The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved JSW Paints’ acquisition of a 74.76% stake in Akzo Nobel India for ₹12,915 crore. This deal will position JSW Paints as the fourth-largest player in the Indian paint industry. Additionally, CCI cleared Triumph Composites and Quartz Fibre’s acquisition of Owens-Corning (India), covering specific glass fibre products.
Amidst political scrutiny, the US Federal Reserve convened its latest policy meeting with newly appointed governor Stephen Miran, a former Trump advisor. Expected to deliver the first interest rate cut of 2025, the FOMC faces pressure to address a weakening job market despite persistent inflation.
Jindal Steel International has made a non-binding offer to acquire Thyssenkrupp’s struggling steel division, potentially reshaping the European steel market. Thyssenkrupp is carefully reviewing the proposal, considering implications for jobs, as it seeks to offload the steel business. Jindal aims to transform Thyssenkrupp into a leading low-emission steel producer, aligning with the German company’s green…
India is aggressively pursuing critical minerals for its energy transition. The National Critical Mineral Mission is central to this effort. Khanij Bidesh India Limited is negotiating deals in Zambia and Chile. This follows lithium block acquisitions in Argentina. India has MoUs with Japan, Peru, Australia, and the UAE. Domestic reforms and incentives are also in…
US retail spending surpassed expectations in August, increasing by 0.6 percent, despite ongoing trade tensions and tariffs. Motor vehicle sales and restaurant revenues saw gains, while furniture and department stores experienced declines, indicating a potential shift in discretionary spending. Economists are concerned about the long-term impact of tariffs on inflation and consumer prices.
Gold futures reached record highs as expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut and a weaker dollar fueled safe-haven buying. MCX October contracts hit Rs 1,10,563 per 10 grams, while December contracts climbed to Rs 1,11,655. Market participants await the Fed’s policy meeting and monitor geopolitical tensions, influencing gold’s upward trajectory.
Morgan Stanley projects the RBI to cut policy rates by 25 bps each in October and December, potentially bringing the terminal rate to 5%. This easing cycle is driven by sustained disinflation, with CPI inflation expected to average 2.4% in FY26, significantly below the RBI’s 4% target. Food price softness and easing input costs support…
India-US trade negotiations face hurdles as Washington’s additional tariffs on Indian goods, linked to Russian oil imports, impede progress. The Global Trade Research Initiative suggests a resolution is unlikely without Washington showing flexibility. While talks continue, India is urged to stand firm on agriculture and dairy, crucial for its farmers, and challenge the tariffs legally.
IndiGo is launching flights to Copenhagen from Mumbai, starting October 8, marking its entry into the Scandinavian region. The airline will operate three weekly flights using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. This new route aims to enhance connectivity between India and Northern Europe, boosting trade, tourism, and educational ties.
The commerce ministry directs retailers to prominently display GST discounts. Consumers should see these reductions clearly on receipts as ‘GST discount’. This applies especially to high-impact products. The new GST structure, effective from September 22, lowers tax slabs. Many products will become cheaper. The ministry also suggests monitoring festive season sales. This ensures consumers benefit…
