Category: Corporate

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Corporate

The Bank of Japan raises rates to 30-year high

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) raised its key short-term interest rate by 25 basis points to 0.75 percent on Friday, the highest level in 30 years. This marks a major shift from decades of ultra-low and negative rates, a policy aimed at stimulating growth and fighting deflation. The decision was unanimous and widely anticipated by markets.

Japan has been grappling with persistent inflation. Core consumer prices recently hovered around 3 percent, above the BoJ’s long-standing 2 percent target. The rate hike is part of an effort to normalize monetary policy while ensuring that inflation remains under control.

BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda said the central bank will make future decisions based on economic data, including activity, prices, and financial stability. He added that even with the current increase, real interest rates are still negative, leaving room for further adjustments if needed.

Financial markets reacted quickly. The Japanese yen weakened against the US dollar, while Japan’s stock market, the Nikkei 225, maintained its gains. Government bond yields rose, reflecting expectations of continued tightening. Global bond markets, particularly in Europe, also saw modest increases in yields.

Investors worldwide are closely watching the BoJ’s move. Higher Japanese rates could make the “yen carry trade” less attractive. This trade, where investors borrow yen at low rates to invest in higher-yielding overseas assets, has been a key factor in global currency flows. A reduction in carry trades may create more volatility in foreign exchange and financial markets.

The BoJ’s decision highlights the challenges of balancing inflation control with economic growth in Japan, an economy facing structural pressures like a shrinking workforce. Analysts expect the central bank to monitor upcoming economic data carefully to determine the pace of future rate hikes.

This historic decision signals that Japan is moving toward a more conventional monetary stance, ending an era of ultra-cheap money that has defined the country’s economic policy for decades. Markets and policymakers globally will watch closely for any ripple effects in currencies, investment flows, and borrowing costs.

Also Read: Vodafone Idea shares up 4% on Rs 3,300 cr fundraise

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Sensex up 460 Points, Nifty near 26,000 as markets open firm

The Nifty 50 hovered near the 26,000 mark in early trade, while the Sensex climbed about 460 points, as Indian equities began the December 19 session on a firm note supported by positive global cues.

Market sentiment improved after overseas markets moved higher, supported by easing concerns over interest rates following encouraging economic data from the United States. Asian markets also traded in the green, helping lift domestic investor confidence.

On the stock-specific front, Ola Electric Mobility and Atul were among the top gainers, posting sharp early gains. Heavyweights such as Bharti Airtel and Reliance Industries also traded higher, supporting the benchmark indices. Midcap and smallcap stocks saw modest buying interest, pointing to broader market participation.

Meanwhile, ONGC, Mahindra & Mahindra, Cipla, Eicher Motors, and JSW Steel were among the stocks trading lower, limiting further upside in the indices.

Overall, positive global signals and easing inflation concerns helped Indian markets begin the day on a firm footing, with investors cautiously optimistic about near-term trends.

Also Read: Sensex slips 78 points, Nifty ends flat

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Corporate

IndusInd Bank faces ₹2,000 crore accounting probe

The Government of India has asked the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) to investigate IndusInd Bank after auditors flagged accounting irregularities worth nearly ₹2,000 crore. The discrepancies cover several years, from 2015–16 to 2023–24, and involve potential errors in financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting of certain loans and fees.

Internal and external audits showed issues in the bank’s derivatives business and microfinance operations, including misclassified revenue and incorrectly booked income. Some key figures include ₹674 crore wrongly recorded as microfinance income, ₹595 crore as unexplained assets, and ₹172.6 crore mislabelled as fee income.

The Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has been conducting a preliminary inquiry since August after the bank itself reported the problem. Officials say the investigation has so far found no evidence of fund diversion, and statements have been recorded from several current and former employees.

SFIO’s probe will examine audit reports, RBI filings, and internal documents to check for account manipulation, misclassification, related-party transactions, or any misuse of funds. Former executives, including ex-CEO Sumant Kathpalia, former Deputy CEO Arun Khurana, and ex-CFO Govind Jain, have been questioned as part of the investigation.

IndusInd Bank has assured that it has enough capital to cover the impact of these accounting adjustments and is cooperating fully with authorities. The SFIO investigation reflects a wider scrutiny of governance and financial practices at one of India’s leading private banks.

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Sensex slips 78 points, Nifty ends flat

Indian equity benchmarks ended Thursday’s trading session on a flat and cautious note, with limited movement in either direction amid mixed global cues. The Sensex closed 78 points lower at 84,482, while the Nifty settled almost unchanged at around 25,816, as investors refrained from taking aggressive positions.

Markets opened on a subdued note after GIFT Nifty indicated a flat start, tracking weakness in US and Asian markets overnight. Sentiment remained fragile through the day, with global uncertainty and the absence of strong domestic triggers keeping indices range-bound.

