CONSUMER PRICES
Cancer drug prices to fall by up to 96% from November 9; consumers set to save Rs 3,502 crore annually
Starting November 9, consumers in India will benefit from significantly reduced prices on 137 anti-cancer drugs. The government has capped trade margins on these medications, leading to an estimated annual savings of Rs 3,502.31 crore for consumers. Price reductions have been reported across 1,225 formulations, with some reductions exceeding 50 percent.
The great Indian biscuit battle begins: Can Reliance crack the code?
Reliance Consumer Products Ltd is set to foray into India's competitive biscuit market, with an aim to leverage affordable pricing and a wide variety of products to attract consumers. Industry leaders Britannia and Parle dominate the market, making it challenging for new entrants like Reliance's Independence.
The high price of being King Trump: How tariffs and war fuelled voter anger
Inflation has significantly impacted the political careers of Biden and Trump. Rising costs have led to voter discontent against both administrations in recent elections. Trump's tariff policies and military actions have contributed to increasing economic burdens on citizens. Democrats now have an opportunity to implement policies that address voter concerns about inflation and foreign conflict. Improving these areas could help position them competitively for the 2028 presidential election.
Lower prices add glitter to Dhanteras gold sales
Fresh impetus to festive buying was seen as gold prices corrected, boosting jewellery sales on Dhanteras. Sales volume increased by 8-10% and value growth reached 18-20% compared to last year. Consumers in both metros and smaller cities showed significant demand for lightweight jewellery, coins, and smaller-ticket purchases. Jewellers reported a surge in footfalls and sales, particularly in traditional and diamond pieces.
Why is Bitcoin price crashing today? BTC USD falls toward $76,000 amid stock market sell-off and $370 million in crypto liquidations
Bitcoin (BTC USD) price crash today: Bitcoin has fallen back toward $76,000 after failing to hold its recovery above $80,000. A sell-off in technology stocks added to the pressure, while nearly $370 million in leveraged crypto positions were liquidated in about an hour. Traders are now watching the $75,000 level.
Jewellers report brisk Dhanteras sales as gold price drop lures buyers; volumes seen flat
Volumes, however, are likely to remain roughly flat from a year earlier because prices are still well above last year's levels, said Rajesh Rokde, chairman of the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC).
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Dhanteras gold rush stretches quick commerce delivery fleets, stores
Heavy demand across platforms such as Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto also led to dark stores in multiple pincodes in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru temporarily pausing services on Friday due to a paucity of delivery executives.
Britannia CEO plays down Reliance's pricing threat in India biscuit market
Reliance Industries' Independence biscuits are entering India's competitive biscuit market with packs starting at Rs 5, but Britannia CEO Rakshit Hargave says disrupting the category will be harder than its Campa cola play. With biscuits already priced at Rs 5 and Rs 10, aggressive discounts could hurt margins. Britannia is also raising prices and shrinking pack sizes amid rising input costs.
India's October consumer inflation likely nears top of RBI target on food costs: Reuters poll
India's consumer inflation is projected to rise in October, mainly driven by significant increases in food prices. Economists expect food inflation to reach 8.20%, reflecting ongoing market pressures. Rising global food prices and higher input costs contribute to the inflationary environment. The Reserve Bank of India anticipates inflation to average 5.2% for the current financial year. A rate hike is likely to occur in the central bank's upcoming policy meeting.
Dhanteras expected to generate over Rs 1 lakh crore in business across India: CAIT
Dhanteras is expected to generate over ₹1 lakh crore in business across India, with gold and silver sales estimated to exceed ₹60,000 crore, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
Gold gets its festive groove back in India as prices cool from record highs
India’s gold jewellery demand is picking up in the October-December quarter as lower prices and the wedding season draw buyers back to stores, with footfalls and purchase conversions improving, according to Crisil Ratings. However, consumers are favouring smaller purchases, including coins and bars.
How to save money on gold jewellery making charges: Understand these basics to get the best deal this Dhanteras
Jewellers calculate gold jewellery costs based on the purity and making charges that vary greatly. Flat-rate and percentage making charges can lead to significantly different total costs. This is why you should compare the complete pricing that includes gold value and applicable charges. Promotional offers such as discounted making charges need careful evaluation to ensure value. Know how you can to save on making charges this Dhanteras.
Dhanteras gold, silver sales may rise 10% despite buyers opting for lighter jewellery: AIJGF
Sales of gold and silver jewellery for Dhanteras are expected to rise approximately 10% this year. The All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation predicts a sales figure of around Rs 66,000 crore. Consumers are opting for lighter jewellery due to elevated prices while managing their budgets. Despite the increase in value, total quantities sold may remain below last year’s levels.
Will India's gold jewellery retailers maintain credit strength amid soaring gold prices?
India's organised gold jewellery retailers are expected to maintain strong credit profiles in FY27 despite elevated gold prices and affordability pressures, according to Crisil Ratings. Volumes may decline 4-6%, but revenues are projected to rise 21-23% as higher gold prices lift sales values. Healthy cash accruals, prudent inventory management and measured store expansion will cushion rising working capital needs, even as operating margins moderate.
