BOND CREDIT RATING EXPLAINED
Bond yields muddy the books as banks prepare for new accounting rules
With a new accounting framework approaching in April 2027, Indian banks like Canara Bank and Central Bank of India are adjusting their transition costs and reassessing their portfolios. Recent fluctuations in government bond yields, driven by economic factors such as oil prices and currency volatility, have led banks to increase their expected credit loss provisions.
Overall, India Inc credit profile looks healthy: Ramnath Krishnan, Icra Group CEO
Corporate India's credit profile has maintained strength following a period of deleveraging post-Covid, although external pressures exist. While rating upgrades continue to outnumber downgrades, specific sectors like chemicals and airlines face challenges. The potential for a drop in credit ratios exists, dependent on geopolitical factors and inflation rates. Companies remain hesitant to invest heavily amid uncertain consumer demand, leading to muted private sector capex.
How rising bond yields and interest rates are putting pressure on stock market valuations
Higher yields boost safer investments’ appeal, pressuring equity valuations despite earnings recovery.
NBFCs eye rate hikes, higher fees to offset insurance income hit
Non-bank lenders and housing finance companies are expected to raise lending rates in response to proposed regulatory changes. This adjustment aims to offset potential income losses from caps on insurance distribution. Companies such as Bajaj Housing Finance and Home First Finance are considering changing their product mix and increasing fees. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has proposed stringent commission cuts on credit-linked insurance products.
India's 10-year bond posts best week in 7 years, leads emerging Asia as oil slides
This week, Indian government bonds saw a remarkable performance, outpacing other Asian markets as benchmark yields dropped significantly. Following the Democratic win in the US midterms, crude prices fell sharply, enticing foreign investors back to purchase a significant volume of Indian bonds. This shift alleviates pressure on the Reserve Bank of India to maintain elevated yields, contributing to a positive outlook for Indian debt moving forward.
India bonds emerge as top Asian performers as oil, Treasury yields decline
This week, Indian government bonds saw a positive trend following a Democratic win in the U.S. midterm elections. The reduction in oil prices and Treasury yields eased rupee pressure, boosting investor confidence. The benchmark bond yield improved significantly, declining by approximately 22 basis points. Furthermore, the surge in foreign investments into Indian bonds marked a notable high since July, leading to enhanced overall market sentiment.
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ETMarkets Smart Talk| ₹15 lakh to invest in bonds? Here's how Jiraaf's Saurav Ghosh would spread it across maturities
In this edition of ETMarkets Smart Talk, Saurav Ghosh, Co-Founder of Jiraaf, shares his outlook on interest rates and bond yields and explains why a diversified approach across maturities could make sense in the current environment. He also illustrates how an investor with ₹15 lakh could consider spreading the allocation across two-, three- and five-year bonds rather than committing the entire amount at a single point in the interest-rate cycle.

Gold, Silver, Stocks: Why Bonds Deserve a Place on Your Dhanteras Shopping List
Traditionally, investors have turned to gold and silver on Dhanteras, but this trend is shifting. Recent fluctuations in these precious metals and stock equities have raised apprehensions over their reliability. Bonds present a viable alternative with their assured returns and steady interest payouts, offering stability amid market volatility. By including bonds in their investment strategy, individuals can ensure they meet their financial requirements without rushing to liquidate assets.

Apple seeks about $7 billion from bond sale: Bloomberg News
The iPhone maker is the latest major tech company to tap debt markets as the sector raises large sums to fund AI expansion. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Reuters could not independently verify the report.

When Stocks Dampen Festive Cheer, Can Bonds Keep the Celebrations Going?
Investors in India are navigating a challenging landscape as the equity markets descend into significant losses. Selling off assets at this juncture could incur financial damage, yet deferring such decisions may hinder urgent expenses. By maintaining fixed-income portfolios, investors can secure consistent cash flow to address short-term needs. To enhance portfolio resilience, diversifying between stocks and bonds becomes vital for achieving growth while safeguarding capital for future endeavors.

ETMarkets Smart Talk| FDs, G-Secs or debt funds? UTI AMC's Anurag Mittal explains what works in a rising-rate cycle
In this edition of ETMarkets Smart Talk, Anurag Mittal, President & Head–Fixed Income at UTI AMC, shares his views on the changing dynamics in India’s bond market, the outlook for interest rates and bond yields, and how investors can position their fixed-income portfolios in a rising-rate cycle.

Ramayana ending explained: Does Rama find Sita? Jatayu’s final moments, post-credits scene and what to expect in Part 2
Ramayana Part 1 has been released in theatres. The film explores Rama’s life leading to Sita's abduction by Ravana. Viewers praised the film’s visual effects and action sequences. The first part concludes with a determined Rama set on finding Sita after learning her location. Ramayana: Part 2 is scheduled for release during Diwali 2028. Read on to know what happened at the end of the movie.

ETtech Explainer: Why Meta is raising billions through bonds
Developing AI models and offering AI-powered services requires enormous computing capacity. This involves building data centres, purchasing specialised chips and servers, expanding cloud infrastructure, and securing the electricity needed to run these facilities.

Eurozone bond yields steady as investors await inflation data; US Treasury yields ease after midterm elections
Eurozone government bond yields were steady as investors awaited October inflation data, while US Treasury yields declined after Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress. Markets also assessed the likelihood of further European Central Bank rate hikes in December.

