GST RATE CUTS
India's GST Revolution: How India’s biggest indirect tax reform changed its economy and its way of doing business
India's GST Revolution: GST has transformed India's indirect taxation system, eliminating many previous levies to streamline compliance and taxation. Following its introduction in 2017, businesses adjusted to new frameworks and updated regulations. Key changes included the phased introduction of e-invoicing and the removal of border checkposts enhancing logistics.
ET Prime Special Series: Multibagger or Bankruptcy? Part 79: 5 years changed the size of this auto supplier. Will it pass the quality test?
The most striking number in this story is not a margin or a market-share target. It is a measure of scale. Revenue in the latest quarter was almost the same as full-year sales in FY21 and higher than the entire FY20 top line. It also argues that its current heavy-vehicle exposure is not under an immediate EV threat. For investors, the story is shifting from whether the company can grow to whether the additional capital can generate better returns.
Tata Motors PV, Maruti Suzuki, Ashok Leyland, auto stocks drop up to 3% as RBI signals rate cuts are ‘off the table’
Auto stocks including Tata Motors PV, Maruti Suzuki, M&M and Ashok Leyland dropped on Wednesday after the RBI raised the repo rate and shifted to calibrated tightening. Analysts expect Q2 revenue growth to remain strong, but rising commodity costs, limited pricing power and elevated inventories could pressure margins and demand.
GST 2.0: From stuck tax credit to fewer disputes, industry chambers list key reform demands
GST 2.0 reforms are being advocated by industry chambers to improve input tax credit and streamline compliance processes. Businesses desire changes that would expedite refunds, broaden ITC eligibility, and reduce litigation issues. A more automated GST system is sought to alleviate working capital constraints and simplify registration and returns for small businesses. Real estate developers also seek clarity on ITC and faster credit releases to enhance project viability.
Diwali gifting gets pricier as pistachio, almond rates surge on US-Iran war, higher freight and weak rupee
Prices for nuts and dry fruits have increased significantly this festive season due to supply issues. Sourcing challenges from key suppliers like Iran and Afghanistan have caused price surges. Additionally, rising freight costs and a weaker rupee have further impacted import charges for these products. Festive demand is expected to maintain upward pressure on prices in the coming weeks.
5 stocks with consistent score improvement and upside potential of up to 32% in 1 year, according to analysts
For the next few weeks, the markets will readjust as business updates, which have started to arrive, and the Q2 earnings numbers roll in. Companies whose earnings are dependent on the monsoon or the festive season or oil will see a reset by analysts. So, will the market be volatile?
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Hidden cost of travel: Visa fees, card markups, optional tours and tips that can add 25-40% to budget; here's how to plan for them
Many travelers fail to account for hidden costs while planning international journeys, often only considering major expenses. These overlooked charges can hike trip costs by 25-40%, creating budget overruns. It's vital to include local transport, dining, and extra fees in your budget to avoid unexpected financial surprises. Employing effective budgeting techniques ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience abroad.
Auto sales surge in September, but GST base clouds the picture. Can stocks rebound ahead of Q2 results?
India’s auto sector delivered a mixed September, with strong passenger- and commercial-vehicle sales offset by weak tractor and domestic two-wheeler demand. Festive buying could support growth, but rural stress, rising input costs and excess dealer inventory pose risks to margins.
Auto makers post strong sales ahead of festive season
In September, automotive sales in India showed remarkable growth due to increased demand following the GST rate cuts. Maruti Suzuki led the market with a notable 37% sales increase, delivering 181,838 units. Other automakers, including Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, also reported substantial growth in passenger vehicle sales. However, challenges such as commodity costs and diesel prices remain areas of concern for the industry.
Ashok Leyland's best year in its history, and what the annual report says about holding on to it
Ashok Leyland sold more commercial vehicles in FY26 than in any year since it was founded, earned its highest-ever profit, and closed with Rs. 5,899 crore of net cash. Where does the company go from here? What strategies will it adopt? A close reading of the 340-page annual report, along with the company's year-end call and the June-quarter filing, provides the answers.
India's commercial vehicle market just had its best year in seven. Then the June quarter arrived, and margins fell
There is, at this point, an apparent contradiction at work in the Indian commercial vehicles space. One: FY 2026 was the best of the last seven years. A tax cut saw prices of trucks drop by about 10%, releasing pent-up replacement demand in a fleet with an average age of about 10 years. Two: Although the sector's second-largest truck maker sold a record number of vehicles in the June quarter, adding 10% to revenue, the benefits did not flow in. Rising material costs swallowed the operating leverage.
New data points to a sharper divide in consumption trends in rural, urban India
Indian households in urban areas are showing a decline in quarterly expenditure while rural spending is increasing. A study indicates urban households’ spending decreased by 4% year-on-year, contrasting with rural households’ 15% growth. Increasing costs are making consumers prioritize essential spending over discretionary purchases, and household perceptions of financial stability have worsened.
Buoyant Q2 demand for consumer goods lifts festive sales outlook
Consumer demand in India saw significant growth during the July-September quarter, particularly in appliances and FMCGs. Sales of air conditioners, refrigerators, and branded apparel experienced double-digit growth closely following the festive season. Price increases partially influenced this growth amidst a low base from last year. Despite higher commodity costs and a weaker rupee, consumer sentiment appears to be positive.
CEA warns of looming oil and rate pressures in India’s H2, sees Q2 growth at 7.3%
Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran noted that the second half of the fiscal year would be challenging. Rising oil prices and increased global growth risks create a tougher economic environment for India. The economy saw a 7.8% GDP growth in the first quarter, backed by strong indicators like GST collections and credit growth. Upcoming data suggested a GDP growth rate of around 7.3% for July and August.
