GEOPOLITICAL CHANGES WEST ASIA
Dabur Global CEO Malhotra Resigns, as leadership churn in legacy FMCG companies continues
The move cycles continued churn in top-tier legacy FMCG leadership, amid uneven demand trends, intense competition from regional and digital-first rivals, inflationary trends and a volatile geopolitical environment.
India's stock market volatility since last Diwali saw 60 stocks lose up to 96%
At least 63 stocks with a market capitalisation of over Rs 1,000 crore have lost more than half their value since last Diwali, with some plunging 60-95% amid a broad-based selloff across sectors. Elitecon International was the worst performer, tumbling 96%, followed by Reliance Infrastructure, Kothari Industrial Corporation and Fischer Medical Ventures.
Global Market Today: Asian shares retreat as US futures slide on mid-term election bets
Contracts for the S&P 500 Index dropped 0.3%, erasing an initial gain of 0.5%, while those for the Nasdaq 100 declined 0.6%. The dollar dropped against most of its Group-of-10 peers and the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note fell four basis points to 4.92%. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index dropped 0.2% even as South Korea’s Kospi Index jumped 1%.
Indian oil refiners expect healthy margins amid global supply disruptions
A combination of these factors offer Indian refiners an opportunity to capitalise on stronger diesel, gasoline and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) cracks. Reliance Industries (RIL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) reported record refining performances in the September quarter (Q2) and expect the run to continue.
Gulf Oil eyes market leadership in India, global expansion to drive next growth phase
Gulf Oil aims to surpass its rival and achieve the market leader status in India's lubricants sector. The company plans to invest approximately ₹55 crore to expand its manufacturing capacity significantly. Growth is expected from B2B, industrial, and infrastructure segments, alongside exploring new niches like data centre cooling.
India weighs new oil manoeuvre as old routes get jammed
The West Asia war has forced India to look at energy security through a new, different lens. The oil issue, for India, has now gone from being a procurement issue to being a test of economic resilience. That has compelled the govt to rethink how it sources, transports and stores the fuel that powers its economy.
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Nifty's Diwali-to-Diwali slide: Will year-end gains light up Dalal Street?
The Nifty index has faced notable drops over the last year, heavily impacted by foreign investor outflows and surging crude oil prices. Experts indicate a chance for a year-end comeback, dependent on better corporate earnings and domestic investments. Nevertheless, ongoing volatility and geopolitical strains might limit market advancements in the next few months. The September-quarter earnings season hints at improvement, potentially raising investor confidence.
Marico profit jumps 31%, flags rising input costs amid West Asia woes
Marico has reported a 13% increase in consolidated revenue, driven by strong volume growth in India and international markets. The company highlighted challenges from rising input costs due to geopolitical tensions and adverse weather circumstances. Managing director Saugata Gupta expressed awareness of potential inflation effects, especially in rural areas. Marico aims for mid-20% EBITDA growth by FY27 and expects annual revenue to exceed ₹15,000 crore.
All hands on the deck: Next few months, govt faces a test of political will to take hard economic calls
India is likely to face a host of economic and political pressures due to upcoming elections and external geopolitical factors. Balancing relationships with Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel will be crucial for India's energy security. Political and economic manoeuvres may become necessary to address rising crude oil prices and currency pressures.
Goldman Sachs raises oil price forecasts, warns Brent could hit $140 in 2027
Goldman Sachs raised its oil price forecasts amid mounting geopolitical risks and potential Gulf supply disruptions. The bank warned Brent crude could reach $140 per barrel in 2027 under a prolonged supply shock scenario. Shipping attacks, infrastructure damage and Middle East tensions could sustain elevated oil prices and market volatility.
Reliance Industries expands fuel exports to Africa, Europe as West Asia conflict disrupts supplies
Reliance Industries has redirected fuel exports to Africa, the Mediterranean and other European markets to capitalise on supply disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict, lifting its market share in these regions by about 50%. The strategy helped drive record quarterly earnings for its oil-to-chemicals business as global refining margins surged.
India can achieve $1 trillion exports target this fiscal despite global headwinds: Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed confidence that India would achieve its $1 trillion exports target in 2026-27 despite global uncertainties. He said nine FTAs could open preferential market access to economies with a combined GDP of $60 trillion. Goods and services exports were estimated at $476.2 billion in April-September.
US midterms may raise shutdown, debt risks; keep tariff uncertainty high: ICICI Bank
The upcoming US midterm elections could increase the potential for a government shutdown and legislative standoffs. Democrats are predicted to have a high chance of controlling both chambers of Congress, which may impact future policies. While significant tariff changes are not expected, uncertainty for businesses may rise under new leadership. Additionally, ongoing disputes surrounding the debt ceiling could affect government financial stability.
India's FTAs to open new export opportunities as country eyes $1 trillion milestone: IIFT VC
India's trade deficit is likely to persist as long as the country remains dependent on oil imports, although rising exports of value-added petroleum products are helping narrow the gap, K. Rangarajan, Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), said on Friday.
'Took stock of our bilateral cooperation': EAM Jaishankar meets US Secy of State Rubio on sidelines of G20
S Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Atlanta. The meeting focused on enhancing India-US cooperation and addressing geopolitical issues. Jaishankar emphasized that military solutions are not viable for resolving global challenges. Rubio also highlighted the importance of protecting economic and maritime security during the discussions. The G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting concluded with crucial dialogues on international economic stability.
