CREDIT RISK RATINGS AAA AA BBB
US dollar holds onto payrolls gains, NZ dollar rises after election
Dollar index steadies at 102.20 after jumping about 0.7% Friday * Fed hike bets rekindled after receding amid AI stock selloff * NZ ballot too close to call, leader will not be known for weeks TOKYO
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.
Agri loans emerge as biggest asset quality risk for Indian banks
Agricultural loans in India are currently facing significant asset-quality risks, with bad-loan ratios surpassing other sectors. The gross non-performing asset ratio for agricultural loans is at 5.1%, compared to 1.5% for industry and services. Factors such as a poor monsoon have contributed to this situation, although agricultural bad loans have declined since 2020-21. Various banks have reported increased agricultural loan slippages but maintain a cautious outlook on borrower stress.
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.
Digital lenders clock 40-50% revenue growth as credit demand surges
Digital lender Kissht's revenue from operations rose 44.7% year-on-year to Rs 732 crore, while Moneyview reported 41% growth to Rs 1,120 crore. MobiKwik's financial services revenue increased 41.8% to Rs 87 crore, while Paytm's financial services distribution revenue grew 49.3% to Rs 912 crore.
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Charting the global economy: Job growth in US tops all forecasts
US employment rose significantly last month, with the jobless rate declining to 4.1%, indicating robust economic activity. Labor productivity increased sharply in the third quarter, reflecting business adaptation to rising costs and greater efficiency.
Largecaps over SMIDs: Ambit’s Nitin Bhasin and Bharat Arora share their Samvat 2083 strategy
As we step into the new Samvat, investors are advised to take a more cautious stance with their portfolios. The focus should be on large-cap stocks and the banking sector due to their better earnings prospects and attractive valuations. Meanwhile, although mid- and small-cap sectors may face hurdles, the cement industry might see unexpected margin improvements.
IRS releases 2027 tax brackets: How new income tax rates and standard deductions for single, married and senior filers could affect your tax bill
Tax brackets 2027: The IRS has raised all seven federal income tax bracket thresholds for 2027 and increased the standard deduction for single, married and head-of-household filers. The changes also include higher capital gains limits, a larger Child Tax Credit and additional tax breaks for eligible seniors.
Incorrect HRA or deduction claims? How Section 270AA may offer relief from 200% penalty
Incorrect tax claims may expose taxpayers to a 200% penalty for misreporting and prosecution in appropriate cases. Section 270AA offers conditional relief upon prescribed payments. For indefensible claims, this route may be preferable to litigation, subject to eligibility.
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.
SoftBank credit risk jumps to 4-year high as AI fears roil market
The cost of insuring against a default for tech investor SoftBank Group jumped to its highest in four years on Friday as worries about AI profitability roiled the world's financial markets.
Festive stocking drives 36% jump in TReDS volumes as small businesses seek working capital
The five platforms operating under the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) financed invoices worth Rs 75,788 crore in August and September, a 36% increase from Rs 55,549 crore in the same months last year, according to RBI data.
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.
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.
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.
Beyond Equity: Jiraaf’s Saurav Ghosh on how to customise your portfolio, and the importance of bonds
An investment portfolio should be customised to one’s own needs, because there tends to be no one-size-fits-all portfolio. The idea is to ensure financial goals are realised across timelines and not just a decade or twenty years later. Jiraaf founder, Saurav Ghosh, talked about the customisation, profit margins, risk management and more when it comes to allocating a part of one’s portfolio to bonds. Read on!
S&P affirms Reliance Industries' 'A-' credit rating, cites Jio listing, stronger earnings
S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Reliance Industries’ (RIL) ‘A-’ long-term issuer credit rating with a stable outlook, citing resilient earnings, strong cash generation and improved funding flexibility following the listing of Jio Platforms.
IKF Finance sets Rs 25,000 crore AUM target for 2030
The company has broadened its financial services beyond vehicle loans, which opens up new avenues for growth. With a seasoned leadership team at the helm, IKF prioritizes good governance and credit discipline.
SBI share price target: Jefferies, Motilal, others see up to 34% upside in state lender. Buy, sell or hold?
State Bank of India has seen a remarkable 15% increase in profits year-on-year, totaling Rs 23,038 crore for the second quarter. With a loan book surpassing Rs 52 lakh crore and a 10% rise in interest income, brokerages have set optimistic Buy ratings on SBI shares, suggesting target prices between Rs 1,225 and Rs 1,350. Despite this positive outlook, management highlighted possible obstacles from macroeconomic shifts and potential treasury losses.
CleanMax beats Q2 EBITDA estimates, reports strong H1 growth
CleanMax has surpassed analyst estimates for the third consecutive quarter, driven by portfolio expansion and strong business performance. The company reported a 58% rise in H1 EBITDA and a six-fold increase in profit after tax (PAT), highlighting its robust growth momentum and improving financial performance.
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.
Institutional investors step up bets on private credit as insurers, pension funds and DFIs back new funds
Institutional investors are now allocating more funds to private credit, significantly from insurance companies and pension funds. Neo Alternative Asset Managers has seen its second fund receive 22-25% contributions from these investors. Ascertis Credit's fourth fund also attracted commitments exceeding $700 million from multiple institutional investors. With increased interest in private credit, annual investment opportunities are now estimated around ₹1 lakh crore.
Sold property? You may pay zero tax if these Section 82 rules under Income Tax Act 2025 are met
For Tax Year 2026-2027, Income Tax Act, 2025 is applicable and this means you need to be versed with the renumbered Sections in order to continue your financial plan as usual. If you want to claim income tax exemption on selling property then note that Section 54 is now renumbered as Section 82 of the Income Tax Act, 2025.
Banks are safe; AI bubble is the risk for global markets: Julius Baer CEO Stefan Bollinger
Stefan Bollinger highlights the potential risk of an AI bubble affecting global markets significantly. He notes that India's equity valuation correction is healthy, maintaining the country's growth story. Investors are increasingly diversifying their portfolios with a focus on hedge funds and private equity. The Fed's decision on rates remains uncertain, though high inflation complicates matters. Rising yields in Japan are likely to attract domestic investors back to their markets.
Besides the bubble, a big AI risk could be growing in the shadows
Investors are worried about potential financial risks linked to Big Tech's investments in AI infrastructure. The technology sector recently experienced a significant sell-off, indicating growing nervousness among shareholders. S&P Global predicts considerable expenses on data centres for major companies like Amazon and Microsoft through 2030.
Global Market: Wall Street's top asset managers bet big on AI infrastructure boom
Wall Street’s leading alternative asset managers are ramping up investments in AI infrastructure, betting on long-term leases and creditworthy tenants to secure predictable returns. However, rising debt levels among neoclouds and concerns over AI spending returns are bringing private credit risks into focus.
Stocks in news: RIL, Jio, Trent, Suzlon Energy, IndiGo, Vedanta Power and RVNL
On Thursday, Indian equities experienced a recovery, with Nifty closing above the 22,900 mark. Stocks such as Reliance Industries, Jio Platforms, and IndiGo are expected to remain in focus. Several companies reported varied profit results for the September quarter, impacting market sentiment. Regulatory developments and credit rating updates are also being closely monitored by investors. The upcoming earnings announcements from notable companies will further influence market activity.
Vedanta Power Q2 results: Company swings to profit at Rs 83 crore; revenue rises 38% YoY
Vedanta Power reported a turnaround in Q2 FY27, posting ₹83 crore profit against a ₹1,688 crore loss last year. Revenue rose 38% to ₹2,908 crore, while EBITDA surged 122%, supported by record power sales and improved operations.
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