Macquarie sees strong earnings recovery for banks, picks 5 stocks to outperform
Macquarie expects Indian banks to deliver 18% EPS growth in FY28, supported by higher margins, stronger loan demand, easing liquidity pressures and stable asset quality. The brokerage upgraded Bank of Baroda, Kotak Mahindra Bank and select financial stocks.
Crude surged. Why didn’t India’s petrol prices?
As the West Asia conflict drove up oil costs, India kept a much larger rise from reaching the pump. This explainer dives into how protection came from diversified supplies, a tax cut, losses absorbed by fuel retailers and an ethanol programme built before the crisis.
HSBC expects RBI to raise repo rate by 50 bps in FY27 amid strong growth, inflation pressures
India's GDP growth in the second quarter of FY26 surpassed the Reserve Bank of India's forecast of 7 percent. The growth prompted forecasts of gradual rate hikes, with expectations of a 25 basis points increase twice in FY27. Additionally, inflation is projected to hover above 5 percent due to various economic pressures. Rising oil prices are expected to widen the current account deficit to 1.3 percent of GDP in FY27.
Rs 4 lakh crore loss! Why India's storied consumer stocks are languishing near the bottom in 2026
In India, major consumer stocks have suffered a staggering drop, with market values plummeting by nearly Rs 4 lakh crore. Even with an uptick in demand, FMCG firms like ITC and Hindustan Unilever are facing profound losses in market cap this year. Rising input costs, despite signs of consumption recovery, are tightening margins.
India's car sales crank up as GST gains & income twist top price hikes
Car prices have risen about 3% in the past year, but faster growth in household disposable incomes has kept cars affordable after GST 2.0 cuts, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles MD Shailesh Chandra said. Passenger vehicle demand has surged, particularly in the 18% GST category, while Tata Motors expects strong festive-season growth, backed by new products and SUVs.
Copper producers seek GST cut to 5 per cent as record prices lock up cash
Indian copper producers are seeking a GST cut to 5% from 18%, saying record copper prices are increasing working-capital requirements across the supply chain. The proposed tax change could unlock up to $3.6 billion, according to association president Rohit Pathak, as producers and downstream buyers grapple with higher costs and leaner inventories.
S&P Global Ratings raises India FY27 growth aim to 7% from 6.6%, estimates 25 bps RBI rate hike
S&P Global Ratings has upgraded its forecast for India's real GDP growth to 7% for the FY27. Strong industrial activity, healthy consumption, and significant government investment contributed to this optimistic outlook. The Reserve Bank of India is expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points due to rising inflation. Meanwhile, weather-related risks could affect agricultural output in the upcoming months.
ETMarkets Smart Talk| STT, GST, brokerage, UPI charges: Varun Saboo on the hidden cost of frequent trading
In this episode of ETMarkets Smart Talk, Varun Saboo, Head – Equities at Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers, breaks down the hidden cost of frequent trading, explains why the impact differs sharply between long-term investors and active traders, and shares what investors should keep in mind when evaluating returns after transaction costs.
ETMarkets Smart Talk | 2-year bonds attractive, long end risky: Apoorva Javadekar’s fixed-income playbook
While the recent rise in yields may make short-tenor bonds more attractive, the long end remains vulnerable to global rate pressures and domestic fiscal risks. Apoorva Javadekar, Chief Economist at Shriram Group, believes the 2-year segment offers a relatively attractive entry point, while investors should remain cautious on long-duration bonds.
Auto retail sales rise 20% as GST cut boosts affordability
At Maruti Suzuki, passenger vehicle sales grew nearly 36% year-on-year between April and August 2026, with the entry-level segment surging over 96%. Hyundai Motor India echoed the trend.
Rs 2 lakh crore bonanza: GST's one-year old tax gift showing up in cars, TVs and revenues
GST collections show economic activity holding up after the overhaul. Consumers are upgrading to better products and larger screen televisions. Automobile dispatches have remained particularly strong after the tax changes. FMCG companies saw an initial pickup in volumes after the GST changes. Geopolitical events and rising input costs present new challenges.
First-time car buyers make a comeback as lower GST boosts small-vehicle demand
First-time car buyers are returning to India's market, increasing their sales share significantly. Lower taxes have revived demand for entry-level passenger vehicles, boosting overall industry growth. Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors report higher first-time buyer contributions to their sales figures. Entry-level SUV sales also saw substantial year-on-year growth following tax adjustments. This trend indicates a broadening market base and renewed momentum towards mass motorisation.
Effect of GST rate cuts on commodities neutralised by 'galloping' inflation: Congress
Congress has highlighted that the gains from GST rate reductions are being wiped out by escalating inflation. They claim that increasing commodity prices have undermined the advantages of GST reform. The party also points out that GDP may provide a temporary sense of improvement, but it masked pressing issues within growth. Across all income levels, consumption remains lackluster, and real wages have fallen.
GST cuts, lower prices put dishwashers on Indian kitchen maps
Dishwasher sales are rapidly growing in India after recent GST rate reductions. Manufacturers have adapted machines for Indian cooking, boosting consumer interest and demand. Tier II cities are now significant growth engines for this appliance category. This surge follows a period of decline, making dishwashers more accessible. The market penetration remains low, offering substantial future expansion opportunities.
India’s ‘sugar high’ warrants caution on RBI hikes, JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s Jahangir Aziz says
JPMorgan's Jahangir Aziz suggests India's economy is experiencing a temporary "sugar high" from past stimulus. He believes markets are anticipating too many interest rate increases this year. The Reserve Bank is expected to implement an initial quarter-point rate hike soon. However, future rate decisions remain uncertain for policymakers.
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