded in 2012, specializes in Salesforce consulting, multi-cloud integration, and AI-driven digital transformation. The firm employs around 400 Salesforce experts and recorded revenues of $132 million in 2024, growing to $141 million in the year ending September 2025. Coastal Cloud helps businesses across industries implement Salesforce solutions, improve customer experiences, and leverage AI for smarter decision-making.

This acquisition is part of TCS’s plan to expand its Salesforce and cloud services globally. The addition of Coastal Cloud will strengthen TCS’s position among the top five global Salesforce consulting firms and enable the company to serve both mid-market and enterprise clients more effectively.

TCS Chief Operating Officer Aarthi Subramanian said the deal supports the company’s “AI-led transformation strategy” and enhances its Salesforce expertise. Coastal Cloud CEO Eric Berridge said joining TCS will allow the combined team to deliver better solutions at a larger scale.

The deal follows TCS’s recent acquisition of ListEngage, a US-based AI advisory firm, in October 2025. Together, these moves highlight TCS’s focus on cloud, AI, and digital transformation services, reinforcing its position in the global consulting market.

The acquisition also brings TCS new industry experience and expands its client base in the US, a key market for Salesforce consulting. Analysts expect the move to accelerate TCS’s growth in digital solutions and strengthen its competitive position in the fast-evolving IT services sector.

Also Read: Adani Enterprises’ ₹25,000 cr rights issue exceeds expectations

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Corporate

Adani Enterprises’ ₹25,000 cr rights issue exceeds expectations

Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) has successfully completed its ₹25,000 crore rights issue, which closed on December 10, 2025, achieving 108 percent overall subscription. The oversubscription underscores strong investor confidence in the company’s strategic initiatives and financial positioning.

Under the rights issue, eligible shareholders were offered new equity at ₹1,800 per share, with an entitlement of three new shares for every 25 shares held. Payment for the subscription was structured in three tranches, with the initial installment collected at the time of application and subsequent payments scheduled in January and March 2026.

The public portion of the issue was oversubscribed by approximately 130 percent, reflecting robust participation from retail and institutional investors. The promoter group, holding approximately 74 percent stake, fully subscribed to its entitlement, demonstrating strong internal support for the capital raise.

Proceeds from the rights issue are earmarked for debt reduction, repayment of shareholder loans, and capital expenditure across key business segments, including energy, infrastructure, airports, data centers, green hydrogen initiatives, and metals manufacturing. The capital infusion will enhance financial flexibility, reduce leverage, and support the company’s long-term growth strategy.

Adani Enterprises’ share price recorded a marginal decline on the closing day of the rights issue, reflecting market adjustments following the capital raise.

This successful rights issue represents one of the largest capital-raising exercises in the Indian market in 2025 and reaffirms investor confidence in Adani Enterprises’ diversified business model. The company remains committed to leveraging the strengthened balance sheet to execute its strategic priorities, drive sustainable growth, and enhance shareholder value.

Adani Enterprises continues to focus on delivering long-term value to all stakeholders while advancing projects that contribute to India’s infrastructure and energy landscape.

Also Read: Mexico hikes tariffs up to 50% on Asian imports

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1 Minute-Read

IndiGo’s 10% cut barely trims flights

IndiGo’s planned 10% reduction in its winter schedule results in only a 2.35% drop in actual flights because the airline had not been using its full permitted capacity.

The DGCA had allowed IndiGo around 2,145 daily departures, but it consistently operated below 2,000 flights per day over the past year.

This means the mandated cut brings daily flights down only slightly, to about 1,931. Analysts estimate a revenue impact of ₹1,200–1,400 crore, or roughly 1.3–1.7% of annual earnings.

Overall, the headline cut appears steep, but its operational impact around IndiGo is limited.

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Beyond

Mexico hikes tariffs up to 50% on Asian imports

Mexico has approved higher import tariffs on products from several Asian countries, including India and China. The move is meant to protect local industries and increase government revenue. The new duties will come into effect in 2026 and will cover products such as vehicles, auto parts, textiles, plastics, steel, footwear, and clothing.

The bill was passed in the Mexican Senate with 76 votes in favour, five against, and 35 abstentions, after it was approved by the lower house. Most products will face tariffs of up to 35%, while some could see increases as high as 50%. The first version of the proposal included higher tariffs on around 1,400 products, but the final plan reduced duties for nearly two-thirds of them.

Officials say the tariff hike is needed to help Mexican manufacturers compete with cheaper imports from Asia. They believe the new duties will protect jobs, strengthen domestic production, and improve Mexico’s role in global supply chains.

The tariff increase is also expected to boost government revenue, with experts estimating an extra $3.76 billion next year. This is seen as an important step to reduce Mexico’s fiscal deficit.

The decision comes as global trade tensions rise and ahead of a review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Some trade analysts and business groups have warned that higher tariffs could disrupt supply chains, increase production costs, and raise prices for consumers.

Countries without free-trade agreements with Mexico, including India and China, are likely to feel the biggest impact, as higher duties could make their exports less competitive.

Overall, the move is considered one of the most significant changes in Mexico’s trade policy in recent years. It shows the government’s focus on protecting local industries while managing international trade. Businesses and exporters are now closely watching the changes and preparing for the impact of the new tariffs.