'Gold’s rally is not just about wars, it’s fundamentally linked to $40 tn US debt': WGC India CEO Sachin Jain
World Gold Council India CEO Sachin Jain said gold’s rally is driven by rising US debt, de-dollarisation and central bank purchases, rather than geopolitics alone. He expects strong Indian demand during Diwali and recommends allocating 10-15% of financial assets to gold. Over the next five years, technology, tokenisation and blockchain could make gold more accessible, transparent and easier to trade.
Planning to buy smartphone? Prices to rise 30% soon, says Jefferies report
Smartphone prices could rise by nearly 30%, particularly in the budget segment, as surging demand for memory chips from AI companies pushes up manufacturing costs. A Jefferies report warns that higher component prices could force consumers to delay purchases, choose second-hand phones or spend more on expensive models. Global smartphone shipments are also expected to decline in 2026 and 2027.
Gold retailers' revenue to rise up to 23% as volume decline moderates this fiscal: Crisil
India's organised gold jewellery retailers are expected to see a slower decline in sales volumes this fiscal, with revenue projected to grow 21-23 per cent despite elevated gold prices, while their credit profiles are likely to remain resilient on the back of healthy cash flows and controlled expansion, according to Crisil Ratings.
Gold price correction to lift Dhanteras sentiment, but sales volumes likely to remain flat: Jewellers
The decline in gold prices is expected to boost demand this Dhanteras, All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) Chairman Rajesh Rokde told.
AI shopping agents could threaten Amazon and Walmart's ad business
Retail powerhouses Walmart and Amazon are also the world's two largest retail media businesses, dominating the estimated $74.4 billion in US retail media spending with a combined 88% share of that market, according to projections from data firm Emarketer. But digital assistants could soon disrupt that business.
Woman seeks Rs 50,000 compensation from Gillette India, alleges women pay up to five times more for razors; consumer commission issues notices to top executives
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has issued notices to Gillette India Ltd regarding discriminatory pricing practices. Shipra Mathur alleges that women's razors are priced four to five times higher than men's razors. Counsel Inder Mohan Singh states that this constitutes unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act. The complainant seeks directions to prevent such pricing and claims compensation for mental distress.
Amul raises butter, ghee prices: Check new prices and reason
Amul has increased the prices of ghee and butter ahead of Diwali, with a 1-kg ghee carton becoming costlier by Rs 50 and a 500-gm butter pack by Rs 15. The revision comes amid higher demand for branded ghee and reported supply shortages, particularly of cow ghee, across several markets.
Gold smuggling jumps to 50 tonnes as 15% import duty widens gap for unofficial supply
Gold smuggling in India is estimated to have surged to 50 tonnes in the September quarter from three tonnes a year earlier after import duty rose to 15% from 6%, according to the World Gold Council. Meanwhile, demand remained 29% lower year-on-year as record-high prices weighed on purchases.
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.
Dip in gold price puts the sparkle back into festive and wedding buying, jewellers see 10-12% rise in Dhanteras sales
Gold prices have dropped significantly, encouraging consumers to return to jewellery stores for upcoming purchases. The correction in gold prices has led to increased footfalls and advance bookings for weddings. Jewellers expect a rise in sales volume on Dhanteras, which is an auspicious buying day. Consumers are opting for lightweight jewellery and lower-karat gold to manage budget constraints.
Aditya Birla Lifestyle bets on festive demand
The company, which owns brands such as Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England, reported flat like-for-like sales growth in September, against 5.3% for the second quarter of FY27. The slowdown comes just as the full impact of price increases begins to flow through in the December quarter, making consumer acceptance and discounting critical to sustaining growth.
India's urban shoppers spend 13% more on FMCG but shop less often
India's urban shoppers are increasing grocery spending while making less frequent trips, reflecting higher prices' impact. Online sales are rising sharply, driven by new households entering the market and increased shopping occasions. In contrast, traditional kirana stores still hold a significant market share despite a slight decline. Personal care products are the fastest-growing category with notable value sales increases.
India’s consumers are back, its stocks aren’t: Srinivasan Sivabalan
Amid the vibrant festive season in India, consumer demand is soaring, prompting businesses to boost sales and raise prices accordingly. However, rising costs are pressuring profit margins, causing a decline in investor confidence. The stock market struggles to reflect the upbeat consumer activity, signaling a potential need for a resolution to the Iran war and governmental intervention to promote stability.
Godrej consumer profit rises 14%, weighs calibrated price hikes to offset inflation
Godrej Consumer Products is bracing for rising commodity inflation as it approaches the December quarter, driven by escalating costs. The firm expects to raise prices on soaps and liquid detergents to sustain its growth trajectory. Aasif Malbari, the chief, mentioned a significant single-digit inflationary effect on operations in India and Indonesia.
Fed holds rates as inflation stays high, signals more hikes amid AI boom and energy costs
The Federal Reserve held its key rate steady at around 3.9%, signaling cautious optimism about inflation trends. Chairman Kevin Warsh emphasized the importance of inflation control while dismissing political influences on monetary policy decisions. Analysts expect a potential rate increase at the next meeting as inflation persists, affecting consumer sentiment. Some Fed officials dissented, indicating ongoing discussions about future rate hikes remain relevant.
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