Author: Staff Writer

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Corporate

HAL, GE ink $1 billion deal for 113 Tejas engines

India’s public-sector aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a $1 billion (₹8,900 crore) deal with US aerospace major General Electric (GE) to supply 113 jet engines for the Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets.

The engines will be delivered between 2027 and 2032, adding to an earlier 2021 order for 99 engines. HAL officials said 11 Tejas jets are ready, including four already fitted with GE engines, and the company aims to deliver 10 aircraft to the Indian Air Force by March next year.

The Tejas programme, which had faced delays due to engine shortages, weapon-integration trials, and radar certification, is expected to gain momentum with this agreement. The new supply will help boost Tejas production and strengthen India’s airpower at a time when the IAF’s fighter strength is below target.

The deal also marks a boost in India–U.S. defence cooperation, reflecting growing trust and shared strategic interests despite past trade frictions.

Also Read: US Visa rules toughen for health cases

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Beyond

China Exports Down 1.1%, US Shipments Dips 25%

China’s exports fell 1.1% in October compared with the same month last year, marking the weakest monthly growth since February. The decline was driven mainly by a 25% drop in shipments to the United States, affected by ongoing trade tensions and earlier tariff-related front-loading.

Imports into China also slowed, rising only 1% in October, down from 7.4% in September, reflecting weaker domestic demand. Analysts point to a slowing property sector and cautious consumer spending as contributing factors.

Despite efforts to diversify trade towards Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, the drop in US-bound exports has had a significant impact. Some optimism remains as recent talks between China and the US could ease tariffs, potentially supporting exports in the coming months.

Overall, China’s trade slowdown highlights the challenges posed by external demand weakness and the importance of boosting domestic consumption to sustain growth.

Also Read: Adani Kutch Copper ties up with Australia’s Caravel Minerals

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Technology

IKEA Rolls Out 21 Smart-Home Devices

IKEA has unveiled 21 new smart-home devices that work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home. The products are built on the Matter standard, which allows devices from different brands to connect and operate seamlessly.

The range includes smart bulbs in various shapes with dimming and color options, motion and door/window sensors, temperature, humidity, and air-quality sensors, water-leak detectors, remote controls, and smart plugs that can track energy usage.

All devices can be controlled via IKEA’s DIRIGERA hub, which also supports older IKEA smart products. This ensures easier integration for users without being tied to a single brand.

IKEA has not announced pricing or availability yet, including for India. The launch marks the company’s push to make smart-home technology more accessible and user-friendly.

Also Read: Jio Platforms Valued at $170 Billion, say bankers

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Corporate

Infosys Sets Nov 14 Record Date for ₹18,000 Cr Buyback

Infosys Ltd has fixed November 14, 2025, as the record date for its ₹18,000-crore share buyback, marking one of the largest capital-return exercises in the company’s history.

In a stock exchange filing, the Bengaluru-based IT major said it would buy back up to 10 crore fully paid-up equity shares of face value ₹5 each at a price of ₹1,800 per share through the open market route. The buyback amount represents around 2.41 percent of Infosys’ total paid-up equity capital.

Approved by the board on September 11, the buyback aims to optimise the company’s capital structure, improve return ratios, and reward shareholders. The programme is expected to be completed over the next few months, subject to regulatory clearances.

Notably, Infosys’ promoters and promoter group, who hold approximately 13.05 percent of the company’s equity, have chosen not to participate in the buyback. Market analysts see this as a sign of management’s confidence in the company’s long-term growth prospects.

This is Infosys’ fifth buyback since 2017, and the largest by value. The company last conducted a ₹9,300-crore buyback in 2022 at ₹1,850 per share.

Infosys said the move reflects its commitment to returning surplus cash to shareholders while maintaining a strong balance sheet. The announcement came amid steady demand for digital transformation services and stable margins in the IT sector.

Shares of Infosys traded slightly higher after the announcement, with analysts noting that the buyback could help improve earnings per share and support valuations in the medium term.

Also Read: SEBI Widens IPO Anchor Investor Quota To 40%

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Beyond

Gold above ₹1.20 lakh, Silver near ₹1.48 lakh

Gold and silver prices rose in early trade on Friday, supported by a softer US dollar and improved global sentiment.

On MCX, gold December futures climbed 0.27% to ₹1,20,939 per 10 g, while silver gained 0.6% to ₹1,47,938 per kg.

Internationally, easing Treasury yields and rate-cut hopes boosted safe-haven demand.

Analysts see gold facing resistance near ₹1,21,200 and support around ₹1,19,400, while silver is likely to trade between ₹1,46,000 and ₹1,49,400.

A decisive move above ₹1,21,750 for gold or ₹1,50,000 for silver may trigger further upside.

Also Read: Sensex down 550 pts, Nifty under 25,350, Airtel, HUL drag

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Corporate

Orkla India IPO lists at ₹750, 3% Up

Orkla India’s initial public offering (IPO), which opened for subscription from 29–31 October 2025, attracted strong investor interest but saw a muted debut on the stock exchanges. The IPO, priced in the ₹695–₹730 band, was entirely an Offer for Sale (OFS) of 2.28 crore shares, raising approximately ₹1,667.54 crore.

Allotment was completed on 3 November, and trading began on 6 November 2025 on both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Shares opened at ₹750.10 on the NSE, about 2.75% above the upper price band, and ₹751.50 on the BSE, roughly 2.95% higher. However, early gains evaporated quickly as the stock slipped during intraday trading, touching a low of ₹693.35 on the BSE, down 5–7% from the listing price.