Sector-wise performance was mixed. IT stocks emerged as the key gainers, lending support to the benchmarks as investors selectively bought large-cap technology names. Aviation and healthcare services stocks also traded higher. However, these gains were capped by selling pressure in pharma, auto, metal, oil and gas, media and capital goods stocks, which dragged on overall market performance.

On the stock-specific front, InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo), Max Healthcare, TCS, Infosys and Tech Mahindra were among the top gainers on the Nifty, supported by sector strength and defensive buying. In contrast, Sun Pharma, Power Grid Corporation, Tata Steel, Bajaj Auto and Asian Paints featured among the key losers, weighed down by profit booking and weak sector sentiment.

The broader market remained muted, with mid-cap and small-cap stocks showing mixed trends, highlighting a cautious risk appetite among investors. Market participants largely focused on selective buying rather than broad-based accumulation.

Also Read: Sensex flat at opening, Nifty below 25,850

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Corporate

Meesho tops India’s 2025 IPO charts with 95% rally

Meesho has delivered one of the most remarkable stock market debuts India has seen this year, quickly emerging as the best-performing large IPO of 2025. Since listing earlier this month, the Bengaluru-based e-commerce company’s shares have surged nearly 95%, reflecting strong investor confidence in its growth story.

Priced at ₹105–₹111 per share, Meesho’s public issue raised around ₹5,400 crore and attracted robust demand across investor categories. The enthusiasm has carried over into the secondary market, with the stock witnessing sustained buying interest in the days following its listing on 10 December.

The sharp rally has translated into significant wealth creation. Meesho’s market capitalisation has climbed close to ₹98,000 crore, adding an estimated ₹47,000 crore in investor value within weeks of listing. This performance places it well ahead of other major IPOs this year, including Groww and LG Electronics India, which have posted comparatively modest gains.

Beyond the numbers, the IPO has also marked a personal milestone for the company’s leadership. Co-founder and chief executive Vidit Aatrey has entered the billionaire ranks, as the value of his stake crossed the $1-billion mark following the surge in the share price. The moment underscores how Meesho’s journey from a startup to a publicly listed company has resonated strongly with the market.

Analysts attribute the stock’s strong run to Meesho’s asset-light marketplace model, expanding user base and growing appeal among value-conscious consumers across India’s smaller cities and towns. Brokerages have highlighted improving margins and scalable operations as key factors supporting long-term growth.

At the same time, market watchers caution that the stock may see bouts of volatility in the near term. A relatively limited free float, due to lock-in restrictions on promoter and early investor holdings, could amplify price movements until more shares become available for trading in 2026.

Even so, Meesho’s post-listing performance has become a bright spot for India’s capital markets, reinforcing investor optimism around digital-first consumer businesses and setting a positive tone for the country’s IPO landscape.

Also Read: Meesho founder Vidit Aatrey joins the billionaire club

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Corporate

Amazon to cut 370 jobs at its European headquarters

Amazon has announced that it will cut 370 jobs at its European headquarters in Luxembourg. This is the largest round of layoffs the company has carried out at this office so far.

The job cuts will affect around 8.5 per cent of employees working at the Luxembourg location. Amazon currently has more than 4,300 staff there. The layoffs are expected to begin in early 2026, after talks with employee representatives and approval from local authorities, as required by European labour laws.

Earlier, Amazon had planned to cut up to 470 jobs. However, after discussions with worker unions and the Luxembourg government, the number was reduced to 370. The company has also agreed to provide severance pay and support to employees who lose their jobs. Amazon said this support goes beyond what is legally required.

Reports suggest that software engineers, technical teams and corporate staff will be among the most affected. Many technology companies are cutting jobs as they increase the use of artificial intelligence and automation to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has said the company is trying to simplify its operations. Over the past year, Amazon has already laid off thousands of corporate employees worldwide as part of this strategy.

Despite the job cuts, Amazon said it will continue its operations in Luxembourg, which remains an important base for its European business. The company added that it will still hire for key roles where needed.

For many employees, the announcement has created uncertainty, especially for those who moved from other countries to work in Luxembourg. They may have limited time to find new jobs due to visa rules.

The move shows how even large global companies are changing their workforce plans as business priorities and technology continue to evolve.

Also Read: SEBI makes mutual funds cheaper for investors

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Ford cancels $6.5 billion EV battery deal with LG

Ford Motor Company has cancelled a $6.5 billion electric vehicle battery contract with South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, just over a year after signing it in October 2024. The deal had covered battery supplies for Ford EVs from 2026 onward.

LG Energy Solution said the cancellation followed Ford’s decision to halt production of certain EV models. Ford cited shifts in government policies and lower-than-expected EV demand as reasons for ending the agreement.

The batteries were to be manufactured at LG’s plant in Poland for use in several Ford electric vehicles, including commercial vans.

Following the news, LG Energy Solution’s shares fell more than 7 percent on the Seoul stock market. Analysts warn that losing this contract may make it difficult for LG to fully utilize its European factory capacity when production was supposed to ramp up in 2027.