ETMarkets Smart Talk| FDs, government bonds or debt mutual funds: How should investors choose in today's market?
In this edition of ETMarkets Smart Talk, we speak with Siddharth Chaudhary, Head – Fixed Income, Bajaj Asset Management Limited, who shares his outlook on interest rates, bond yields and liquidity, and explains how investors can navigate the changing fixed-income landscape while balancing returns, risk and liquidity needs.

US tech giants' AI borrowing could push up Europe's bond yields
Rising AI infrastructure investments are driving US technology giants to tap European bond markets, potentially increasing borrowing costs. Alphabet, Meta, Amazon and Microsoft are expected to boost debt issuance, intensifying competition for investor capital and putting pressure on corporate credit spreads and European government bond yields.

Green-debt fees hit nearly $3 billion, topping fossil fuels for fifth year
For the fifth consecutive year, leading global banks generated more revenue from green projects than fossil fuel financing. Data shows these banks earned approximately $3 billion from climate-related financing this year. Major players include Bank of China, BNP Paribas, and Deutsche Bank for green bonds. However, US banks dominated the fossil fuel financing deals, led by Wells Fargo and JPMorgan.

Why is Microsoft borrowing $25 billion after offering buyouts to 60,000 employees?
Microsoft 25 billion bond sale: Microsoft is raising $25 billion through a bond sale as AI infrastructure costs rise, days after offering voluntary buyouts to nearly 60,000 employees. The company expects up to 3,000 employees to accept the exit offer as it prepares to spend $175 billion on capital expenditure in 2026.

ETMarkets Smart Talk | Bond markets have priced in nearly four rate hikes. Where should investors invest now?
In this edition of ETMarkets Smart Talk, Piyush Barawal, Director and Senior Fund Manager at WhiteOak Capital, shares his outlook on interest rates and bond yields and explains why the two- to four-year segment of the yield curve could offer an attractive opportunity.

Jubilant Pharmova plans to raise Rs 800 crore via maiden bond issue
Jubilant Pharmova has announced plans to secure ₹800 crore via its first bond issuance within the local market, featuring ₹400 crore as the base amount and an equal greenshoe option. The capital raised will be primarily allocated to the company’s capital expenditure and upcoming expansion efforts. Subscriptions are anticipated chiefly from mutual funds and asset managers, making this a significant moment in the company's bond market debut.

ETMarkets Smart Talk | Gold for ballast, silver for growth; avoid industrial commodities in core portfolios: Saish Sawant
In this edition of ETMarkets Smart Talk, Saish Sawant, Research Analyst–Commodities at Emkay Global Financial Services, breaks down the contrasting moves across gold, crude and copper.

Bank CD rates surge above 8% amid liquidity squeeze, rising T-Bill yields
Public-sector banks have recently increased one-year certificate of deposit rates beyond 8%, influenced by stricter liquidity and high treasury-bill yields. The reduction in banking liquidity has led to a noticeable rise in CD issuances lately. Observers predict further policy rate hikes to address inflation effectively, signaling that the current rates may not yet reflect their maximum potential amidst ongoing market fluctuations.

China lowers funding costs with shift to overnight policy rate
China's central bank has implemented a major alteration to its monetary policy by establishing an overnight lending rate, which injects substantial liquidity into the banking sector. This initiative seeks to alleviate costs for financial entities and stimulate economic growth in light of increased credit risks. Experts estimate this change could lower interest rates by 15 basis points, thereby maintaining profitability among financial institutions.

SGB premature exit date on November 2, 2026: Rs 1 lakh invested in this Sovereign Gold Bond grows to Rs 3 lakh in 5 years
The Reserve Bank of India has set the premature redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bonds. These bonds can be redeemed prematurely starting from November 2, 2026. The redemption price is calculated based on the average closing price of gold over the last three working days.

RBI hikes FRB 2034 interest rate to 7.26%: How much can you earn on Rs 5 lakh investment?
The Reserve Bank of India has declared a new interest rate of 7.26% per annum for the Government of India Floating Rate Bond 2034, reflecting an increase from the earlier rate of 6.45%. This updated rate will be effective from October 30, 2026, to April 29, 2027, allowing investors to earn more on their six-monthly coupon payments.

Upstox secures bond platform licence, to launch direct offerings soon
Upstox has been offering bonds through IndiaBonds, following a partnership announced in September 2025. The new licence will allow the company to offer the instruments directly instead of relying on a third-party bond platform.

Companies with high credit ratings shifting to bond market as bank loans become dearer
In the current economic climate, AAA-rated corporations are opting to secure financing via the bond market, finding it more cost-effective than traditional bank loans. The recent interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of India have further enhanced the appeal of bonds. Companies like REC and SIDBI have successfully tapped into this market.

ETMarkets Smart Talk: Bond yields may rise further over the next few months; avoid aggressive duration and credit bets: Suyash Choudhary
In this episode of ETMarkets Smart Talk, Suyash Choudhary, CIO–Fixed Income at Bandhan AMC, explains why Indian bond yields could rise further over the next few months and why investors should avoid aggressive bets on duration and credit risk.
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