Before listing, grey market premiums had suggested a 9% expected gain, higher than the eventual performance. Analysts say the strong subscription, around 48.73 times overall, signals investor interest, but the modest listing gain reflects a cautious market mood.

For existing shareholders, experts recommend holding for the medium to long term, citing Orkla India’s strong brand portfolio and growth prospects. New investors are advised to monitor post-listing trends, as any short-term correction could provide a better entry point.

Risks for the company include a concentration of sales in South India (70% of Q1 FY26 sales) and ongoing legal proceedings (124 cases) that could affect operations or finances. On the positive side, Orkla India benefits from established regional brands, a wide distribution networkof 834 distributors and 1,888 sub-distributors across 28 states and six union territories and exposure to India’s growing packaged-food market, valued at ₹10,180 billion in FY24 and projected to reach ₹17,120 billion by FY29.

Orkla India’s IPO highlights investor interest in branded convenience foods. Yet, the modest premium and early price dip underline the need to align expectations with market realities. While the long-term growth story remains intact, investors are advised to exercise caution amid short-term volatility and regional concentration risks.

Also Read: M&M exits RBL Bank with 62.5% gain

 

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Corporate

Anil Ambani Summoned Again on Nov 14

Anil Ambani, chairman of the Reliance ADAG Group, has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning on 14 November 2025 in connection with a money-laundering investigation.

The probe concerns alleged financial irregularities at Reliance Communications Limited (RCOM) and related group companies, where repayments of borrower loans were reportedly redirected to other entities, allegedly in contravention of sanction terms. Investigators say over ₹13,600 crore was diverted for loan evergreening, ₹12,600 crore channeled to connected parties, and over ₹1,800 crore invested in fixed deposits and mutual funds.

Earlier this week, the ED provisionally attached 132 acres of land at the Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City in Navi Mumbai, valued at approximately ₹4,463 crore. In all, the agency has attached assets valued at more than ₹7,545 crore in the case so far.

The bank fraud reportedly involves outstanding loans of around ₹40,185 crore, dating back to borrowings taken between 2010-12, some of which five banks have declared as fraud. The ED’s investigation remains ongoing.

Also Read: Porter Lays Off 300–350 Staff, Prepares for IPO

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Corporate

Qatar Airways Sells Cathay Pacific Stake for $897 Million

Qatar Airways has sold its entire 9.7% stake in Cathay Pacific Airways for around $897 million, marking a complete exit from the Hong Kong-based carrier after eight years of investment.

Cathay Pacific will repurchase the shares at HK$10.84 each, about 4% lower than its last closing price. Once the deal is completed, Swire Pacific’s ownership in Cathay will rise to 47.69% from 43.12%, while Air China’s stake will increase to 31.78% from 28.74%.

Qatar Airways had acquired the stake in 2017, becoming Cathay’s third-largest shareholder. The sale is part of Qatar’s strategy to rebalance its investment portfolio and strengthen its position for future expansion.

Cathay Pacific described the buy-back as a sign of confidence in its growth plans. The airline is investing nearly HK$100 billion over the next seven years in new aircraft, upgraded cabins, and enhanced lounge experiences.

After facing heavy losses during the pandemic, Cathay has shown steady recovery, with passenger numbers in September rising nearly 20% year-on-year.

Despite the divestment, both airlines will continue collaborating through the oneworld alliance, maintaining strong commercial ties even as ownership structures change.

Also Read: Sensex Up 300 Points, Nifty Over 25,600, Asian Paints, M&M Rise

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Beyond

Goyal in New Zealand for FTA Talks

Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has arrived in New Zealand to review and advance the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) talks between the two countries. This marks the fourth round of negotiations since the FTA talks officially began in March 2025.

During his visit, Goyal is meeting New Zealand officials and industry leaders to discuss progress and explore new opportunities for trade and investment. “I am delighted to be in New Zealand to review the progress of our FTA negotiations and explore ways to strengthen economic ties,” he said.

India’s trade with New Zealand reached about USD 1.3 billion in 2024–25, a growth of nearly 49 percent from the previous year. India mainly exports clothing, textiles, medicines, petroleum products, machinery, automobiles, steel, electronics, seafood, diamonds, and basmati rice. New Zealand’s exports to India include agricultural products, apples, kiwifruit, meat, milk products, coal, timber, and scrap metals.

The FTA aims to create a framework that boosts trade, investment, and technology exchange while supporting jobs and economic growth. Goyal’s visit highlights both political and business engagement, with a focus on building partnerships that benefit both nations.

As talks progress, both countries aim to finalise an agreement that strengthens economic cooperation and opens new opportunities for businesses and investors.

Also Read: India Nears Top Three Globally, FM Sitharaman

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Beyond

Gold Rises ₹300, Silver Flat at ₹89,500

Gold prices gained on November 5, tracking a recovery in international bullion markets as the US dollar softened and investors bet on stable Federal Reserve rates. Spot gold rose to about $2,365 per ounce, while on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), domestic futures climbed by ₹200–₹300 per 10 grams.

In India, 24-carat gold averaged ₹73,000 per 10 grams and 22-carat around ₹67,000 across major metros including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The uptrend came after a brief dip last week, as safe-haven buying strengthened amid geopolitical tensions and steady treasury yields.

Silver, however, remained unchanged, hovering near $27.6 per ounce globally and ₹89,500 per kg in Indian markets. Analysts said muted industrial demand and investor caution ahead of key US data kept silver’s movement limited.

Experts expect gold to trade in a narrow band in the near term, with festive demand in India and global uncertainties lending support. As traders await fresh cues from inflation and employment data, bullion may continue to hold its current gains through the week.