Industry observers note that the move reflects a broader reassessment by Ford of its EV strategy, including scaling back some fully electric models in response to slower sales and changing market conditions.

Also Read: Warner Bros rejects Paramount, pushes Netflix merger forward

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Warner Bros rejects Paramount, pushes Netflix merger forward

Warner Bros Discovery has officially rejected a $108.4 billion takeover bid from Paramount Skydance, calling it risky and inadequately financed. In a letter to shareholders, the company’s board urged investors to turn down Paramount’s offer and instead approve the existing agreement with Netflix, which it described as a stronger, more secure deal.

Paramount had proposed an all-cash offer of $30 per share to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. While the bid appeared attractive in cash terms, the Warner Bros board highlighted concerns about its financing structure, noting that the deal was not fully secured and could be altered or withdrawn. This uncertainty, the board said, made the Paramount proposal inferior to Netflix’s binding offer.

Under the Netflix agreement, the streaming giant would acquire Warner Bros’ studios, the HBO Max service, and other assets for roughly $82–83 billion, including a combination of cash and Netflix stock. Warner Bros emphasized that the Netflix deal has solid financing and does not rely on uncertain outside funding, offering greater certainty to shareholders.

Paramount and its investors, which include the Ellison family and other backers, have argued that their all-cash bid offers immediate value and clarity to shareholders. Paramount has been actively reaching out to investors to press its case. However, Warner Bros cautioned that accepting the Paramount bid could trigger significant costs, including paying a breakup fee to Netflix if the current merger falls through, as well as potential debt and operational risks.

The board also noted that Paramount’s offer could lead to future restrictions on Warner Bros’ operations and financial stability, citing concerns over debt obligations and market conditions. The company stressed that shareholders should weigh these risks before making any decision.

No date has been announced for the shareholder vote on the Netflix deal, but analysts expect it could take place in spring or early summer 2026. Meanwhile, Warner Bros Discovery remains focused on completing the Netflix merger, which it believes offers the best long-term value and stability for shareholders and the company’s future growth.

Also Read: Nephrocare Health shares list at 7% premium over IPO price

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Sensex flat at opening, Nifty below 25,850

The markets opened on a subdued note on Thursday, with benchmark indices trading in a narrow range as investors remained cautious amid mixed global signals and the absence of strong domestic cues. The BSE Sensex was largely flat in early trade, while the Nifty50 slipped below the 25,850 mark, reflecting muted sentiment on Dalal Street.

At the opening bell, selling pressure was visible in the auto sector, which emerged as the key drag on the benchmarks. Shares of Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra & Mahindra declined, pulling the auto index lower. Weakness was also seen in select pharma stocks, with Sun Pharma among the early losers. Other stocks trading in the red included Tata Steel, NTPC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and SBI Life Insurance, adding to the cautious tone.

However, losses were partly capped by gains in select banking and IT stocks. State Bank of India (SBI) opened higher, while IT majors Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tech Mahindra traded with modest gains. Shriram Finance also saw early buying interest, providing some stability to the benchmarks.

Broader markets showed a softer trend, with mid-cap and small-cap stocks under pressure, indicating risk-averse positioning by investors at the start of the session. Market participants continued to track global market movements, foreign fund flows, and upcoming macroeconomic cues for direction.

Also Read: Sensex falls 120 points, Nifty slips below 25,850

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Corporate

Nephrocare Health shares list at 7% premium over IPO price

Shares of Nephrocare Health Services Ltd. made a positive start on the stock market on Tuesday. The stock listed at around 7 percent above its IPO price, signalling steady investor confidence.

On the NSE, Nephrocare shares opened near ₹490, while on the BSE they listed at about ₹491.70. The IPO price was fixed at ₹460 per share. The listing was in line with market expectations and supported by stable overall market conditions.

The company’s ₹871-crore IPO saw strong interest from investors. The issue was subscribed more than 14 times. Institutional investors led the demand, showing confidence in the company’s long-term prospects. Participation from non-institutional investors was also healthy. Retail demand remained moderate.

Nephrocare Health Services is a leading provider of dialysis care in India. It operates under the NephroPlus brand. The company runs one of the largest organised dialysis networks in the country, with over 500 centres across India and a presence in select international markets. Its centres operate both within hospitals and as standalone units.

The IPO included a fresh issue of shares and an offer for sale by existing shareholders. Funds raised from the fresh issue will be used mainly to reduce debt, improve the balance sheet, and support the expansion of dialysis centres. A portion will also be used for general corporate needs.

Market experts said the steady listing reflects cautious optimism around healthcare service companies. Such businesses offer predictable demand and long-term growth potential. However, future performance will depend on execution, cost control, and the pace of expansion.

For investors who received shares, the listing delivered immediate gains. Going forward, the stock’s movement will be shaped by earnings growth, expansion plans, and broader market sentiment.Also Read: KSH International IPO subscribed 21% on day 2