Also Read: Vi Business rolls out smart gas metering for CGD companies

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Corporate

Vi Business rolls out smart gas metering for CGD companies

Vi Business, the enterprise division of Vodafone Idea, has launched smart gas meters for City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies. The new solution uses digital technology to help gas companies manage usage more efficiently and reduce losses.

The meters are powered by Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), a technology that allows them to send data reliably, even from hard-to-reach areas. This means gas companies can now track usage in real-time, quickly detect leaks or theft, and ensure accurate billing. It also reduces the errors that happen with manual meter readings.

‘Lost and Unaccounted Gas’ (LUAG) is a major problem in the gas industry. It happens when gas is lost due to leaks, theft, or incorrect readings. Smart meters can help fix this problem by giving accurate information instantly.

The CGD sector in India is growing fast and is expected to use nearly one-third of the country’s total natural gas in the next few years, according to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). As the industry grows, digital tools like smart meters are becoming essential to make operations smoother and more reliable.

Arvind Nevatia, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at Vi Business, said, “Smart gas meters are changing the way utilities operate. Our solution helps gas companies save costs, reduce losses, and make billing more accurate for consumers.”

The new smart meters are part of Vi Business’s larger effort to bring digital solutions to India’s energy sector. They are designed to grow with the company’s needs, making it easy for gas operators to upgrade their systems in the future.

With these meters, CGD companies can improve safety, reliability, and customer trust. By combining technology with practical insights, Vi Business aims to support India’s gas sector as it becomes more digital and efficient.

Also Read: Fed cuts rates again, benchmarks at three‑year low

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Beyond

Fed cuts rates again, benchmarks at three‑year low

On December 10, 2025, the Federal Reserve (Fed), under chair Jerome Powell, reduced its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing the federal funds rate down to a range of 3.50 %–3.75 %,  the lowest level in nearly three years.

This marks the third consecutive rate cut this year, following similar reductions in September and October. The move comes against a backdrop of persistent inflation and a softening job market, with Fed officials noting “downside risks to employment” alongside still‑elevated prices.

Inside the policy‑making committee, the decision was not unanimous. Out of 12 members, nine voted for the cut, while three preferred either no change or a deeper 50‑basis‑point cut, highlighting divisions over how aggressively to stimulate growth versus guard against inflation.

Importantly, Powell cautioned that future cuts are not guaranteed. He suggested that rates may now be near a neutral point, signaling a potential pause, or at least a slower pace, in further easing.

Beyond rates, the Fed also committed to resuming short-term Treasury bill purchases to bolster liquidity in US money markets, a step not seen since previous crises.

Markets responded quickly. Major US stock indices rallied on the news, the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged nearly 1.3%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also posted strong gains.

That said, global sentiment remained cautious. The Fed’s mixed signals, an uncertain labour‑market outlook, and persistent inflation left many unsure about what comes next, making 2026 a year of close watching for investors.

Also Read: ICICI Prudential AMC IPO opens December 12

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1 Minute-Read

ICICI Prudential AMC IPO opens December 12

India’s largest asset management company, ICICI Prudential AMC, is launching its IPO on December 12, 2025, with anchor bidding on December 11.

The ₹10,602.65 crore offer is fully structured as an offer-for-sale, with Prudential Corporation Holdings offloading up to 4.9 crore shares. The price band is set at ₹2,061–₹2,165 per share, with retail investors allowed a minimum investment of ₹12,990 (6 shares per lot).

Allotment is expected by December 17, and listing on BSE and NSE is tentatively scheduled for December 19. The IPO’s GMP is reported at ₹119 over the issue price.

Categories
Beyond

Gold at ₹1.30 lakh, Silver near ₹1.92 lakh, per 10 grams

Gold and silver prices climbed across India on December 11, with both metals continuing their steady upward run driven by strong investor demand. In most major cities, 24-carat gold traded at around ₹1,30,480 per 10 grams, marking a modest but steady daily gain. The 22-carat variant hovered near ₹1,19,000 per 10 grams, reinforcing the broad rise across bullion categories.

Silver saw an even sharper jump. Rates reached ₹1,92,160 per kilogram, inching closer to the ₹2-lakh mark that analysts say may soon be tested if current global trends persist. Across cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, silver remained in the ₹1.91–1.92 lakh range, reflecting uniform upward momentum in retail markets.

The surge in precious-metal prices comes amid continued global uncertainty. With financial markets fluctuating and currencies facing pressure, investors are once again gravitating towards traditional safe-haven assets. Analysts note that gold and silver often gain in periods when risk appetite weakens, and the latest price action reflects that sentiment clearly.

Bullion dealers say footfall has remained steady despite the higher rates. However, jewellery buyers, especially those planning wedding purchases, are beginning to feel the pinch. Many are shifting to lighter designs or lower-karat options to manage rising costs. Traders also report that some customers are postponing major purchases, hoping for a correction later in the month.

For investors, the uptick reinforces gold and silver’s role as hedges against volatility. Experts advise monitoring price movements closely, as international developments could continue to influence domestic markets.

Prices are expected to remain elevated in the near term, with global cues, interest-rate trends, and currency movements likely to shape the next leg of the rally.

Also Read: Sensex advances 100 points, Nifty edges above 25,800