CONSUMER BUYING PATTERNS RURAL

RBI launches 3 surveys to capture inflation expectations, consumer confidence ahead of December policy meeting

Reserve Bank of India has announced the November 2026 round of the Inflation Expectations Survey of Households. This survey aims to capture households' perceptions regarding price movements and inflation based on their consumption patterns. Additionally, the Urban Consumer Confidence Survey seeks to understand household sentiments on the economic situation and employment. The Rural Consumer Confidence Survey collects perceptions from rural areas on economic conditions, income, and spending.

Green crackers: Where can you buy them in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad? How to identify if it is real or polluting cracker?

Green crackers list: Green crackers are low-emission fireworks developed to reduce air and noise pollution compared with conventional firecrackers. With the Supreme Court allowing their use in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8, 2026, consumers are looking for authorised markets to purchase them ahead of Diwali. These crackers use a modified chemical composition and are designed to reduce particulate matter emissions by at least 30% and gaseous emissions by 10%.

Indians refuse to cash in on gold in their lockers hoping for a better price

India’s gold demand is expected to fall to a six-year low of around 650 tonnes in 2026 as record prices, rising living costs and a weak monsoon weigh on jewellery purchases and investment, according to the World Gold Council (WGC).

India's 2026 gold demand seen falling to six-year low on price rise: World Gold Council

India's gold demand is expected to fall to a six-year low of around 650 tonnes in 2026 as record-high prices, rising living costs and a weak monsoon weigh on jewellery purchases and investment demand, the World Gold Council (WGC) said.

ITC shares rise 2% after Q2 results. What are Jefferies, Nuvama and others saying?

ITC shares gained 2% despite an 18.5% year-on-year decline in Q2 net profit, as higher taxes and falling cigarette earnings weighed on profitability. However, its FMCG business delivered strong growth. Jefferies, Nuvama, Emkay and DAM Capital remain positive on the stock, with target prices ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 355.

NBCC among 5 stocks showing White Marubozu Pattern

Innefu Labs’ AI platform uncovers suspected Rs 5,700 crore GST fraud network

According to Innefu Labs, Prophecy Eagle I identified several patterns, including the alleged reuse of the same facial identity across multiple business registrations in different geographical regions within a month.

Mass brands give liquor companies a hangover

"It is difficult to pinpoint the reasons for the slowdown, even in states such as Uttar Pradesh which had recorded strong growth earlier," said Amar Sinha, managing director of Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD), maker of Officer's Choice whisky. There are "no clear factors explaining the weakness," he said.

Black Friday 2026: Could buy now, pay later offers leave shoppers facing a bigger financial headache after the holidays?

Black Friday shopping can lead to manageable but potentially harmful financial consequences for consumers, particularly with buy now, pay later services. Many shoppers may face pressure to spend beyond their means during the holiday season, resulting in debt. This type of financial arrangement may seem attractive initially, but it can complicate budgeting for essential expenses. Additionally, shoppers often overlook the cumulative cost of multiple repayments while planning their purchases.

AI search gains 3-fold influence over traditional search in shopping decisions: McKinsey

McKinsey's survey, conducted in June 2026, covered around 21,000 consumers across 11 markets. It found that 56 per cent of consumers had used standalone AI chat or search tools for shopping in the previous three months, compared with 27 per cent who had used AI shopping assistants operated by retailers.

Amitabh Kant pitches for development model with rural communities as producers, innovators

Kant also stressed the need to transform rural India into centres of economic activity, innovation and entrepreneurship rather than limiting it to welfare delivery.

Indian households shifting spending towards non-food items, services as consumption patterns evolve: Report

Indian household consumption is likely to become increasingly diversified, with spending gradually moving beyond food essentials towards non-food products and services, as changing dietary preferences and household structures reshape consumption patterns, according to an SBI Research report.

Festive demand, capex to fuel India’s industrial growth in H2 FY27 despite risks: Report

Festive demand and sustained public capital expenditure are expected to support India's industrial activity in the second half of FY27, although unfavourable base effects, weak monsoon conditions and higher input costs could weigh on production, according to a report by Union Bank of India.

Biocon among 4 stocks showing bullish White Marubozu pattern

HUL sales rise 15% to hit 14-quarter high, but inflation clouds demand outlook

Hindustan Unilever posted a turnover of ₹18,071 crore for the September quarter, highlighting a 15% rise. Even with a price increase of 7.5%, the company's volume growth remained stable at 7%. Homecare emerged as the standout performer, boasting a robust 22% sales growth. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation climbed to ₹4,089 crore, an 8% boost. However, ongoing inflation and wage issues in rural sectors pose significant challenges.

Brands need to shift to ‘Bharat-first’ strategy as digital usage grows

To effectively connect with rural customers, brands should embrace a 'Bharat-first' advertising philosophy. Digital channels are increasingly shaping the shopping behaviors of younger rural populations, with influencer marketing playing a pivotal role, particularly among female consumers. The integration of AI features alongside social media enhances the flow of product knowledge in these areas.

Hindustan Unilever to take calibrated price hikes as commodity inflation stays high, says CEO Priya Nair

Hindustan Unilever has raised prices by around 7.5% in response to rising input costs across its portfolio. Despite these increases, consumer demand remains strong in both urban and rural areas of India. The company is focusing on balancing further price adjustments with cost savings through procurement and supply-chain efficiencies. Positive indicators of economic resilience include electricity demand and GST collections, alongside improved rural demand.

Data Patterns among 4 stocks showing the White Marubozu pattern

India jewellers hold off gold buying, betting prices will drop

Indian jewellers are delaying gold purchases ahead of the festive season, betting that prices will fall further after dropping below $4,000 an ounce. MMTC-PAMP India says large jewellery chains remain cautious, while higher import duties, subdued rural demand and tighter import rules are expected to weigh on gold demand and imports during the October-December quarter.

Kirana stores make room for new generation FMCG brands as they muscle past legacy giants

India's kirana market has seen new-age consumer brands expand their market share to nearly 22%. This increase has impacted the dominance of established fast-moving consumer goods companies. The shift is largely driven by changing consumer preferences and greater access to online channels. New brands face challenges in sustaining their physical distribution network against legacy players. Established brands are adjusting their strategies in response to growing demand for premium products.

Second-largest salt producer state ranks last in usage of iodised salt; children lose up to 15 IQ points due to iodine deficiency

Tamil Nadu, India's second-largest salt producer, has the lowest share of households using adequately iodised salt, with just 62% meeting the standard against a national average of 76% in a 2018-19 survey. Health officials have raised concerns over iodine deficiency, goitre among schoolchildren and household salt habits, while urging people to consume less than 5g of salt daily.

Digital gold purchases surge 83% to Rs 2,590 crore in September

According to the World Gold Council (WGC), September purchases rose 4% from August while volumes touched 1.7 tonnes, 18% above the long-term monthly average. In January-September, digital gold purchases climbed 76% to 16.3 tonnes from 9.2 tonnes in the corresponding period last year, reflecting growing appetite for accessible gold investments.

India’s consumption story holds appeal, but investors are spending less

India's consumer and retail sector saw a 58% decline in deal value during the September quarter. The first nine months of 2026 recorded 353 deals worth $3.26 billion, reflecting cautious investment strategies. Personal care brands attracted significant investment, indicating a preference for premium offerings. Public markets also contributed substantially, surpassing M&A and PE/VC deal values. However, future demand may fluctuate due to weather-related conditions affecting rural consumption.