Oil-to-chemicals business powers Reliance Industries' record quarterly net profit, up 34% to ₹29,550 crore
Reliance Industries Ltd has set a new benchmark with a record net profit of ₹29,550 crore for the September quarter, fueled by significant advancements in the oil-to-chemicals and digital segments. With a yearly revenue surge of 28.5% to ₹3.38 lakh crore, the O2C division's Ebitda skyrocketed 68%, reflecting the advantages of elevated energy prices and the firm’s adaptability in challenging market scenarios.
Jaishankar has a message for the world: Give diplomacy a chance, as military solutions won't work
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed the importance of diplomacy to address global challenges at the G20 meeting. He highlighted ongoing conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in West Asia, while addressing seafarer safety. Jaishankar emphasized the impact of market flooding and supply chain issues on the Global South. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of interconnected economic and geopolitical crises affecting the global economic order.
United Spirits' mass-market liquor sales slump as inflation squeezes lower-income consumers, premiumisation takes centre stage
United Spirits is facing subdued demand in its mass-market liquor portfolio as inflation squeezes lower-income consumers, while regulatory changes in Maharashtra and Karnataka further weigh on sales. The Diageo-controlled company is relying on premium brands for growth, even as higher input costs linked to the West Asia conflict and weaker monsoons add pressure.
Air India, AI Express extend cancellation of Saudi Arabia flights till November 14
Air India and Air India Express have extended the cancellation of flights to Saudi Arabian cities until November 14. IndiGo and Akasa Air also suspended their flights to these destinations amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Passengers with confirmed bookings can rebook or opt for a full refund. The situation in West Asia has affected infrastructure facilities, including airports. Continual monitoring of the region's conditions remains essential for all airlines and passengers.
Indonesia looks to India & China for fuel supplies
Indonesia is exploring gasoline imports from India and China to combat rising global crude oil prices. The country's energy minister Bahlil Lahadalia will visit India this week for discussions. Indonesia has faced significant fuel supply disruptions in various provinces due to increased demand and distribution challenges. President Prabowo has directed the exploration of alternative energy sources amidst geopolitical tensions. The situation underscores Indonesia's urgent need for reliable energy supply solutions.
IndiGo posts Rs 1,879-crore loss as high fuel costs, geopolitical woes hit; capacity cuts & yield management offer only partial relief, says CEO Willie Walsh
IndiGo reported a net loss of Rs 1,879 crore in the September quarter as a sharp rise in jet fuel prices and foreign exchange costs offset strong revenue growth. While revenue increased 26% year-on-year to Rs 23,363.8 crore, fuel costs surged more than 67%. The airline plans to raise fares, rationalise flights and maintain its long-term expansion plans, including the introduction of Airbus A350 aircraft in 2028.
Finmin pegs Q2 expansion at 7.35%,flags capital pressure over US yield
India’s economy is estimated to have grown 7.35% in the September quarter, supported by strong industrial output, GST collections, energy use, port traffic and auto sales, the finance ministry said. It expects domestic demand and investment to sustain momentum, while warning that high crude prices, food inflation, rupee pressure and elevated US bond yields could pose risks in the second half.
Gulf AI buffering, but on-stream
The escalating tensions between the US and Iran have hindered the progress of AI infrastructure development throughout the Gulf. While Gulf nations were eager and ready to invest in innovative AI projects, increasing geopolitical instability has now stalled these efforts. Attacks on tech facilities by Iran have shaken foreign investor trust.
22 Indians, including 14 seafarers, killed in West Asia conflict, MEA says
Amidst the turmoil in West Asia, the loss of twenty-two Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, has come to light, with three fatalities reported in Saudi Arabia per the Ministry of External Affairs. This conflict intensified after US and Israel's aggressive maneuvers against Iran began in February. India emphasizes the necessity of dialogue for peace, as the recent Houthi attacks threaten both regional stability and vital maritime lanes.
Maruti Q2 net misses street view despite record quarterly sales
Maruti Suzuki's consolidated net profit fell by 26% in the fiscal second quarter to ₹2,466 crore. Revenue rose 26% to ₹53,355.5 crore, driven by record sales of 696,654 units. The company achieved 40.8% market share with strong demand for small cars and SUVs. Operating profit decreased due to increased input costs and lower other income.
Maruti Suzuki flags West Asia-linked commodity costs as margins come under pressure
Maruti Suzuki India achieved record quarterly sales in the September quarter despite facing profitability challenges. The company reported a significant decline in operating earnings due to increasing material costs and adverse foreign exchange movements. While domestic sales grew substantially, net profit also experienced a decline compared to the previous year. The firm's efforts to manage costs were not sufficient to offset the impacts of rising expenses.
Exporters get six more months of risk cover amid West Asia turmoil
The Centre has extended the RELIEF initiative to March 31, 2027, to assist exporters. This scheme provides risk coverage to exporters facing higher shipping and insurance costs. Eligible exporters can receive 95 percent coverage and protection against rising insurance premiums. Exporters must submit claims through the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation's customer portal to benefit. The extension aims to support trade flows amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Global Market Today: Asian shares slip as AI jitters deepen ahead of big tech earnings
MSCI Inc.’s Asia Pacific equities gauge fell 0.2% ahead of this season’s busiest earnings week in Asia. US equity-index futures erased earlier gains and traded little changed.
Strong macro fundamentals, policy interventions to anchor eco against global headwinds: RBI bulletin
Strong macroeconomic fundamentals continue to support the Indian economy against global inflation and trade tensions. Recent geopolitical frictions have resulted in increased prices and supply chain issues, leading to policy changes. Currency fluctuations were observed, but measures by the Reserve Bank helped stabilize the rupee recently. Foreign Direct Investment remains robust, driven by significant inflows from major sources like the US and Singapore.
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